News

• Phase 3 results announced! Recording contest for junior and senior high school students

  

  2026/03/25

  Sound House has announced the winners of the third round of entries for its recording contest for junior high and high school students!
  
  This year, we saw a notable number of middle school students participating. We were treated to many wonderful original songs that truly showcased each band’s unique personality. The judging process was extremely difficult, but… the winning bands for each award have finally been decided!
  
  And the winner of the third-term “Grand Prix” is...?
  Phase 3 results announced! Recording contest for junior and senior high school students
  
  Thank you to all the bands who participated, and to their advisors!
  
  《Call for Entries for the 4th Term》
  Any musical genre or composition is welcome, even a cappella! We are looking forward to your enthusiastic participation to create memories with your friends in your club, society, or band!
  
  = Entry details =
  Works recorded using equipment loaned by Sound House.
  
  = Eligible period =
  Entry period: All year round
  Announcement of results: September (for entries received between March and August), March (for entries received between September and February of the following year).
  
  For more information about the contest, please visit
  Recording contest for junior and senior high school students
  

• D’Addario XS Series Now Available for Bass

  

  2026/03/25

  D’Addario’s popular coated string line, the XS series, is now available for bass.
  
  XS Nickel Bass strings combine nickel-plated steel wrap wire with an ultra-thin coating to deliver a smooth feel and outstanding durability. They offer extended string life while maintaining a punchy, well-balanced tone. With a re-engineered core-to-wrap ratio, these strings retain a natural feel while enhancing harmonic richness and overall expression.
  
  Additionally, the use of NY High Carbon Steel cores ensures excellent tuning stability and increased break strength, making them reliable for everyday performance.
  
  Experience the innovative technology behind D’Addario’s XS bass strings—check them out today.
  
  DADDARIO / XS Series for Bass

• FOCUS WASH 400 Now on Special Offer!

  

  2026/03/25

  The AMERICAN DJ “FOCUS WASH 400” is now available at a limited-time special price! This powerful moving wash fixture features a 400W RGBACL LED (Red, Green, Blue, Amber, Cyan, Lime). With a motorized zoom range of 10° to 41°, it offers full flexibility—from tight beams to wide washes. It also allows smooth color temperature adjustment from 2,700K to 10,000K for precise color control. Equipped with both 3-pin and 5-pin DMX compatibility, it can be easily integrated into existing systems. Take your event production to the next level—don’t miss this opportunity!
  
  AMERICAN DJ / FOCUS WASH 400

• Limited Edition Color Guitar Amplifiers from BLACKSTAR!

  

  2026/03/25

  Limited edition colors are now available for the "FLY 3" and "HT-5R MKIII" mini guitar amplifiers from the guitar amplifier brand Blackstar!
  
  The "FLY 3" now comes in a sophisticated monochrome color, while the "HT-5R MKIII" is available in a refreshing baby blue color.
  The FLY 3 is an innovative and cutting-edge 3-watt mini amplifier featuring two channels, tape delay, and Blackstar's proprietary patented Infinite Shape Feature (ISF). It's an ideal guitar amplifier that's compact and highly portable, producing a powerful and rich tone even at the lowest volume despite its small size.
  
  The HT-5R MKIII is a model that blends the traditional feel of a vacuum tube with modern features. Featuring a sophisticated high-voltage design with ECC83 preamp tubes and a 12BH7 push-pull power amplifier, this amplifier delivers a wide range of tones from clean to high-gain. Equipped with IR-based CabRig DSP, it supports direct recording to DAWs and silent operation via XLR, line, and USB-C outputs. It also boasts highly practical features such as power reduction down to 0.5W.
  
  Be sure to check it out!
  
  ■ BLACKSTAR / FLY3 MONOCHROME Limited Color
  ■ BLACKSTAR / HT-5R MKIII BABY BLUE Limited Color

• Win the perfect DR strings for you! The “DR String Diagnosis & Share Campaign” is now underway!

  

  2026/03/25

  “DR” is a handmade string brand that enjoys the unwavering trust of players worldwide, both professional and amateur. We are launching a Social Media campaign featuring the DR String Diagnosis tool, which helps you find the perfect model for you. During the campaign period, simply answer a few questions and share your matching results on X (formerly Twitter). We will hold a drawing to give away the strings from the series you posted to 10 lucky winners!
  
  How to Enter
  
  Go to the DR String Diagnosis Flow
  Answer the questions to find the strings that are best for you.
  Click the share icon on the results screen and post your entry with the hashtag “#DRStringDiagnosis” within the campaign period to complete your entry!
  
  Prize
  One set of DR guitar strings (for 6-string guitars) or bass strings (for 4-string basses) that match your diagnostic results
  *Please note that you cannot specify the gauge.
  *Prizes will be shipped after the campaign ends.
  
  Campaign Period
  Wednesday, March 25, 2026 – Wednesday, April 15, 2026

• LED Spotlight EK PRO "EFRESNEL WW150" – Limited Quantity Special Price!

  

  2026/03/25

  The EK PRO "EFRESNEL WW150" is now available at a special discounted price for a limited number of units. Equipped with a 70W warm white LED and a 150mm Fresnel lens, the beam angle can be adjusted from 15 to 52 degrees via manual zoom. With its warm 3000K tone and silent operation, this spotlight is ideal for theater and studio applications. Don’t miss this opportunity!
  
  EK PRO / EFRESNEL WW150

• Soundmakerデスク&防湿庫取り扱い開始！

  

  2026/03/25

  「創造力を引き出す、理想の編曲空間を。」をコンセプトに、プロ仕様のスタジオデスクやギターの保管に便利な防湿庫を展開するSoundmaker（サウンドメーカー）商品の取り扱いを開始しました。
  クリエイターが自宅で快適かつ効率的に音楽制作に集中できるよう、人間工学に基づく設計と現代的なデザインを融合した空間を提供します。国内使用にも適した140cm幅からお選びいただけるDTMデスク「PFシリーズ」は、斜め向きにラックマウントが行えるため、簡単に手を伸ばして機材を調節することが可能です。180cm幅以上のモデルでは、88鍵MIDIキーボードも収納でき、ご自宅だけでなくスタジオへの導入にも最適です。オプションの側板を購入することで、さまざまなお部屋環境に応じたカラーで導入することができます。
  
  防湿庫である「MMFシリーズ」は、パネル操作により簡単に除湿／加湿を行うことができるだけでなく、冷色／暖色のLEDライトを搭載し、お部屋のインテリアや気分に合わせて楽器をディスプレイすることも可能です。操作パネルは、設定変更だけでなく庫内の湿度と温度を即座に確認するためにも使用できます。ギターだけでなく、ベースやサックスなどの保管にも使用できる高さ114cmモデルを展開。ご自身の楽器を安全かつスタイリッシュに保管することが可能です。
  
  ぜひこの機会にご検討ください。
  
  ■ Soundmaker 一覧

• A limited-edition fade color for the PEARL “CRYSTAL BEAT” drum set is coming in 2026!

  

  2026/03/25

  PEARL’s popular “CRYSTAL BEAT” acrylic drum series is getting a limited-edition 2026 color to commemorate the company’s 80th anniversary!
  The “Blue/Clear” and “Blue/Purple” models feature a vivid fade finish that showcases the translucent beauty of the acrylic shell. The stunning gradient, which shifts in appearance as it catches the light, creates a striking presence on stage.
  Since its debut in 1973, CRYSTAL BEAT has established itself as a one-of-a-kind brand, renowned for its exceptional sound projection and power unique to its seamless acrylic shell, as well as its striking visual impact. This commemorative model adds a special touch to its brilliance. As this is a limited-edition special edition, don’t miss out on this opportunity.
  
  Release Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
  
  PEARL / CRB524P/C #734
  PEARL / CRB524P/C #780

• Record with Crystal-Clear Sound! Introducing the Best Gear for Home Recording: “Koeteku 2026” / Contest entries now being accepted

  

  2026/03/24

  “Koeteku,” a contest spotlighting “voices” hosted by Sound House, is currently accepting entries!
  
  This time, we’re pleased to announce two special judges: JIMBO BONJI, who is active in a wide range of fields, including TV program narration and serving as the MC for “K-1 Grand Prix” and “THE MANZAI,” and Shinya Koeda, a narrator and sound mixer. What’s more, this year’s challenge is a special edition created by these two judges!
  
  ＼A must-see for anyone who wants to make high-quality recordings at home!／
  
  Shinya Koeda, a professional audio engineer with extensive experience in producing voice samples, shares his insights on the best equipment for home recording and how to avoid common pitfalls when purchasing gear. Check out his video for expert advice and take your recordings to the next level with superior sound quality! Visit the “Koeteku 2026” special page to learn more!
  
  Entry Period: Thursday, March 12 to Sunday, April 12
  
  Please check the “Koetech 2026” special page for details on the challenge and how to enter.
  Click here for the special site

• PLAYTECH Short-Scale Bass “PB045” 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 Now Available!

  

  2026/03/24

  PLAYTECH has released a starter set for beginners for the “PB045” short-scale electric bass, which has been gaining attention in recent years as a 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧’𝐬 bass and an easy-to-use practice instrument.
  This model features a 30-inch scale, which is approximately 10 cm shorter than a standard long-scale bass. It is characterized by a size that is easy to handle, making it ideal for those with smaller hands or those just starting to play an instrument.
  The set is well-equipped, including the “PB045” bass itself—featuring a poplar wood body and 𝐚 𝐬𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐭-𝐜𝐨𝐢𝐥 𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐮𝐩—along with the “PBJ10,” a compact 10W amplifier. Additionally, it comes with a high-precision clip-on tuner (“ECLIPSE TUNER”), a guitar stand (“GS1”), a nylon strap, a 3m shielded cable, and a soft case.
  This is an excellent-value starter set that lets you start playing bass 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬.
  Be sure to check it out.
  
  PLAYTECH / ベース初心者セット ショートスケールタイプ