News

• [New Product Announcement] The long-awaited “AB/Y BOX” is now available from the PLAYTECH Effects Series!

  

  2026/09/29

  The “AB/Y BOX” is the latest release in PLAYTECH’s ever-expanding effects pedal series!
  
  The “AB/Y BOX” is a selector that allows you to split or combine signals across two separate paths. It offers both “A/B” mode, which lets you select either A or B with a single switch, and “A&B” mode, which sends the signal to both A and B simultaneously. With a little creativity, it can be used in a variety of ways, such as switching between two amplifiers or sending the signal to both at the same time.
  
  Be sure to check out the “AB/Y BOX,” an eagerly awaited addition that opens up new possibilities for sound design!
  
  PLAYTECH / AB/Y BOX

• Round 4 Results Announced! Recording Contest for Junior High and High School Students

  

  2026/09/29

  Sound House has announced the winners of Round 4 of its recording contest for junior high and high school students!
  
  Once again, we received a large number of entries featuring unique and original songs! The selection process was extremely difficult, but the winners of each award have finally been decided!
  
  So, who won the Round 4 “Grand Prix”?
  
  Thank you to all the bands that participated and to their advisors!
  
  [Call for Entries for Round 5]
  
  Entries in any musical genre or format are welcome, including a cappella performances! We look forward to receiving your entries and hope the contest will help you create lasting memories with friends from your club, society, or band!
  
  [Entry Details]
  
  Eligible entries must be recorded using equipment loaned by Sound House.
  
  [Submission and Results Schedule]
  
  Submission period: Year-round
  Results announced: September for entries received between March and August, and March for entries received between September and February of the following year.
  
  For more information about the contest, please visit:
  Recording Contest for Junior High and High School Students

• PLAYTECH Gaming Chairs PGC40BK and PGC40GY: Now Available at Special Outlet Prices!

  

  2026/09/29

  The “NOT BAD” cymbal series was developed in collaboration with Masuo Arimatsu and Masato Murakami, two leading drummers and drum technicians who support Japan’s band scene. Working together as DRUMMERS TOP TEAM, they participated in every stage of the process, from planning and development to sound testing.
  The series delivers reliable performance in a band setting while remaining affordably priced. Each cymbal has been carefully crafted to strike the ideal balance between sound quality and affordability.
  The series is scheduled for release in December 2026. Be sure to check it out!
  
  ■ 16-inch Crash Cymbal
  ■ 18-inch Crash Cymbal
  ■ 14-inch Hi-Hat Cymbal (Top)
  ■ 14-inch Hi-Hat Cymbal (Bottom)
  ■ Ride Cymbal
  ■ Clap Stack Cymbal

• PLAYTECH Gaming Chairs PGC40BK and PGC40GY: Now Available at Special Outlet Prices!

  

  2026/09/29

  We are currently offering the PLAYTECH PGC40BK and PGC40GY gaming chairs at special outlet prices, while supplies last.
  The PGC40 series is a premium offering in PLAYTECH's lineup of affordable yet high-quality gaming chairs. In addition to their sophisticated, understated design, these chairs offer features such as 180-degree reclining and height-adjustable armrests. The black model has polyester upholstery, while the gray model has cotton upholstery, giving each model its own distinctive feel.
  This offer ends when supplies run out. Don't miss your chance to take advantage of this great deal!
  
  - PLAYTECH / PGC40BK - Outlet Item
  - PLAYTECH / PGC40GY - Outlet Item

• [Up to 15% Back] Get a 10% Bonus Points Coupon on Recommended Power Amplifiers!

  

  2026/09/28

  Save on power amplifiers essential for live events, venues, stores, and installed sound systems!
  For a limited time, we're offering a 10% Bonus Points Coupon on select recommended power amplifiers. Combined with regular points, you can earn up to 15% back in points!
  Whether you're setting up a new PA system, replacing your current amplifier, or upgrading your sound system, now is a great time to shop.
  Don't miss this opportunity to check out our recommended power amplifiers!
  
  Coupon Code: [392792]
  View eligible products here
  Valid through October 15, 2026

• [New Arrival] Positive Grid's New Spark PEDAL Is Now in Stock!

  

  2026/09/28

  Positive Grid's first multi-effects pedal, the Spark PEDAL, which has been generating a lot of buzz since its announcement, is now in stock!
  The Spark PEDAL features the same high-quality HD Tone Engine found in the critically acclaimed Spark 2 amp. You can now enjoy the familiar Spark sound in a pedal format. It is also compatible with the free Spark app, allowing you to take full advantage of cutting-edge features such as Spark AI, ToneCloud, and Auto Chords. With ToneCloud, you can easily access ready-to-use tones wherever you go.
  This highly anticipated multi-effects pedal packs cutting-edge tones and a wide range of features into one compact unit. Be sure to check out the Spark PEDAL!
  
  Positive Grid / Spark PEDAL

• [New Product] Now Available: OPTIMA "Gold Brokat Gold Rosin" for Violin!

  

  2026/09/26

  OPTIMA has introduced "Gold Brokat Gold Rosin," a violin rosin infused with gold!
  Developed specifically to complement Goldbrokat violin strings, this rosin provides excellent grip and control, supporting smooth bowing, clear articulation, and precise response.
  It also helps produce a warm, brilliant tone with excellent projection. Its low-dust formula minimizes the amount of rosin dust produced during performance, making it cleaner and easier to use.
  We recommend this rosin both for musicians who use Goldbrokat strings and for anyone seeking an excellent balance of playability and sound quality. Be sure to give it a try!
  
  OPTIMA / Gold Brokat Gold Rosin

• [New Product] PIRASTRO Insula Violin Strings Now Available!

  

  2026/09/26

  PIRASTRO, a German string manufacturer with a long history, has introduced a new line of violin strings called Insula!
  Insula strings feature a proprietary high-performance synthetic core engineered to replicate the molecular flexibility of natural gut. They offer a warm, deep tone and rich overtones reminiscent of gut strings while delivering the power and stability associated with modern synthetic strings.
  The strings also provide a precise, direct response and react quickly to bow movements. They require minimal break-in time after installation and are resistant to environmental changes such as fluctuations in temperature and humidity, allowing them to maintain stable tuning.
  Combining rich resonance with excellent playability, these violin strings perform beautifully in a wide range of settings, from orchestral and chamber music to solo performances. Be sure to experience the new sound of PIRASTRO!
  
  PIRASTRO Insula Violin Strings

• Staff Blog: "Enjoying Dolby Atmos at the Movies" Is Now Live!

  

  2026/09/26

  Dolby Atmos and IMAX are two names you often hear in connection with movie theaters. In this article, drawing on firsthand experiences of watching music films in Dolby Atmos-equipped theaters, we explore differences in sound immersion and localization, as well as the differences between Dolby Atmos and IMAX.
  We also examine whether a similar immersive audio experience can be recreated at home and introduce a selection of Dolby Atmos-compatible soundbars.
  If you are interested in movie theater sound or home theater systems, be sure to check out the article!
  
  Staff Blog: "Enjoying Dolby Atmos at the Movies"

• New from WARM AUDIO: JUDE-MP and JUDE-MP2 Now in Stock!

  

  2026/09/26

  WARM AUDIO’s new microphone preamps, the JUDE-MP (1 channel) and JUDE-MP2 (2 channels), have arrived!
  Featuring proprietary dual-discrete 3035 Class-A amplifiers, Geoff Frost’s Z-Match impedance circuit, and custom CineMag input and output transformers, these preamps faithfully recreate the mic preamps of the Sound Techniques A-Range console, which helped shape many celebrated recordings in London during the 1960s and ’70s.The nine-position Z-Match control lets you tailor the gain, response, and tonal character to your microphone. Each model also offers up to 76 dB of gain, 48V phantom power, polarity reversal, and line-level input support.Combining vintage design with modern ease of use, the JUDE-MP and JUDE-MP2 are ideal for adding depth, punch, and presence to vocal, guitar, and piano recordings.
  
  WARM AUDIO「JUDE-MP」
  WARM AUDIO「JUDE-MP2」