Gear I’m Looking Forward to Trying in 2026

Every new year brings a wave of new gear, firmware updates, and creative possibilities. 2025 was a big one for music tech, and I’ve already got my eye on a few things I want to dig into next year.

Let’s talk about what’s at the top of my 2026 wishlist.

MPC Live 3

The MPC Live 3 is at the top of my list to check out this year. The updates Akai has made to the MPC line lately have been impressive, combining deep sampling and sequencing with a more performance-focused design... and even STEM SPLITTING. I’ve never used the MPC workflow before, and while it seems a little screen dependent for the more complex functions, it’s almost DAW-like workflow seems incredibly powerful once you get into the rhythm of it.

I’m especially curious how the Live 3 balances standalone power with portability. It looks like an all-in-one solution for producing, performing, and finishing tracks without needing to boot up a DAW.

For anyone who’s been deep in the SP404 or Tracker workflows, this could be the next evolution, something that bridges that creative immediacy with a more polished production pipeline.

SP404 MK2 Firmware Update 6 (or... a MK 3?)

It’s wild to think how much the SP404 MK2 has evolved since launch. Roland has been on a roll with updates, adding features users never expected when the sampler dropped back in 2021.

We’ve seen workflow improvements, performance updates, and effects refinements through five major firmware releases. So naturally, I’m wondering if Update 6 could be on the horizon for 2026.

Could we see new live performance tools, deeper sequencing options, or even full multi-track export? I wouldn’t be surprised. And if not an update... maybe even a MK 3 reveal.

Roland has shown that they listen closely to feedback from their community, so whatever’s next for the SP line is going to be exciting.

Check out the MK2 here: https://amzn.to/3SrqlqC

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What piece of gear are you most looking forward to trying in 2026?

Are you hoping for new hardware, firmware updates to your favorite sampler, or maybe just planning to get more out of what you already own?

Drop your thoughts below, I’d love to hear what’s on your radar.

Check out my brutally honest thoughts on all the gear I tried in 2025 here: