Last weekend, Saturday 27 June 2026, saw the debut of Sound On Sound's new GearExpo UK event, the largest dedicated pro-audio event to take place in the UK for over 20 years. Over 150 manufacturers took part in the show, demonstrating everything from mics, synths and interfaces through to large-format consoles and high-end monitoring systems — see the website for the complete list.
The University of Westminster’s Harrow Campus served as an ideal location for the show, with exhibitors’ stands occupying a selection of the venue’s large open areas as well as their purpose built studio spaces. Those showing off the likes of synths, consoles and outboard gear were afforded enough space to offer hands-on access to their full product ranges, while companies exhibiting monitors, interfaces, converters and software were able to demonstrate products to full effect in professionally treated spaces.
"The decision to host the show at the university was an excellent one. It attracted a younger generation of visitors, which is a huge advantage for companies like ours. Having exhibitors spread across separate rooms, many of them set up as fully equipped studios with proper acoustic treatment, created a unique atmosphere. It was a real pleasure demonstrating our products in such professional conditions." — Antoni Ożyński, PSPaudioware
The campus’ lecture theatres played host to a packed programme of seven panel talks delivered by industry experts, covering a wide range of topics including the use of AI in music, binaural and spatial audio mixing techniques, home-studio acoustics, field recording and cinematic sound design.
See the GearExpo website for details.
Penny Eau talks to AI expert and audio technologist Natalia Milanesi.
Feedback has been incredibly positive, with both exhibitors and attendees praising the format, layout and overall ‘feel’ of the show. The abundance of space meant that exhibitors were able to offer hands-on access to a huge ranges of products, as well as having the opportunity to offer one-to-one advice and support to those attending their stands. And for those occupying the array of studio spaces, GearExpo UK provided a unique opportunity to demonstrate their kit in a real-life studio environment — something that’s rarely possible at such events.
All in all, GearExpo UK’s debut was an overwhelming success, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back again next year!
