The Home Studio Report

Coverage date: August 10, 2026

This edition covers new studio monitors, algorithmic reverb, compact sampling hardware, vocal-production tools, compressor software, the 30th anniversary of VST, a major professional-audio acquisition, and current developments in AI-music copyright.

Gear and Product Releases

KRK V Series Five Studio Monitors

KRK has announced the V Series Five, a new professional monitor range consisting of the V4S5, V6S5, and V8S5. The series adds DSP-based room tuning, AES3 digital connectivity, and app-based control to KRK’s established nearfield-monitor design.

The V6S5 is the most practical model for many project studios. It uses a 6.5-inch Kevlar woofer, a 1-inch silk-dome tweeter, Class-D amplification, and a reported frequency range of 40 Hz to 40 kHz. The V8S5 extends the low end to approximately 32 Hz, while the compact V4S5 is intended for smaller rooms and shorter listening distances.

KRK reports 49 boundary-EQ presets, a seven-band parametric EQ, user preset storage, balanced analog input, AES3 input, and AES3 thru connectivity on selected models. Availability is expected to begin in November 2026, with launch pricing positioned above the current ROKIT range.

Read the KRK V Series Five launch coverage or check the V6S5 retailer listing.

Amazon currently lists related KRK ROKIT monitors rather than the new V Series Five models. Use the following listing only as a reference for the available ROKIT Generation Five range.

Check price on Amazon

KRK V Series Five specifications

• Models: V4S5, V6S5, and V8S5.
• Configuration: Active two-way nearfield monitor.
• Woofer: Woven Kevlar.
• Tweeter: 1-inch silk dome.
• Amplification: Class-D.
• DSP: Boundary presets and parametric EQ.
• Connectivity: Balanced analog input and AES3 digital input.
• V6S5 response: Approximately 40 Hz to 40 kHz.
• V8S5 response: Approximately 32 Hz to 40 kHz.
• Availability: Expected from early November 2026.
• Pricing: Approximately $849 per V6S5 monitor in the United States.

Waves Atlas Reverb

Waves has released Atlas Reverb, a fully algorithmic reverb plugin designed for mix-focused depth rather than impulse-response recreation. The release arrived on July 27 and is available in Waves V17.

Atlas includes more than 100 original reverb programs covering halls, rooms, plates, chambers, cathedrals, springs, spatial effects, and DSP-inspired sounds. The interface is intentionally streamlined. Core controls include pre-delay, decay, mix, output, damping, space, ducking, and wet-signal EQ.

The built-in ducker is useful for vocal returns. Set a longer decay, then allow the dry vocal to reduce the reverb while the singer is active. The tail becomes more audible between phrases without obscuring consonants.

Waves lists low latency, low CPU usage, stereo and mid-side operation, and compatibility with major DAWs through supported plugin formats. The introductory price is listed at $99.99, compared with a $149 regular price.

Atlas Reverb specifications

• Type: Fully algorithmic reverb.
• Programs: More than 100.
• Formats: VST3, AU, and AAX Native.
• Waves version: V17.
• Supported systems: Current macOS and Windows systems supported by Waves V17.
• Latency: Listed by Waves as zero samples at supported sample rates.
• Sample rates: 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz, with higher rates supported by most configurations.
• Main controls: Pre-delay, decay, mix, output, damping, space, ducker, and wet EQ.
• Introductory price: $99.99.
• Regular price: $149.

1010music Blackbox 2

The 1010music blackbox 2 is a compact sampler and performance workstation designed for DAWless production, live looping, sample manipulation, and hybrid computer workflows.

The unit includes a high-resolution four-inch color touchscreen, four flexible tracks, step sequencing, piano-roll editing, probability sequencing, live looping, scenes, songs, DJ effects, and internal resampling. New Shredder instruments add granular-style slicing and fragmentation, while Loop, One-Shot, Slicer, Multisample, and External instrument types support broader production workflows.

The hardware includes one stereo input, three stereo outputs, a dedicated headphone output, TRS MIDI input and output, clock input and output, two USB-C ports, and a microSD card slot. The internal battery provides approximately three to four hours of operation, depending on use. The official price is $649.

Blackbox 2 specifications

• Display: Four-inch high-resolution color touchscreen.
• Tracks: Four flexible instrument tracks.
• Instrument types: Shredder, One-Shot, Loop, Slicer, Multisample, and External.
• Audio: One stereo input and three stereo outputs.
• Headphones: Dedicated stereo output.
• Conversion: 24-bit ADC and DAC.
• USB: USB-C host and device ports with multichannel audio and MIDI.
• Storage: microSD card.
• Battery: Approximately three to four hours.
• Dimensions: Approximately 8.75 × 6.5 × 2.5 inches.
• Weight: Approximately 1.35 pounds.
• Price: $649.

Software and Plugin Updates

AM I AUDIO I AM CHOIR

I AM CHOIR converts a monophonic vocal recording into choir-style material while retaining the original lyrics, melody, phrasing, and timing. The plugin includes Gospel Choir, Kids Choir, and Gang Vocals models, along with harmony generation, octave processing, microphone models, low-cut, brightness, and reverb controls.

Processing occurs locally on the computer. Audio is not sent to a cloud service. The plugin is available for macOS 12 and later in VST3, AU, and AAX formats. Windows support remains in development. The introductory price is $169, with the regular price listed at $199.

The ethical-use model is notable. AM I AUDIO states that participating singers consented to the recordings, received compensation, and share in product revenue through royalties.

Raccoon Audio RoboComp

RoboComp is a new stereo color-shaping compressor from Raccoon Audio. The launch offer is $49 through August 31, compared with a regular price of $100.

The available product information positions RoboComp as a utility compressor with a stereo coloration focus. Raccoon Audio supports AUv2 and VST3 formats, with compatibility for macOS High Sierra and later, Intel and Apple Silicon systems, and Windows 7 and later. Lifetime updates are included with the company’s plugins.

RoboComp compatibility details

• Plugin type: Stereo color shaper and compressor.
• macOS formats: AUv2 and VST3.
• Windows format: VST3.
• macOS support: High Sierra and later.
• Processor support: Intel and Apple Silicon.
• Windows support: Windows 7 and later.
• Launch price: $49 through August 31.
• Regular price: $100.
• Updates: Lifetime updates included.

Steinberg Classics Collection

Steinberg is marking 30 years of VST with the free Steinberg Classics Collection. The collection updates five early instruments and effects for current systems:

• Neon virtual-analog synthesizer.
• CS-40 polyphonic synthesizer.
• VB-1 bass instrument.
• LM7 drum sampler.
• Karlette tape delay.

The collection runs as 64-bit VST3 plugins on current macOS and Windows systems. A Steinberg account and Steinberg Download Assistant are required for installation and activation. AU versions are not included, so macOS users must use a VST3-compatible host.

Industry News and Trends

Bose Professional Acquires Fulcrum Acoustic

On August 5, Bose Professional announced its acquisition of Fulcrum Acoustic. Fulcrum will continue operating under its own brand. Products, support, manufacturing, partner relationships, and day-to-day operations are expected to remain unchanged.

Fulcrum designs loudspeakers, amplifiers, and immersive-audio systems in Whitinsville, Massachusetts. Its portfolio serves stadiums, theaters, clubs, performing-arts centers, and houses of worship.

The acquisition expands Bose Professional’s performance-audio portfolio and international distribution. Bose Professional also states that its transition to the 802 LABS brand will begin in February 2027. Fulcrum Acoustic is expected to remain a distinct brand during that transition.

Suno Copyright Ruling and IFPI Chart Rules

On July 31, the Munich Regional Court ruled in favor of German collecting society GEMA in a case involving Suno. The court found that Suno’s unlicensed training use involving six protected works infringed copyright. The decision addresses training, model memorization, and certain outputs.

The ruling is appealable and does not automatically declare every Suno-generated song illegal. Major U.S. litigation involving Suno remains active. The Reuters report provides additional legal context.

IFPI-related chart guidance is also moving toward two requirements: recordings must be substantially human-made, and AI services used in production must be authorized. The practical result is a stronger distinction between AI-assisted production and recordings generated with minimal human creative contribution.

Document the human role in an AI-assisted release. Retain project files, source recordings, edits, lyrics, arrangement decisions, and licensing records.

Product Recommendations

Ultimate Home Recording School

The Ultimate Home Recording School provides eight modules and more than five hours of video training. Topics include equipment selection, acoustics, microphone technique, gain staging, recording, effects, mixing, mastering, and distribution.

The course includes source files for practice, more than $300 in bonuses, lifetime access, and training from David Wills. The current listed price is $197.

Ultimate Music Production School

The Ultimate Music Production School covers arrangement, drums, guitars, keyboards, vocals, DAW workflows, production systems, reference tracks, and complete pop and country production examples.

The course includes 12 modules, more than eight hours of HD video, downloadable source files, producer interviews, and lifetime access. The current listed price is $197.

Premium Masterclasses

Use the Premium Courses collection to select focused training:

• Masterclass-EQ for frequency balance and corrective equalization.
• Masterclass-Compression, Limiters and Gates for dynamics control.
• Masterclass-Mixing for balance, depth, stereo placement, automation, and workflow.
• Masterclass-Killer Vocals for vocal recording and processing.

Quick Hits

• Record at conservative levels. Leave headroom before processing.
• Treat the monitoring position before purchasing larger monitors.
• Use a reference track at matched loudness. Do not compare a louder mix as if it were a better mix.
• High-pass non-bass instruments only when the filter improves clarity.
• Place reverb on an auxiliary return. Filter the return before increasing its level.
• Track vocals with a clear headphone mix. Avoid excessive latency and reverb during recording.
• Save a new session version before major edits.
• Check mono compatibility before finalizing stereo width.
• Print stems before changing plugins or upgrading a session.
• Preserve project files and human contribution records when AI-assisted tools are used.

About David Wills

David Wills is a professional audio engineer and educator with more than 30 years of experience. His work includes sessions connected with Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Chicago, and Earth, Wind & Fire. ProAudioEXP training focuses on practical workflows for musicians, producers, home-recording engineers, and live-sound teams.