NAB Show 2026: new broadcast microphones and wireless updates

The NAB Show 2026 in Las Vegas brought a range of new microphones and updates to existing systems for broadcast use. A review of the show floor published on April 27, 2026, grouped the news around pro audio, spectrum changes and audio captured on the field of play.

New microphones

Audio-Technica introduced two mid-side stereo broadcast microphones, the BP350ST-UB universal model and the BP350ST-UL camera-mount model, for broadcast, production and field recording, including high-SPL sources. It also showed the compact ATV-SG1 and ATV-SG1LE shotgun mics for DSLR, mirrorless and other cameras.

Shure presented the DCA901 multi-lobe digital microphone array for capturing on-field sound. The NBA already uses it, and it is being adopted by MLB and other sports. Senior product specialist Mike Petrocelli said the new SLXD Plus keeps the SLXD architecture but adds features from the higher-end Axient line: interference mitigation, automatic channel changes, remote control of the transmitter from the receiver and faster frequency coordination.

Spectrum and company moves

Sennheiser focused on Spectera as a 1.4 GHz alternative to the crowded UHF TV band and released firmware v1.3.0 at the show. Joe Ciaudelli, director of spectrum and innovation, said Spectera has been used at the Super Bowl, the World Series, the Kentucky Derby, national elections and the Academy Awards. The company is also moving its North American operations from Old Lyme, Connecticut, to about 5,000 square feet of office and service space at Rock Nashville. Technical applications engineer Chris Phillips named supply chain pressure as a top concern and said the Nashville move is about logistics and being closer to broadcast and music hubs.

DPA regional sales manager Nick Mariano commented on the brand's acquisition by Audiotonix, which also owns Wisycom and Calrec. He said Audiotonix lets each brand keep its own product lines and focus on what it does best.

Athlete audio

Canadian company Q5X, known for the NBA-approved PlayerMic, previewed Incognito, a two-piece wireless transmitter whose interchangeable battery modules give it different functions, so one core transmitter can replace several. CEO Paul Johnson said the company expects much of its growth outside the U.S., but noted that athlete audio at the Olympics often needs approval from each international sports federation separately.