
6 June 2026 at SAE Institute, London, UK
IMSTA FESTA 2026 is almost upon us, with some of the biggest names in pro-audio set to descend upon SAE Institute in London, UK for a day of panel talks, workshops, masterclasses, gear demos and more.
Masterclasses Here's a quick look at the masterclasses that will be taking place at this year's IMSTA FESTA:
12pm: Tom Elmhirst Tom is a celebrated mixer whose discography spans landmark recordings by Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, Travis Scott, Adele, David Bowie and many more. Over the course of his award winning career, he has earned 17 Grammy Awards, solidifying his reputation as one of the most influential sonic architects in modern music.
2pm: Jonny Amos What separates a good song from an award-winning one? In this masterclass, 17-time Grammy winner Jonny Amos breaks down the essential elements that elevate a track from idea to award-worthy record. Explore how powerful songwriting, intentional arrangement, compelling groove and authentic musical storytelling work together to create emotional impact. Learn how structure shapes momentum, how dynamics build tension and release, and how subtle production choices support the song's message.
2pm - 4pm: Mentor's Caf Mentors Caf at IMSTA FESTA is a dedicated space for career and business guidance, designed to support emerging artists and creatives in two key areas: building a sustainable career in the music industry and developing entrepreneurial ideas. Participants can receive focused, practical advice that goes beyond general guidance, with an emphasis on real-world actions. This includes how to build a strong portfolio, which technical and business skills to prioritise, strategies for monetising creative work, evaluating training and opportunities for real value and developing a mindset for long-term success. The format includes one-on-one consultations, with small-group discussions when appropriate, allowing for direct feedback and clear next steps.
3pm: Lance Phillips This master class offers a clear, accessible overview of how copyright functions in the world of music - covering both songs (compositions) and recordings (masters). Participants will learn why these rights exist, what they protect, and how they form the foundation of today's music industry. We'll break down the roles of publishers and record companies, explaining how each entity manages different sets of rights and why creators often partner with them. The session will also introduce how these rights can be licensed or assigned to third parties, including publishers, labels, distributors and other industry stakeholders.
4pm: AI in Music Production Join us for an open forum discussion focused on the evolving role of AI in music production. We will explore how today's tools are shaping the way producers create, mix and innovate, while addressing some of the more challenging questions surrounding their use. From practical AI tools you can use in your workflow, to the reality of ethical AI training, and where music production is heading next, this session is designed to spark conversation and share perspectives. Bring your questions, your ideas, and what's on your mind as we look at the future of music production together.
4pm: The Fanatix In this masterclass, get an inside look at the creative process, hardware, software and plug-ins London-born producers, writers, remixers and DJs Fanatix use to craft music for today's top artists. They will demonstrate the art of arrangement, breaking down the nuances of groove, rhythm and sound selection that define professional-level production. Participants will gain essential ways for identifying the right sounds, understanding when simplicity is key, and recognising what separates polished beats from amateur ones. The session also covers practical tips and techniques for turning strong beats into complete, finished songs. Whether you are an aspiring beat maker or an experienced industry professional, this master class offers an exclusive and practical perspective on the craft.
5pm: Adrian Hall Join Grammy-nominated mix engineer Adrian Hall as he takes you inside one of his standout mixes. Adrian will break down his workflow, techniques and go-to tools, offering practical, actionable insight into how professional records are crafted. Learn from one of the industry's top mixers and discover fresh approaches you can apply immediately to take your own mixes to the next level.
Each masterclass requires a separate registration to secure your place.
Workshops & Classes The event will also include a whole host of free workshops and classes that focus on popular products from a range of pro-audio companies. Running throughout the day, the classes include mixing, beatmaking and recording tips for FL Studio users; EQ and dynamics processing techniques with FabFilter plug-ins; recording and production classes with Universal Audio gear; and a session where DJ Sappo will help attendees create, produce, mix and master an entire track using Cubase 15 and Absolute 7.
You can find out more about the event and register for attendance (and masterclasses) via the link below.
imsta.org/imsta_festa.php
More from SOS
27/07/2026
New app turns vocal percussion into polished loops
Vochlea, the company behind the voice-to-MIDI instrument Dubler 2, have just announced the launch of a ne...
27/07/2026
Latest MPE-capable instrument completes Pure Trilogy line-up
Sonora Cinematic have just released the third and final instalment in their series of acoustic ...
27/07/2026
Emulates four varieties of optical compression
The latest addition to the fedDSP line-up has just been announced, and packs four distinct optical compressor...
27/07/2026
Optical & FET compressors join 500-series line-up
At our recent GearExpo UK show, we heard from Drawmer that they would soon be launching a pair of new 500-...
25/07/2026
New app turns vocal percussion into polished loops
Vochlea, the company behind the voice-to-MIDI instrument Dubler 2, have just announced the launch of a ne...
24/07/2026
First string library captured at Studio Richter Mahr
The latest sample library to be created at Max Richter's Studio Richter Mahr facility captures the ...
24/07/2026
Official emulation of Blackbird Studios reverb chamber
In their latest collaboration with Blackbird Studios, KIT Plugins have captured the sound of the Stud...
23/07/2026
Quickly creates reverse reverb effects
Low End Candy have recently released a new plug-in that offers a quick and simple way to create reverse reverb effect...
23/07/2026
New engines, resonators, effects & more
Expressive E's versatile soft synth has just been treated to an update that greatly expands its sonic range. Noi...
22/07/2026
Library now available in Engine Player
Another of Eduardo Tarilonte's popular sample libraries has just been moved over to Engine Audio's Engine Pla...
22/07/2026
All-in-one mic & DSP interface overhauled
Cloudvocal have just refreshed the design of their all-in-one mic, audio interface and DSP processor, introducing ...
22/07/2026
The final boss of the lost dual-op-amp circuit
Electro-Harmonix have just introduced the Deluxe Big Muff Pi 2, which they say offers their latest take on t...
21/07/2026
High-end analogue channel strip boasts plug-in recall
Originally revealed as a prototype back at NAMM 2024, the Channex Studio channel strip represented a b...
21/07/2026
Relies on same DSP as plug-in range
Musik Hack's line-up has been influenced heavily by founder Stan Greene's work as a mixing engineer, and their M...
21/07/2026
Official collaboration with boutique builder Dirty Boy Pedals
Warm Audio have just announced the launch of a new guitar pedal range created in collaboration...
20/07/2026
Product range now readily available in the UK
Graph Tech Guitar Labs have just announced the launch of a new UK Online Store that makes it quicker and easie...
20/07/2026
Popular headset gains active noise cancellation
The Maxwell headet was Audeze's first foray into the gaming world, and thanks to its Dolby Atmos compati...
19/07/2026
Channel strip plug-in gets upgraded
Acustica Audio's vintage-inspired channel strip plug-in has just been treated to an update that expands its tonal ra...
18/07/2026
Captures nine sought-after Fender amps
IK Multimedia's latest TONEX expansion captures a selection of nine rare Brown Panel' Fender amps that were ...
18/07/2026
Latest batch ships alongside firmware update
Since being unveiled at Superbooth 2025, Frap Tools' debut polysynth has been met with widespread praise, a...
17/07/2026
Full engine access with reduced soundset
Sonuscore have steadily been introducing a selection of reduced-cost and free versions of their flagship products r...
17/07/2026
Two new special-edition models revealed
Over the past week, Arturia have launched special-edition versions of both their premium MIDI controller and stage p...
17/07/2026
Original founder now back at the helm
In a message posted on his personal social media accounts, Dirk Ulrich has announced that both Plugin Alliance and Bra...
16/07/2026
A new benchmark in bass enhancement
Described as a new benchmark in bass enhancement , Baby Audio's latest release has been designed to augment the lo...
16/07/2026
Popular library rebuilt in new Orbita Engine
Other Worlds Evolved is the latest of Zero G's sample libraries to be treated to a ground-up rebuild using ...
16/07/2026
Created in collaboration with A. G. Cook
The newest addition to Native Instruments' software collection introduces a new synth created by A. G. Cook, a ...
15/07/2026
Launched alongside new FreqSoft installer
Designed to bridge the gap between hardware and software, Freqport's FreqInOut FO1 unit provides a simple way ...
15/07/2026
Save up to 55% on software until 23 July 2026
Expressive E have just launched their Summer Offer sale, with discounts of up to 55% now applied across their ...
15/07/2026
Real-time stem-separation tool updated
zplane have recently released a new and improved version of their real-time stem-separation plug-in which they say ma...
15/07/2026
A new benchmark in bass enhancement
Described as a new benchmark in bass enhancement , Baby Audio's latest release has been designed to augment the lo...
14/07/2026
Plug-ins for heavy music
Avalanche Tones is the brainchild of Ava Toton, a 17-year-old musician and developer who says her goal is to make the lives of gui...
14/07/2026
Launched alongside new Singer Showcase purchase model
IK Multimedia's innovative vocal-synthesis software has just gained its latest voice add-on, the R...
14/07/2026
Registration open until 1 September 2026
The MIDI Association have revealed that the registration deadline for this year's MIDI Innovation Awards has no...
14/07/2026
88-note model completes MK4 range
Novation have just introduced the final model in their flagship MIDI controller keyboard range, the Launchkey MK4 88. Roun...
13/07/2026
Adds new intelligent Mix Assistant feature
With their product range now featuring numerous processors across two distinct line-ups, the M-Series and T-Serie...
13/07/2026
Plug-ins for heavy music
Avalanche Tones is the brainchild of Ava Toton, a 17-year-old musician and developer who says her goal is to make the lives of gui...
13/07/2026
Popular sustain effect overhauled
Latvia-based innovators Gamechanger Audio have just launched a new and improved version of their popular sustainer unit. B...
12/07/2026
Offers six-channels and built-in effects
Korg's latest release introduces a new analogue mixer that's been designed to act as a hub for live electro...
11/07/2026
Promises a vividness and depth rarely found in software
Switzerland-based Handcrafted Audio's latest creation is an interesting hybrid instrument that...
10/07/2026
Discounted rates available through 27 August 2026
The Audio Engineering Society (AES) have announced that Early Bird registration is now open for the AES Sh...
10/07/2026
New in-ear monitors to launch in August 2026
Sony have announced the upcoming launch of a new pair of in-ear monitors that promise to deliver a secure, stab...
09/07/2026
Latest analogue-emulation plug-ins revealed
Universal Audio have just added two new analogue-emulation plug-ins to their DSP-powered UAD line-up. Developed ...
09/07/2026
Limited-edition mic celebrates rock icon
Neumann have partnered with the Bon Scott Estate to create a limited-edition version of the U 47 FET that honours b...
09/07/2026
Handles organisation, updates, troubleshooting & more
Created by pro-audio software developer Julian Worden, Plugin Station from Julian Michael Technologies...
09/07/2026
Introduces new $1 million advance programme
LANDR have just announced the next phase of their Fair Trade AI programme, a pioneering opt-in music-licensing p...
09/07/2026
Four new titles now available
Spitfire Audio have just introduced four new titles in their Originals range, bringing the total count of libraries in the low...
08/07/2026
Latest analogue-emulation plug-ins revealed
Universal Audio have just added two new analogue-emulation plug-ins to their DSP-powered UAD line-up. Developed ...
08/07/2026
Turn any audio loop into a playable kit
Pitch Innovations have recently introduced an interesting new tool that's capable of creating playable kits from...
08/07/2026
Adds new keyboard-split function
MonkeyC have recently launched an update that overhauls their powerful software sampler. Described as the sampler that mad...
08/07/2026
Four new delay algorithms & dual-engine functionality
Strymon have just announced that the much-anticipated MX version of their hugely popular delay pedal i...