MUSIC PRODUCT OF THE YEAR 2026/2027: JBL BANDBOX

Elektronikkbransjen magazine, in collaboration with retail experts, has named the product of the year in 16 categories, and JBL Bandbox was named «Music product of the year 2026/2027».

This is the 23rd consecutive year that the trade magazine has organised the awards, which also include the Christmas gift of the year. Dedicated expert panels have assessed the products' features, whether they bring something new to the market, and their expected popularity among the Norwegian public. The criteria also require that the products must have gone on sale in Norway after 1 January 2026 and be available in shops in the run-up to Christmas.

The expert panel in this category consists of Dag B. Dippner (ID Musikk), Geir Magnus Evenstad (Evenstad Musikk), Gjermund Stordahl (4Sound Moss), Lars Nilsson (4Sound Norge), Mats A. Haugen (Deluxe Music) and panel chair Stian Sønsteng (Elektronikkbransjen).

JBL BandBox

Solo and Trio are battery-powered practice amplifiers and Bluetooth speakers developed for musicians, with features for practising, jamming and recording. The series offers AI-based real-time separation of vocals and instruments, built-in amplifier models, effects and practice tools such as a tuner and metronome. The largest model has a 4-channel mixer, LCD colour display and 135 watts of power, while the smallest is designed for portable use. Via the app, users can adjust amplifier models, effects and signal paths. The expert panel highlights that the models are surprisingly powerful for their compact size, and that AI vocal separation makes sound search and real-time karaoke functionality accessible to a broad audience. NOK 2,600 and 6,600

Finalists:

Korg Phase8

An acoustic synthesiser developed for sound designers, producers and musicians who want physical interaction with sound. Eight individually tunable metal resonators generate sound through vibrations. They can be plucked, struck and explored directly by hand. The instrument also features a sequencer, modulation, automation and the option of external control. It can be used for experimentation, live performances and creative sound design. In its justification, the expert jury says this is an unusual and original product, where sound can be applied to resonator parts to create unique tones. Price: NOK 9,500

Positive Grid Reactor

A range of intelligent guitar amplifiers available in 50- and 100-watt versions, developed to combine the feel of classic amps with digital tone shaping. Amp Intelligence allows users to create guitar sounds using text, images or audio clips, as well as build virtual amplifiers and adjust sound using natural commands. The range offers up to 24 amplifier models, 27 effects, app control, USB audio interface, MIDI and Bluetooth. According to the expert jury, the ability to describe the desired sound using words, an image or a song makes sound discovery more accessible to inexperienced guitarists, while the range represents a new approach to guitar sound. From NOK 3,800

Soundcraft Signature Plus

A range of analogue mixers where direct access to functions is central, combined with technology from more advanced mixing systems without menus or screen-based operation. Ghost microphone preamps, Sapphyre EQ, dbx compression, Lexicon effects, an integrated 4-channel USB audio interface and flexible routing options. The mixers are available with 12, 16, 22 or 32 inputs and are suitable for rehearsal rooms, live stages, studios and other production environments. According to the expert jury, the range has a very good internal Lexicon reverb, now with the option to save presets, and functionality that makes it suitable for both live recording and studio or podcast use. NOK from 9,200