The recently concluded Music China exhibition in Shanghai, which brought together 1,700 vendors and over 114,000 visitors from 121 countries and regions, showcased the latest developments in music technology, with electronic drums emerging as a major highlight.
A standout feature of this year’s show was Music X, a dedicated music technology and audio-visual exhibition. MIDI technology was at the forefront, with the MIDI Association presenting an innovative Music Accessibility demonstration by Tobias Hunke from Abletondrummer.com. Hunke, joined by a colleague from Arcana, showcased the Connect through MIDI application, which allows musicians to play together seamlessly without extensive knowledge of scales or harmonies. Using a DrumBeam as a MIDI source, alongside the Odd Ball MIDI Blaster, a light-sensor controller, the duo demonstrated real-time music creation using Ableton Live as the central hub.
Athan Billias, the association’s executive board member, explains that the MIDI Zone centred on innovations designed to make music accessible to everyone, and the response has been phenomenal. “More importantly, these tools are engineered for inclusivity, enabling individuals with visual impairments or limited mobility to play via touch or even foot movements,” he adds.
Medeli, from Hong Kong, used the event to launch its MZ537 entry-level electronic drum kit, a compact and portable kit featuring technology borrowed from Medeli’s flagship modules. The MZ537 is designed to occupy minimal space, making it ideal for home setups. Alongside it, Medeli showcased the MZ538, a “top-tier” entry-level kit, with features including 12” double-trigger snare drums, a 10” mesh bass drum, and 14” three-zone cymbals with dedicated hi-hats.
Medeli spokesperson Lancy Cheng emphasised the growing popularity of electronic drums among young Chinese musicians, noting that “mid-range models dominate sales, while the high-end segment has become a key battleground for brand tech competition. A defining feature of China’s market is its focus on cost-effectiveness and localised designs, including ethnic sound libraries, Chinese-language interfaces, and customised aesthetics. With the AI era underway, technologies like smart tuning, IoT connectivity, and VR/AR experiences are being integrated, simplifying operations and enhancing user experience globally with tailored sound solutions”.
Donner, based in Guangzhou, presented an expanded range of electronic instruments, including guitars, digital pianos, effects pedals, synthesizers, and MIDI controllers. Among its highlights was the Groove Ultra drum kit, a five-drum, four-cymbal configuration featuring a 12” hi-hat on an independent stand and a triple-zone ride cymbal. The kit’s mesh pads, multi-zone cymbals with choke functions, and integrated E-Rack frame make it easy to assemble, while the module offers 575 sounds, 50 preset kits, 50 demo songs, and 40 free drum lessons via Melodics.
HXW also debuted the Avatar A61 kit, designed to replicate the look, feel, and sound of an acoustic drum kit. It features full-size shells and cymbals, 429 sounds, 30 default drum kits, and 20 user kits, with up to 16-layered samples and Bluetooth audio input for recording and playback.
As it has done for many years at NAMM, Yamaha maintained a prominent presence with an independent pavilion, continuing its focus on electronic instruments and demonstrating its ongoing commitment to the digital percussion market.
This year’s Music China saw the debut of the International Music Expo (IMX) at the show. There, forward-looking technologies were spotlighted through product showcases and discussions delving into emerging fields like AI, Web3 and next-generation copyright frameworks.
While digitalDrummer was unable to attend Music China in person, we remain a media partner of the event and hope to report directly from the show in Shanghai next year.
Music China 2026, organised by Messe Frankfurt, the China Musical Instrument Association and Shanghai Intex Exhibition Co Ltd, will run from 28 to 31 October.
