---
title: Share this blog post on Twitter
description: Early 2027 ticket sales and rising memory chip costs are shaping demand for used line arrays, stages, video processors, amps and consoles.
image: https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/hubfs/blog-images/post_28_gear_demand_2027_preview.webp
---
[Used Gear](https://gearsource.com/blog/tag/used-gear) [Touring](https://gearsource.com/blog/tag/touring) [Pro AV](https://gearsource.com/blog/tag/pro-av) [Live Events Industry](https://gearsource.com/blog/tag/live-events-industry)
# What Is Driving Demand for Used Production Gear?
[Marcel Fairbairn](https://gearsource.com/blog/author/marcel-fairbairn)
[Share this blog post on Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=I+found+this+interesting+blog+post&url=https://gearsource.com/blog/blog/used-production-gear-demand-2026) [Share this blog post on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://gearsource.com/blog/blog/used-production-gear-demand-2026) [Share this blog post on LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://gearsource.com/blog/blog/used-production-gear-demand-2026)
*By Marcel Fairbairn, CEO and founder of GearSource. 24 years buying, selling, and brokering pro-AV gear globally.*
Two things are shaping demand for production gear going into the 2027 season. Next year's concert calendar is already selling ahead of where it was a year ago, and this year's growth has been biggest in stadiums and amphitheaters. At the same time, some new digital gear is getting more expensive as memory chip prices climb. Put those together and used line arrays, staging, video processors, amplifiers and mixing consoles become a practical way for rental companies and production buyers to add capacity before spring.
## What do early 2027 ticket sales say?
The clearest public read comes from [Live Nation's third quarter results](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1335258/000133525826000052/lyv-2026q3xex991er.htm), released November 5. The company said ticketing value for primary tickets sold for 2027 shows was up by double digits compared with the same point last year, driven by double-digit growth in North American primary ticket volume. It also said prepaid advertising for 2027 shows was up by double digits at the end of the quarter.
This year has been strong too. Live Nation reported about 170 million tickets sold for 2026 shows through late October, up 13 percent and already above its full-year 2025 total. It expects fan attendance to approach 180 million for the year. Ticket sales beat prior-year levels every month of 2026 through October, sell-through ran ahead of last year and cancellation rates ran below it.
Where that growth happened matters for gear. In North America, Live Nation said stadiums and amphitheaters drove 90 percent of its third quarter attendance growth, and attendance at third-party stadiums rose more than 40 percent. September was its biggest month ever for amphitheater attendance and number of shows. Large outdoor rooms need large-format PA, delay and fill systems, video, roofs and the power and processing behind them.
A caution on reading this. These are one company's ticketing figures, not production budgets or rental rates. A strong on-sale for a stadium run doesn't tell you how many of those dates carry their own rig or how much work flows to regional vendors. I read it as a signal that the big rooms will be busy in 2027, not as a forecast for any one shop.
## Why is new digital gear costing more?
The second driver is on the supply side. Research firm [TrendForce projected on September 30](https://www.trendforce.com/presscenter/news/20260930-13258.html) that conventional DRAM contract prices would rise 10 to 15 percent from the third to the fourth quarter of 2026, with NAND flash up 15 to 20 percent. It said suppliers keep prioritizing capacity for AI servers and that PC makers expect DRAM supply to stay tight in 2027.
That reaches our industry through the products that carry the most memory and processing. In its [August 4 investor Q&A](https://www.yamaha.com/en/ir/library/presentations/qa-202608/), Yamaha said memory chip prices were rising even more sharply than it had planned, called them the primary driver of its cost increase, and estimated full-year procurement costs could rise by about 10.5 billion yen. It also said a further price adjustment of nearly 2 percent would be necessary.
Yamaha is one maker and its comments cover its whole business, not only pro audio. Still, digital consoles, video switchers and processors, and networked amplifiers all depend on the same parts. When new prices rise and quotes carry shorter validity, a well-kept used unit from a platform that is still supported becomes easier to justify, especially for gear that has to be working by the first spring dates.
## What categories are buyers looking at?
Here is how I read the main categories going into next season:
- Line arrays and pro audio speakers: stadium and amphitheater work calls for full packages with matching subs, fills and rigging, so complete systems are worth more than odd boxes.
- Staging and rigging: mobile stages and roof systems follow the outdoor calendar, and load ratings, inspection records and service history decide whether a unit can go out.
- Video processing: switchers and processors are memory-heavy products, so firmware support and input card options matter as much as the price.
- Amplifiers: networked amplifier platforms are tied to the speaker systems they drive, so buy amps that match the boxes in your fleet.
- Mixing consoles: check the software version, engine and stage rack compatibility, and whether the desk will load the show files your engineers already use.
## What should rental companies do before spring?
Decide now what you need to own for 2027 and what you will sub-rent. If the early ticket numbers hold, the busy stretch will start with spring on-sales turning into summer dates, and gear bought in winter gives your shop time to service, test and case it before it goes out. Waiting until April means competing for the same packages everyone else wants.
Stay inside platforms you already support. A used amplifier that matches your speaker system, or a console that runs the same software as the rest of your fleet, earns its keep faster than a cheaper unit that needs new spares, training and cabling. Ask the seller for serial numbers, software versions, service records and exactly what accessories and cases are included.
Watch your quotes on new electronics too. With makers adjusting prices more than once a year, a quote that holds for 30 days may not hold for 90. Get the validity date in writing, and price a used option alongside the new one so you can compare total cost with lead time, not just the sticker.
## What could change the picture?
None of this is guaranteed. TrendForce noted that the pace of memory price increases is starting to slow, and weak consumer demand could ease pressure on components later in 2027. Ticket sales for the largest tours also say little about clubs, theaters and corporate work. A softer economy, a wave of tour cancellations or a pullback in sponsorship spending would change the math quickly.
If you are planning audio capacity for next season, you can see current used and new speakers, amplifiers and consoles on the [GearSource pro audio category page](https://gearsource.com/category/pro-audio).
## Frequently asked questions
### Are 2027 concert ticket sales really ahead of last year?
Live Nation said in its November 5 third quarter release that primary ticketing value for 2027 shows was up by double digits compared with the same point a year earlier, driven by North American ticket volume. That is one company's ticketing data, so treat it as a signal about large venues rather than a forecast for every production company.
### Why would memory chip prices affect pro audio and video gear?
Digital consoles, video processors, switchers and networked amplifiers use memory and processing chips. TrendForce projected DRAM contract prices would rise 10 to 15 percent in the fourth quarter of 2026, and Yamaha told investors in August that memory chips were the main driver of its rising costs and that more price adjustments were needed.
### Which used gear categories matter most for the 2027 season?
Based on where attendance is growing, the categories to plan for are line arrays and pro audio speakers, staging and rigging such as mobile stages and roof systems, video processing, amplifiers and mixing consoles. Large stadium and amphitheater shows need complete systems, so matched packages tend to be more useful than single units.
### When should a rental company buy gear for next season?
Winter gives the most room. Buying used gear before spring leaves time to service, test and case it before the first dates, and avoids competing for the same packages in April and May. Decide what you need to own and what you will sub-rent, then compare used and new options with real lead times.
### What should I check before buying a used digital console or processor?
Ask for the serial number, software or firmware version, service history and a full list of included cards, stage racks, cases and accessories. Confirm the unit is on a platform the manufacturer still supports and that it will load the show files your engineers use, so it fits your fleet without extra spares or training.
#### Marcel Fairbairn
[Follow me on my website](http://www.GeezersOfGear.com) [Follow me on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/GeezersOfGear) [Follow me on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelfairbairn/) [Follow me on Twitter](https://twitter.com/marcelfairbairn)
Marcel is the Founder and CEO of GearSource. He has been a leader in the Live Events "gear" space for more than 30 years. Marcel is also a Podcaster, with the successful Geezers Of Gear show!
### Leave a Comment
- Shop Gear
- [Lighting](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/category/lighting)
- [Pro Audio](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/category/pro-audio)
- [Video](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/category/video)
- [Staging & Rigging](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/category/staging-and-rigging)
- [SFX](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/category/sfx)
- [Power & Distribution](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/category/power-and-distribution)
- [Cable & Connectors](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/category/cable-and-connectors)
- [Liquidations](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/category/liquidations-and-lot-sales)
- [Misc. Tools & Supplies](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/category/misc-tools-supplies)
- Top Brands
- [MA Lighting](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/brand/ma-lighting/)
- [Robe](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/brand/robe/)
- [Ayrton](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/brand/ayrton/)
- [Yamaha](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/brand/yamaha/)
- [Digico](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/brand/digico/)
- [Christie Digital](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/brand/christie-digital/)
- [Barco](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/brand/barco/)
- [Columbus McKinnon](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/brand/cm-columbus-mckinnon/)
- [L-Acoustics](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/brand/l-acoustics/)
- The Company
- [About Us](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/p/about)
- [Financing](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/blog/p/equipment-financing)
- [Blog](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/blog)
- [Geezers of Gear Podcast](https://geezersofgear.libsyn.com/)
- [Careers](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/p/careers)
- [Contact Us](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/p/contact-us)
- Help & Resources
- [Knowledge Center](https://gearsource.com/knowledge-center)
- [FAQs](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/p/faq)
- [Payments & Security](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/p/payments-and-security)
- [Shipping Guide](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/p/shipping-guide)
- [Return Policy](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/p/claims-policy)
- [Buyer Gearantee](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/p/gearantee)
- [Sitemap](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/sitemap)
- Contact Us
-
- GearSource, LLC
Phone No: [+1-561-296-9555](tel:+15612969555)
Chat via WhatsApp: [+1-561-556-5894](https://wa.me/15615565894)
Email: [Click Here](https://share.hsforms.com/1iTyABN6jS5a91b0uiwCCwQ499um?__hstc=238396767.4d5636b3e2aaefb0b0d34190b3d2b091.1775669967276.1785162812414.1785348143464.84&__hssc=238396767.1.1785348143464&__hsfp=964f9e8d4d1c6855297ed14bd38ad692)
Be the first to know! [SUBSCRIBE](https://share.hsforms.com/1_LIZRD4DR8aYmnBW8L8hBQ499um?__hstc=238396767.4d5636b3e2aaefb0b0d34190b3d2b091.1775669967276.1785162812414.1785348143464.84&__hssc=238396767.1.1785348143464&__hsfp=964f9e8d4d1c6855297ed14bd38ad692)
- Terms
- [Terms & Conditions](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/terms)
- [Privacy Policy](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/privacy)
- © 2026 GearSource, LLC • GearSource.com ©
- Shop Gear
- [Lighting](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/category/lighting)
- [Pro Audio](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/category/pro-audio)
- [Video](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/category/video)
- [Staging & Rigging](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/category/staging-and-rigging)
- [SFX](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/category/sfx)
- [Liquidations](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/category/liquidations-and-lot-sales)
- [Power & Distribution](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/category/power-and-distribution)
- [Cable & Connectors](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/category/cable-and-connectors)
- [Misc. Tools & Supplies](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/category/misc-tools-supplies)
- Top Brands
- [MA Lighting](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/brand/ma-lighting/)
- [Robe](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/brand/robe/)
- [Ayrton](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/brand/ayrton/)
- [Yamaha](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/brand/yamaha/)
- [Digico](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/brand/digico/)
- [Christie Digital](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/brand/christie-digital/)
- [Barco](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/brand/barco/)
- [Columbus McKinnon](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/brand/cm-columbus-mckinnon/)
- [L-Acoustics](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/brand/l-acoustics/)
- The Company
- [About Us](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/p/about)
- [Financing](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/blog/p/equipment-financing)
- [Blog](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/blog)
- [Geezers of Gear Podcast](https://geezersofgear.libsyn.com/)
- [Careers](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/p/careers)
- [Contact Us](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/p/contact-us)
- Help & Resources
- [Knowledge Center](https://gearsource.com/knowledge-center)
- [FAQs](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/p/faq)
- [Payments & Security](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/p/payments-and-security)
- [Shipping Guide](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/p/shipping-guide)
- [Return Policy](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/p/claims-policy)
- [Buyer Gearantee](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/p/gearantee)
- [Sitemap](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/sitemap)
- Contact Us
- GearSource, LLC
Phone No: [+1-561-296-9555](tel:+15612969555)
Chat via WhatsApp: [+1-561-556-5894](https://wa.me/15615565894)
Email: [Click Here](https://share.hsforms.com/1iTyABN6jS5a91b0uiwCCwQ499um?__hstc=238396767.4d5636b3e2aaefb0b0d34190b3d2b091.1775669967276.1785162812414.1785348143464.84&__hssc=238396767.1.1785348143464&__hsfp=964f9e8d4d1c6855297ed14bd38ad692)
Be the first to know! [SUBSCRIBE](https://share.hsforms.com/1_LIZRD4DR8aYmnBW8L8hBQ499um?__hstc=238396767.4d5636b3e2aaefb0b0d34190b3d2b091.1775669967276.1785162812414.1785348143464.84&__hssc=238396767.1.1785348143464&__hsfp=964f9e8d4d1c6855297ed14bd38ad692)
-
Contact Us
GearSource, LLC
Phone No: [+1-561-296-9555](tel:+15612969555)
Chat via WhatsApp: [+1-561-556-5894](https://wa.me/15615565894)
Email: [Click Here](https://share.hsforms.com/1iTyABN6jS5a91b0uiwCCwQ499um?__hstc=238396767.4d5636b3e2aaefb0b0d34190b3d2b091.1775669967276.1785162812414.1785348143464.84&__hssc=238396767.1.1785348143464&__hsfp=964f9e8d4d1c6855297ed14bd38ad692)
Be the first to know! [SUBSCRIBE](https://share.hsforms.com/1_LIZRD4DR8aYmnBW8L8hBQ499um?__hstc=238396767.4d5636b3e2aaefb0b0d34190b3d2b091.1775669967276.1785162812414.1785348143464.84&__hssc=238396767.1.1785348143464&__hsfp=964f9e8d4d1c6855297ed14bd38ad692)
[Terms & Conditions](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/terms)
[Privacy Policy](https://reverse-proxy.gearsource.com/privacy)
© 2026 GearSource, LLC • GearSource.com ©
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "BlogPosting",
"datePublished" : "2026-11-12",
"description" : "Early 2027 ticket sales and rising memory chip costs are shaping demand for used line arrays, stages, video processors, amps and consoles.",
"headline" : "What Is Driving Demand for Used Production Gear?",
"image" : "https://7151134.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/7151134/blog-images/post_28_gear_demand_2027_preview.webp",
"mainEntityOfPage" : {
"@id" : "https://gearsource.com/blog/used-production-gear-demand-2026",
"@type" : "WebPage"
},
"publisher" : {
"@type" : "Organization",
"logo" : {
"@type" : "ImageObject",
"url" : "https://gearsource-blog-static.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/images/logo.jpeg"
},
"name" : "GearSource"
}
}
```
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "Article",
"articleSection" : "Industry General",
"author" : {
"@type" : "Person",
"jobTitle" : "CEO and Founder, GearSource",
"name" : "Marcel Fairbairn"
},
"description" : "Early 2027 ticket sales and rising memory chip costs are shaping demand for used line arrays, stages, video processors, amps and consoles.",
"headline" : "What Is Driving Demand for Used Production Gear Going Into 2027?",
"image" : "https://7151134.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/7151134/blog-images/post_28_gear_demand_2027.webp",
"keywords" : "Live Events Industry, Touring, Used Gear, Pro AV",
"publisher" : {
"@type" : "Organization",
"name" : "GearSource",
"url" : "https://gearsource.com"
}
}
```
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "FAQPage",
"mainEntity" : [ {
"@type" : "Question",
"acceptedAnswer" : {
"@type" : "Answer",
"text" : "Live Nation said in its November 5 third quarter release that primary ticketing value for 2027 shows was up by double digits compared with the same point a year earlier, driven by North American ticket volume. That is one company's ticketing data, so treat it as a signal about large venues rather than a forecast for every production company."
},
"name" : "Are 2027 concert ticket sales really ahead of last year?"
}, {
"@type" : "Question",
"acceptedAnswer" : {
"@type" : "Answer",
"text" : "Digital consoles, video processors, switchers and networked amplifiers use memory and processing chips. TrendForce projected DRAM contract prices would rise 10 to 15 percent in the fourth quarter of 2026, and Yamaha told investors in August that memory chips were the main driver of its rising costs and that more price adjustments were needed."
},
"name" : "Why would memory chip prices affect pro audio and video gear?"
}, {
"@type" : "Question",
"acceptedAnswer" : {
"@type" : "Answer",
"text" : "Based on where attendance is growing, the categories to plan for are line arrays and pro audio speakers, staging and rigging such as mobile stages and roof systems, video processing, amplifiers and mixing consoles. Large stadium and amphitheater shows need complete systems, so matched packages tend to be more useful than single units."
},
"name" : "Which used gear categories matter most for the 2027 season?"
}, {
"@type" : "Question",
"acceptedAnswer" : {
"@type" : "Answer",
"text" : "Winter gives the most room. Buying used gear before spring leaves time to service, test and case it before the first dates, and avoids competing for the same packages in April and May. Decide what you need to own and what you will sub-rent, then compare used and new options with real lead times."
},
"name" : "When should a rental company buy gear for next season?"
}, {
"@type" : "Question",
"acceptedAnswer" : {
"@type" : "Answer",
"text" : "Ask for the serial number, software or firmware version, service history and a full list of included cards, stage racks, cases and accessories. Confirm the unit is on a platform the manufacturer still supports and that it will load the show files your engineers use, so it fits your fleet without extra spares or training."
},
"name" : "What should I check before buying a used digital console or processor?"
} ]
}
```