SIGNALS
Focusrite Acquires Martin Audio
Focusrite plc. has announced the acquisition of LDC-backed Martin
Audio Ltd. and associated companies, the British designer and
manufacturer of loudspeaker systems for the touring and installation
markets. The companies are both headquartered in High Wycombe,
England.
This acquisition comes just a few months after Focusrite’s acquisi-
tion of German studio monitor manufacturer Adam Audio. In addition
to Focusrite and Focusrite Pro, Focusrite plc. also owns the Novation
and Ampify Music brands.
“The acquisition of Martin Audio is a strong demonstration of our
PHIL DUDDERIDGE, DOM HARTER & TIM CARROLL
strategic aim to expand into new markets,” says Focusrite CEO Tim
Carroll. “Martin Audio is also an established brand with solid financials
that instantly add value. More importantly, though, they’re culturally aligned with a clear part to play in our unfolding narrative. The Focusrite
Group is, first and foremost, a professional music technology company, focused on enriching lives through music by removing barriers to
creativity… Martin Audio completes that journey, uniting the audience by creating the ultimate live sound experience.”
Martin Audio will continue to operate from its headquarter offices and factory in High Wycombe under the leadership of Managing
Director Dominic Harter.
For more information, go to www.focusrite.com.
2020
INDUSTRY
OUTLOOK
SURVEY
Professional Sound surveyed audio
professionals across Canada to
gauge the trends they anticipate
for their markets in 2020, and how
their outlooks have changed since
this time last year.
20% of respondents say they
were significantly more profit-
able in 2019 than in 2018, while
30% say they were slightly more
profitable & 15% were equally
profitable
25% expect 2020 to be signifi-
cantly more profitable than 2019
& 30% expect it to be slightly
more profitable…
20% expect 2020 to be either
slightly or significantly less profit-
able than 2019
45% expect their company to
hire more employees in 2020
while 35% don’t expect any
personnel changes
75% are optimistic about the
near future in their segment of
the audio industry, 15% are
unsure, and 10% are pessimistic
SPEAKING OUT
What are your thoughts on what
your segment of the industry has
in store for 2020 when compared
to the last several years? Which
business, economic, and/or
technological trends do you think
will most impact the Canadian
pro audio industry in 2020 and
beyond?
“Economic uncertainty based on
political situations worldwide will
continue to restrain business
developments, but technological
developments will go faster.”
“Increased services due to economic
improvement and business confi-
dence. Business trends in my area
are increasing corporate shows and
events due to the beginning of the
resumption of the economy. Technol-
ogy? Possibly on acoustic software.”
“Thunderbolt 3 products and intelligent
software.”
“The advancement in hardware
controllers of software.”
“More wireless and battery-operated
gear.”
16 PROFESSIONAL SOUND