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Over 40 years of giving audio professionals the creative freedom to get the job done.

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1985

The Focusrite brand was established in 1985 by Rupert Neve, with the creation of a console at the request of George Martin, legendary Beatles producer, to serve high-end professional recording studios. Only eight of these advanced analogue recording consoles were ever made, and the few still in use today remain in high demand.

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Neve in a recording studio in 2009

1989

Ownership changed hands and came under the control of Phil Dudderidge, an industry veteran, and began to widen the range of products available that appealed to professional, commercial, and hobbyist musicians.

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Phil Dudderidge

2004

Focusrite Audio Engineering Limited acquired the Novation Electronic Music Systems Limited business, a market-leading British producer of keyboards, synthesizers and controllers, with products used by musicians globally.

The addition of the Novation brand further expanded the range of products and customers of Focusrite into the electronic dance music segment of the market.

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2009

Novation continued to develop its range of innovative products with the introduction of Launchpad, a midi controller, spawning a range of YouTube videos generating billions of views.

Find Your Sound - Journeys are a series of short films documenting the process of creating original music using sounds we have found across the world with Launchpad.

2012

The world was introduced to Generation 1 of the Scarlett 2i2. A revolution in the at-home recording studio movement, this allowed more users than ever before to access the tools to create professional music at home.

2014

Ampify expands the Group’s electronic music offerings into cross-platform software solutions which allow anyone to experiment with and create high-quality soundtracks, and are bundled with Novation and Focusrite hardware.

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2016

June

Scarlett Gen 2 launched with improved technical specifications and a sleek new design, further embedding Focusrite’s position as market leader.

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2019

July

Launch of Scarlett Gen 3. The third iteration of the world’s leading USB Audio Interface with extended gain and dynamic range, and the ‘Air’ ISA transformer-based preamp emulation from our more expensive Clarett and Red series.

Saw the acquisition of ADAM Audio GmbH, a precision innovator in the field of professional monitoring and loudspeaker technology based in Berlin.

December

Martin Audio Limited, the British, Buckinghamshire-based designer of high-performance loudspeaker systems for the touring and installation markets, joined the Group, expanding the Group’s market to cover live and installed sound reproduction systems.

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2021

April

Focusrite launched Optimal Audio, an initiative from Martin Audio, which aims to make the world of commercial audio installation less complex. Optimal Audio manufactures high-quality loudspeakers, amplifiers, and controllers for commercial audio applications.

Focusrite plc acquired Sequential, the respected American synthesizer manufacturer led by legendary electronic instrument designer and Grammy winner Dave Smith.

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2022

March

Saw the acquisition of Linea Research – manufacturer of high-power amplifiers, Digital Signal Processors, audio networking and software products and a key supplier to Martin Audio. Headquartered in Letchworth Garden City, UK, Linea Research was formed in 2003 by a team of experienced professional audio specialists, which designs, develops, manufactures and markets innovative professional audio equipment globally.

April

Focusrite acquired the rights to the Oberheim brand, the 21st century return of the legendary synthesizer manufacturer and the creator of the world’s first commercially available poly synthesizer.

December

Focusrite acquired Sonnox – creator of innovative, high-quality, award-winning processing software. Based in Oxford, UK, the company’s wide range of audio applications includes mixing for music production, live sound, broadcast, TV and film, and even scientific and forensics projects.

The acquisition brings the total number of Focusrite Group brands to 11.

Our brands
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2023

August

Launch of Scarlett Gen 4: a completely re-engineered range, packed with features that promise to deliver unprecedented ease of use and delivering professional studio level technical specifications.

 

December

Saw the acquisition of OutBoard Electronics, the company behind both TiMax immersive sound solutions and OutBoard stage rigging motor control products and PAT4 enterprise electrical safety testing. Their products are vital for professionals in the audiovisual industry, particularly live performances, event management, and the rapidly expanding sector of immersive sound experiences.

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2024

The acquisition of UK based Innovate Audio, the company behind the popular panLab spatial audio solutions, reinforcing Focusrite Group’s commitment to immersive sound. The panLab solutions will be integrated within TiMax, enabling them to offer the most comprehensive range of immersive sound solutions on the market.

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Focusrite has won many awards in recognition of its achievements