Focusrite launches new commercial audio brand

Music and audio technology company Focusrite announced the launch of a new brand ‘Optimal Audio’ on Tuesday, to operate in the commercial audio market.

The AIM-traded firm said commercial audio included professionally-installed sound systems in public enterprises including bars, hotels and retail spaces.

It said Optimal Audio would offer control, amplification and loudspeaker products for small to medium-sized commercial installations, with a focus on supporting multi-zone venues.

Focusrite now consisted of seven brands across three business units, with the first unit including Focusrite, Focusrite Pro, Novation, and Ampify as the Focusrite Audio Engineering division.

The other units were ADAM Audio and Martin Audio, and from a reporting perspective, Optimal Audio would be included under the Martin Audio brand.

“Optimal Audio has been in development for three years,” said chief executive officer Tim Carroll.

“We have conducted extensive research and development across product and software to simplify the world of commercial audio.

“Alongside its own dedicated staff, a number of colleagues from across the group - most notably from within Martin Audio - have helped to bring Optimal Audio to fruition.”

Carroll said that in the long term, the company’s ambition was for the brand to have its own dedicated team.

“We firmly believe that Optimal Audio's offering not only combines ease of product selection, installation, and use but in many cases offers a feature set normally associated with premium-priced offerings, making it commercially attractive.

“This competitiveness, alongside the size of the addressable market, excites us and bodes well for future growth prospects.”

At 0947 BST, shares in Focusrite were up 1.36% at 1,115p.