D&B Audiotechnik

What D&B Audiotechnik does

d&b audiotechnik GmbH & Co. KG is a German professional audio company founded in 1981 and headquartered in Backnang, Germany. The company designs, manufactures, and sells sound reinforcement systems spanning loudspeaker line arrays (SL-, A-, Y-, V-, T-Series), point source and column loudspeakers (E-, xC-, CL-Series), stage monitors, system amplifiers (D20, 30D, 40D, 80D), and an integrated software stack (ArrayCalc simulation, R1 remote control, NoizCalc outdoor propagation, En-Bridge, Create.Control). The flagship d&b Soundscape platform enables object-based spatial audio and immersive sound experiences across venue sizes.

The company serves touring and festival productions, theaters and concert halls, sports venues and stadiums, houses of worship, corporate events, themed entertainment, and hospitality clients, with named deployments including Foo Fighters, Parliament-Funkadelic, Elbow, and the Folkoperan Stockholm. d&b also offers EN 54 certified life-safety systems, a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program (up to 80% CO2 reduction vs new), Finance-Series financing, and a "Sound as a Service" recurring model. Go-to-market is sales-led through 14 wholly-owned subsidiaries across the Americas, EMEA, and Asia Pacific, supplemented by a certified global partner network providing consultation, system design, on-site support, and education. Revenue mechanics combine hardware sales, software licensing, professional services (training, support, repair), and emerging recurring models; pricing is not publicly disclosed and the company is privately held.

Name

D&B Audiotechnik

Legal name

d&b audiotechnik GmbH & Co. KG

Website

https://dbaudio.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

d&b audiotechnik is a German professional audio manufacturer (founded 1981) selling loudspeaker systems, amplifiers, and the Soundscape immersive-audio platform to touring, theater, sports-venue, worship, and corporate clients worldwide via 14 subsidiaries and a global partner network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Audio Equipment

NAICS

Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (33431)

SIC

Radio & Tv Broadcasting & Communications Equipment (3663)

akta.pro primary industry

Live Sound & Stage Equipment (PA Systems, Amplification, Monitoring) (MPAIAJAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Audio/Sound Reinforcement (PA) (MPAGAKAC), Pro Audio Equipment (Mics, Interfaces, Mixers, Studio Monitors) (MPAIAJAB)

Keywords

• Professional loudspeaker systems
• Sound reinforcement solutions
• Immersive audio platform
• Live event audio equipment
• Audio system amplifiers

Headquarters

HQ city

Backnang

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices14 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Professional Audio Hardware: Sale of loudspeakers, line arrays, point source speakers, subwoofers, column loudspeakers, stage monitors, and system amplifiers. Products sold through global partner network and subsidiaries.
2. Software Licenses and Subscriptions: Software products including ArrayCalc, R1 Remote control, NoizCalc, En-Bridge, and Create.Control with associated End User License Agreements.
3. Education and Training Services: Workshops, seminars, webinars, and e-learning programs on d&b products and electroacoustics. Workshops are free; seminars may have attendance fees.
4. Service and Support: Technical support, repair services, consultant support, and spare parts through global service partners and subsidiaries.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

d&b audiotechnik manufactures and sells professional audio loudspeaker systems, line arrays, column loudspeakers, subwoofers, stage monitors, and system amplifiers, complemented by an integrated software ecosystem (ArrayCalc, R1, NoizCalc, En-Bridge, Create.Control) and the Soundscape immersive audio platform. The company also provides education, training, service, and support through its global subsidiary and partner network for touring, installation, and fixed-venue applications.

Product overview

d&b audiotechnik is a German professional audio company offering a comprehensive ecosystem of loudspeaker systems, software tools, and immersive audio solutions. The core platform is d&b Soundscape, enabling object-based spatial audio with sound object localization capabilities. The product portfolio spans multiple loudspeaker series (Heritage, A, SL, Y, V, T, E, CL, U, xC, xS, Monitors) for touring and installation applications, complemented by system amplifiers and comprehensive software (ArrayCalc simulation, R1 remote control, NoizCalc outdoor propagation, En-Bridge integration interface, Create.Control mixing interface). Solutions include EN 54 certified emergency systems, Certified Pre-Owned equipment, Finance-Series, Sound as a Service, Custom Solutions, and Signal Distribution/Networking. The My d&b customer portal provides centralized access to services, support, and software. Applications span touring/festivals, theatres, houses of worship, sports venues, corporate events, education, marine, and hospitality sectors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• d&b Soundscape: High-resolution audio platform that scales to any stage, enabling immersive audio experiences.

Products and services

• SL-Series Flagship touring line array series including GSL, KSL, and XSL variants with industry-leading SPL, broadband directivity control, and ArrayProcessing for uniform coverage across large-scale touring and festival deployments.
• A-Series Augmented Array loudspeaker series combining line array performance with improved deployment flexibility for both touring and installation applications; debuted at The Atlantis venue with Foo Fighters and Parliament-Funkadelic on 2024-07-23.
• Y-Series Versatile line array system for medium to large applications combining touring-grade durability with installation-focused features.
• V-Series Line array series designed for large-scale touring and festival applications with high output requirements.
• T-Series Compact line array system suitable for medium-sized venues and corporate applications.
• E-Series Point source loudspeaker series for installations and portable applications with versatile rigging options and consistent tonal character.
• xS-Series Installation-focused loudspeaker series offering versatile mounting options for fixed applications.
• xC-Series Column loudspeaker series for speech reinforcement applications requiring focused vertical coverage and architectural integration.
• CL-Series Column loudspeaker series featuring slim aesthetics for architectural installations requiring visually discreet sound reinforcement.
• U-Series System architecture platform offering flexible configuration options for various installation scenarios; presented as 'System Architecture Freedom'.
• Heritage Loudspeakers Legacy product line including C, B, Ch, Ci, E, F, J, MAX, Q, Qi series loudspeakers and subwoofers, plus D and P series amplifiers, maintained for installed base support with spare parts available for at least 10 years post-discontinuation.
• Monitors Stage monitoring solutions including wedge and in-ear monitor systems for live performance applications.
• Amplifiers System amplifiers providing power, processing, and network connectivity for d&b loudspeaker systems; includes D20, 30D, 40D, and 80D models with OCA/AES70 network control.
• d&b Soundscape High-resolution immersive audio platform enabling sound object localization, allowing audio to appear from specific locations rather than from loudspeakers; scales from system design to performance for venues of all sizes. Includes DS110 Soundscape processing engine as the processing core.
• ArrayCalc Simulation software for d&b line arrays, column and point source loudspeakers, and subwoofers; enables acoustic prediction, system design, and ArrayProcessing configuration.
• R1 Remote control software Remote control software for operating d&b systems via the d&b Remote network based on OCA via Ethernet and CAN-Bus, enabling system monitoring and configuration.
• NoizCalc Software that calculates sound propagation from d&b sound systems at outdoor events using ISO 9613-2 and Nord 2000 standards, supporting environmental impact prediction.
• En-Bridge Streamlined interface for connecting third-party tools to Soundscape applications, expanding creative potential for audio integration.
• Create.Control Intuitive mixing interface for Soundscape workflows, enabling mix engineers to work with sound objects without requiring system technician expertise.
• My d&b Customer portal providing access to nearest sales and service partners, Soundscape Experience Centers, software downloads, event registration, and personalized d&b support.
• EN 54 Solutions Fire detection and emergency sound system solutions meeting EN 54 standards for life safety applications in stadiums, transit, and public venues.
• Certified Pre-Owned Program offering pre-owned d&b equipment with certification, providing cost-effective access to professional audio with up to 80% CO2 reduction versus new systems.
• Finance-Series Financing solutions enabling flexible payment options for d&b system acquisitions, provided through partner financing arrangements.
• Sound as a Service Service model offering d&b audio equipment as a service rather than capital purchase, enabling recurring-revenue access to professional sound systems.
• Custom Solutions Tailored audio system design services for projects with unique requirements beyond standard product offerings.
• Signal Distribution and Networking Audio networking and signal distribution solutions enabling complex system architectures with redundant routing and network control.
• ArrayCalc Viewer App Mobile companion app for viewing ArrayCalc simulation files on iOS and Android devices, enabling on-site reference to system designs.
• d&b Education and Training Workshops, seminars, webinars, and e-learning programs covering d&b products, workflows, and electroacoustics principles; workshops are free and seminars are fee-based, delivered in multiple languages (English, German, Spanish, French, Japanese, Chinese).

Named customers8 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

AI capability3 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AvidcoreTechnology or Integration · 22 July 2024Integration partnership where d&b audio systems pair with Avid digital mixers for live sound reinforcement applications. Elbow's European tour featured d&b audio paired with Avid digital mixers.
• TriTec AVminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerRental and production company that provided d&b XSL debut for Jordan's 80th Independence Day Celebration. Represents a project-based implementation partner relationship.
• Meyer Sound LabsminorOthersBoth d&b and Meyer Sound Labs are identified as major sound-systems suppliers actively marketing or evaluating immersive systems for live sports venues. Market peers in professional audio.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• L-Acoustics: French manufacturer of professional line-array and immersive (L-ISA) sound reinforcement systems, the closest direct competitor to d&b across touring, festivals, and fixed installations.
• Meyer Sound: Berkeley-based pro audio manufacturer of line arrays, point-source loudspeakers, and immersive (Spatial Sound) systems; cited alongside d&b as a major supplier evaluating immersive systems for sports venues.
• Adamson Systems Engineering: Canadian manufacturer of touring and install line-array systems (E-, S-, T-Series) and immersive (En-Bridge-compatible) audio, with overlapping customer base in live touring and houses of worship.
• Martin Audio: UK-based manufacturer of MLA line arrays, TORO systems, and CDD install speakers for touring and fixed install; competes with d&b in festivals, theaters, and permanent venues.
• EAW (Eastern Acoustic Works): North American pro audio brand (now part of RCF Group) producing ADAPTive and Anya line-array systems for touring and install markets overlapping with d&b's segments.
• QSC: US-based manufacturer of pro audio loudspeakers (K.2, L-Class line arrays), amplifiers, and DSP/control platforms; overlaps with d&b in install and mid-tier touring markets.

Broad incumbents

• JBL Professional (Harman International): Broad incumbent in concert touring and installed-sound loudspeakers (VTX, VerTec, line arrays) as part of Harman's large professional audio portfolio, competing across price tiers.
• Bose Professional: Broad incumbent offering line arrays, install speakers, and portable systems (ShowMatch, RoomMatch) targeting many of the same venues and touring clients as d&b.
• RCF Group: Italian pro audio group owning RCF and EAW, competing with d&b across touring line arrays and fixed installation loudspeakers globally.

Others

• DiGiCo: Adjacent ecosystem player manufacturing digital mixing consoles widely used alongside d&b systems in touring; relevant for Soundscape workflow integration and competitive console partnerships.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/dbaudiotechnik
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/dbaudiotechnik
• Facebookfacebook.com/dbaudiotechnikgmbh
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dbaudiotechnik
• Instagraminstagram.com/dbaudiotechnik

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about D&B Audiotechnik