RTW

What RTW does

RTW GmbH & Co. KG, founded in 1965 and headquartered in Cologne, Germany, designs and manufactures professional audio metering and monitoring hardware and software. Its primary customer base is broadcast radio and television operators, post-production studios, and quality control departments that require objective loudness measurement compliant with EBU R128, ATSC A/85, ITU-R BS.1770-4/1771-1, and other international delivery standards, alongside immersive audio monitoring and Audio over IP (AoIP) integration.

RTW's core technology is concentrated in three hardware platforms—TouchMonitor (TM3 Smart, TM5, TM7/TM9), TouchControl 5 (a meter-plus-monitor controller), and the TMxCore standalone metering engine—plus a Masterclass PlugIns software suite (Loudness Tools, Mastering Tools, CLC Continuous Loudness Control) and Loudness Quality Logger (LQL). Underlying technology combines multi-channel up to 22.2 immersive metering, dialog-gated loudness measurement aligned with Netflix delivery standards, an AI-powered Speech Intelligibility Meter co-developed with Fraunhofer IDMT, and native support for Dante, RAVENNA/AES67/ST 2110, and STAGETEC Stagenet AoIP networks. The most recent flagship, TMxCore, is also the company's first OEM-embedded product, integrated into Calrec's ARGO mixing console.

The business model is a combination of perpetual hardware sales (ASP range approximately EUR 1,799 to EUR 8,990) and add-on software/network-display licenses (EUR 495 to EUR 995). RTW abandoned per-feature licensing on TouchControl 5 in June 2024 in favor of all-features-unlocked pricing. The company is privately held with no disclosed venture or private-equity funding and 1–50 employees depending on source. Go-to-market is channel-led globally through three appointed regional distributors—Beetech (Japan), Clear Cut Inc. (Latin America), and SSL Asia (Indonesia and the Philippines)—with direct sales limited to Germany and a complementary OEM channel via Calrec. Industry trade shows (IBC Amsterdam, NAB Las Vegas) anchor product launches and distributor engagement, and participation in the EBU P/Loud standards group functions as ongoing regulatory and reputational leverage.

Name

RTW

Legal name

RTW GmbH & Co. KG

Website

https://rtw.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1965

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Audio Metering and Loudness Monitoring

NAICS

Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (33431), Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (3343), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519), Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (33429)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Communications Equipment, Nec (3669), Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600)

akta.pro primary industry

Pro Audio Equipment (Mics, Interfaces, Mixers, Studio Monitors) (MPAIAJAB)

Keywords

• Professional audio metering
• Broadcast audio monitoring
• Loudness measurement
• Audio over IP
• Immersive audio monitoring

Headquarters

HQ city

Cologne

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Hardware Audio Meters: Sale of professional audio metering hardware including TouchMonitor 5, TouchControl 5, TMxCore, and TouchMonitor TM7/TM9 series. Products available in Dante and RAVENNA/AES67/ST 2110 versions for Audio over IP integration.
2. Software Licenses: Additional feature licenses for hardware products including Loudness & SPL, Bass Management & ImmersivePlus, Surround & Immersive Instruments, and Speech Intelligibility Instruments. License-based approach was initially used but abandoned for TouchControl 5 in favor of all-features-unlocked model.
3. Network Display Licenses: License upgrades for Network Display feature on TouchControl 5 and TouchMonitor 5 enabling remote browser-based metering viewing.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

RTW designs and manufactures professional audio metering, loudness measurement, and audio monitoring solutions for broadcasters, post-production houses, music mastering studios, OB vans, live production crews, and OEM equipment makers. The portfolio spans standalone multi-channel touch-screen hardware meters, OEM-ready meter modules, DAW-based loudness and mastering plug-ins, remote networked display software, and associated software licenses for loudness, bass management, surround/immersive monitoring, and speech intelligibility.

Product overview

RTW offers a comprehensive portfolio of professional audio metering and monitoring solutions organized into three tiers: Premium (flagship TouchMonitor TM7/TM9 and SurroundControl products for high-end broadcast and post-production), Core (TouchMonitor 5, TouchControl 5, and TMxCore for modern AoIP workflows), and Smart/Software (compact TM3 meters and Masterclass PlugIns series including Loudness Tools, Mastering Tools, and CLC for Continuous Loudness Control). The product line supports Dante and RAVENNA/AES67/ST2110 audio-over-IP networks and features AI-powered speech intelligibility analysis capabilities. Licenses for Surround & Immersive formats and Speech Intelligibility are available for TMxCore, while TouchControl 5 and TouchMonitor 5 support Network Display licensing for remote browser-based monitoring.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• RTW Audio: Primary brand name for professional audio metering and monitoring solutions including TouchMonitor, TouchControl, and TMxCore product lines.

Products and services

• TMxCore Embedded OEM multi-channel audio meter and monitor platform that lets broadcast console, playout, and workflow equipment manufacturers integrate RTW's standards-based loudness and immersive metering technology into their own branded products. Targeted at pro audio/broadcast equipment manufacturers and integrators.
• TouchControl 5 5-inch multi-touch multi-channel audio meter that delivers standards-based loudness measurement, bass management, surround/immersive monitoring, speech intelligibility, and network display capabilities in a compact form factor. Targeted at broadcast, post-production, mastering, and live production professionals.
• TouchMonitor 5 Flagship multi-touch multi-channel audio meter that consolidates RTW's TouchMonitor and TouchControl meter hardware lines with the same software/license ecosystem for broadcast, post-production, mastering, and live production environments.
• TouchMonitor TM7 7-inch multi-touch multi-channel audio meter and analyzer offering EBU R128/ATSC A/85 loudness compliance, immersive audio monitoring, and customizable on-screen meter layouts. Targeted at broadcasters, post-production studios, mastering engineers, and live production crews.
• TouchMonitor TM9 9-inch multi-touch multi-channel audio meter and analyzer with full immersive audio monitoring (up to 9.1.6 and Dolby Atmos), comprehensive loudness, true-peak, surround, and speech-intelligibility analysis, plus customizable on-screen meter layouts. Targeted at flagship broadcast, post-production, and mastering facilities requiring maximum channel count and screen real estate.
• TouchMonitor TM3 Smart Compact multi-touch multi-channel audio meter providing level, loudness, and surround metering in an OB-van-friendly, space-efficient form factor. Targeted at outside broadcast vans, radio studios, smaller post-production rooms, and live event applications.
• Loudness Quality Logger (LQL) Windows-based loudness measurement logging and visualization application that captures, records, and exports compliance data from RTW TouchMonitor and TouchControl meters for QC, compliance, and documentation purposes. Targeted at broadcast operations, post-production facilities, and mastering engineers needing documentary evidence of loudness compliance.
• RTW Everywhere Remote networked display software that lets engineers and operators view the real-time meter display from a connected RTW TouchMonitor or TouchControl unit on any networked computer. Targeted at broadcast workflows, OB productions, and post-production environments where not every operator position has a dedicated physical meter.
• RTW Loudness Tools (Masterclass PlugIns) DAW plug-in (VST/AU) suite that delivers real-time loudness measurement, visualization, and standards-compliant analysis directly inside the digital audio workstation, matching RTW's hardware loudness measurement accuracy. Targeted at music mastering, post-production, and broadcast production engineers working inside their DAWs.
• RTW Mastering Tools (Masterclass PlugIns) DAW plug-in (VST/AU) suite that brings RTW-style spectrum analysis, correlation, and metering visualization into the mastering and post-production workflow inside the digital audio workstation. Targeted at mastering engineers, post-production mixers, and broadcast production engineers working inside their DAWs.
• Continuous Loudness Control (CLC) Masterclass PlugIn DAW plug-in (VST/AU) that delivers continuous real-time loudness correction and adjustment inside the digital audio workstation while preserving spectral and dynamic integrity. Targeted at production and mastering engineers who need on-the-fly loudness correction alongside RTW measurement plug-ins.
• SurroundControl High-end 7.1 surround/immersive audio meter, analyzer, and controller with extensive visualization and routing controls for demanding multi-channel post-production and music mastering facilities. Targeted at professional post-production and music mastering studios with 7.1 and immersive audio monitoring requirements.

Quantifiable outcome

• Supports audio delivery to hundreds of millions of listeners daily
• +1 more outcomes

Segments6 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

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, regional and minor.

• CalreccoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 12 September 2025Calrec has become the first OEM partner to integrate TMxCore into its acclaimed ARGO audio mixing console. By embedding TMxCore directly into ARGO, Calrec provides its users with RTW's advanced loudness and metering technology as a seamless part of the workflow. This integration underscores the flexibility of TMxCore as a screenless, future-ready metering engine designed to fit into leading broadcast and production environments.
• Fraunhofer IDMTcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 September 2025Speech Intelligibility Meter developed in close cooperation with Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology (IDMT) in Oldenburg. The meter uses objective, AI-based speech intelligibility measurement delivering an easy-to-interpret analysis of how clearly spoken content is perceived. Fraunhofer IDMT developed the underlying AI technology using machine learning methods that analyze audio signals in real-time based on human speech perception processing mechanisms.
• STAGETECcoreTechnology or Integration · 12 September 2024RTW has joined STAGETEC's Stagenet partner community, enabling seamless signal transmission to RTW metering units without complex pre-configuration. Stagenet's use of standardized interfaces and protocols allows automated device discovery and configuration, eliminating the need for network expertise. This integration enhances Stagenet's capabilities while extending RTW's reach in AoIP workflows.
• SSL Asia (Indonesia, Philippines)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 15 August 2023SSL Asia appointed as RTW's distributor in Indonesia and The Philippines, effective July 1, 2023. SSL Asia's General Manager Malcolm Chan noted they already knew RTW products in detail from previous installations, making distribution a seamless process for their pro audio and broadcast network.
• Clear Cut Inc. (Latin America)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 5 July 2023RTW Audio partnered with Clear Cut Inc. as the exclusive distributor for Latin America, effective July 1, 2023. Clear Cut, an acknowledged distributor of high-quality audio brands (KOSS, Lewitt, Beyerdynamic, Countryman, Schoeps, Cranborne Audio), will cover markets including Mexico, Central America, South America, Caribbean, and Puerto Rico.
• Beetech (Japan)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 20 June 2023Beetech appointed as RTW's new distributor in Japan, effective July 1, 2023. The partnership aims to expand market reach in broadcast, post-production, quality control and other professional audio segments. Beetech's CEO Takayuki Ozaki stated that RTW products are essential tools for broadcast and sound-related markets, with plans to greatly enhance sales activities and after-sales service.
• SITA Consortium (Fraunhofer IDMT, ebee Engineering)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 March 2021SITA (Speech Intelligibility Transformation & Autocorrection) was a BMBF-funded joint research project led by RTW, Fraunhofer IDMT (Oldenburg), and ebee Engineering GmbH Dresden (formerly TechniSat Dresden GmbH). The project developed technology for objective measurement of speech intelligibility and its automatic improvement for broadcast and end listeners. Technologies developed enable radio/TV stations to provide better listening experience.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Linear Acoustic (Telos Alliance): Linear Acoustic is the closest direct peer to RTW in broadcast audio loudness measurement and processing, offering LA-5269 and other loudness meters used by major U.S. broadcasters. Both companies serve identical compliance-driven workflows (CALM Act, EBU R128) and compete on the same procurement specifications.
• Junger Audio: Junger Audio is a German pro-audio manufacturer specializing in loudness control, audio processing, and metering for broadcast — directly competing with RTW in the European broadcast and post-production market. Both companies offer hardware loudness processors with EBU R128/ATSC A/85 compliance.
• TSL Products: TSL Products manufactures the PAM (Precision Audio Monitoring) range of broadcast audio monitors with loudness metering and AoIP support (Dante, AES67/ST 2110). They directly compete with RTW's TouchMonitor line for in-rack broadcast monitoring positions.
• Wohler Technologies: Wohler is a long-established broadcast audio/video monitoring manufacturer offering in-rack monitors with loudness measurement and AoIP support. They compete with RTW in the broadcast facility monitoring segment, particularly in the U.S. market.
• Dorrough Electronics: Dorrough is a heritage U.S. audio meter manufacturer known for its ballistics-style loudness meters used in broadcast and mastering. They compete with RTW in the traditional loudness display segment, especially in radio and music production facilities.
• Nugen Audio: Nugen Audio is a UK-based software company specializing in loudness metering plug-ins (VisLM-H, LM-Correct) and audio analysis tools. They compete with RTW's Masterclass PlugIns (Loudness Tools, Mastering Tools) on the software side and increasingly with lower-cost alternatives to RTW's hardware.
• TC Electronic (Music Tribe): TC Electronic manufactures broadcast and mastering loudness processors/meters (e.g., DBMax, Clarity M) with EBU/ITU compliance. They compete with RTW in music mastering and broadcast loudness processing segments under the Music Tribe/Behringer umbrella.

Broad incumbents

• Dolby Laboratories (Professional Division): Dolby offers integrated loudness measurement and Dolby Atmos production tools that increasingly bundle metering functionality into broader immersive audio workflows. As a much larger incumbent, Dolby competes with RTW in the post-production suite and defines standards (Atmos) that RTW must support.

Others

• Calrec Audio: Calrec is a leading broadcast audio console manufacturer and RTW's first OEM partner (embedding TMxCore into ARGO). They are simultaneously a partner and an adjacent player whose consoles increasingly incorporate metering that competes with standalone units in greenfield installs.

Emerging players

• Meridian Audio / Merging Technologies: Merging (part of Meridian) builds high-end DAW/Pyramix systems with RAVENNA-native AoIP and integrated metering for immersive audio post-production. They compete with RTW in premium immersive audio monitoring workflows and share the RAVENNA ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AudioRtw
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/RTWKoeln
• Facebookfacebook.com/rtwaudio
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rtw-audio

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 RTW