What Earthworks Audio does

Earthworks Audio (legal entity Earthworks Inc.) is a privately held professional microphone manufacturer founded in 1995 by David Blackmer, the audio engineer who previously founded dbx. The company designs, machines, and assembles its products at a single facility in Milford, New Hampshire, where components are CNC-machined from stainless steel and aluminum bar stock. Its product portfolio spans vocal microphones (SR117, SR314), drum microphones (DM6 kick, DM17 tom/snare, SR20/SR20sp Gen 2 overheads, DK6/DK7 Gen 2 kits), instrument microphones, wireless capsules (SR3117, SR5117) compatible with Shure, Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, Lectrosonics, and Line 6 wireless systems, piano microphones (PM40), streaming/broadcast microphones (ETHOS, ICON, ICON PRO), podium/gooseneck microphones, and measurement microphones (M23R, M30, M50) for acoustic calibration. Core technology centers on a fast transient response design intended to capture complex waveforms without time-domain smearing, grounded in a human-physiology-centered engineering philosophy.

The company sells exclusively via one-time hardware purchases, with prices ranging from $179 (wireless capsule) to $2,999 (PM40 piano system). Distribution combines direct e-commerce through earthworksaudio.com, a dedicated B2B/dealer portal at b2b.earthworksaudio.com, and a global authorized reseller network. Customer segments include professional musicians, drummers, and FOH/monitor engineers; podcasters and content creators; measurement and acoustics professionals (studio designers, PA calibrators at venues such as Boston Calling and Gov Ball NYC supporting 60,000+ attendees); houses of worship; broadcast television and esports (NFL Las Vegas Raiders, PGL eSports); government and institutional buyers (City Channel Pittsburgh); and Broadway theatre (The Lion King). Marketing emphasizes artist and engineer endorsements, an active editorial blog, events/festival presence, social media, and bundled value-adds such as iZotope VEA/RX 10 Elements and Drumeo Edge access.

Earthworks has received the iF Design Award 2023 for the ETHOS microphone. The company is bootstrapped (no disclosed funding rounds), reports a headcount band of 11-50, and operates without disclosed institutional investors or parent company relationships. Recent product activity includes the July 2024 launch of an accessible drum microphone line and the November 2025 refresh of measurement microphones.

Name

Earthworks Audio

Legal name

Earthworks Inc.

Website

https://earthworksaudio.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Earthworks Audio is a privately held pro-audio microphone manufacturer founded in 1995, designing and machining professional microphones in Milford, NH for musicians, broadcasters, content creators, and acoustic measurement professionals worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Audio Microphones

NAICS

Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (33431)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industries

Microphones, Headsets & Audio Input Devices (HDACAFAH), Live Sound & Stage Equipment (PA Systems, Amplification, Monitoring) (MPAIAJAD)

Keywords

• Professional audio microphones
• Condenser microphone design
• Wireless microphone capsules
• Drum microphone kits
• Acoustic measurement microphones

Headquarters

HQ city

Milford

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales (Pro-Audio Microphones): Earthworks Audio generates revenue primarily through the sale of professional microphones and microphone kits. Products range from entry-level to premium, sold as one-time purchases across multiple categories: drum mics, vocal mics, instrument mics, wireless capsules, measurement mics, piano mics, choir/overhead mics, podium mics, and streaming/broadcast mics. No recurring subscription components are associated with the core hardware.
2. Bundled Software / Value-Adds: Earthworks bundles software with hardware products to drive purchase consideration — for example, the ETHOS microphone ships with iZotope VEA and RX 10 Elements (a $128 value). Drum microphones include 3 months of Drumeo Edge access. These are one-time bundled offers, not standalone revenue streams.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Earthworks Audio designs, machines, and assembles professional condenser microphones and wireless capsules covering drum, vocal, instrument, piano, streaming/broadcast, podium, and measurement applications. All products are built in-house in Milford, New Hampshire from machined stainless steel and aluminum, with a core engineering focus on fast transient response and human-physiology-centered frequency design. Products are sold globally through direct e-commerce, a B2B dealer portal, and an authorized reseller network.

Product overview

Earthworks Audio is a professional microphone manufacturer offering a comprehensive portfolio of audio capture products. The company produces vocal microphones (SR117, SR314) for live and studio use, wireless capsule systems (SR3117, SR5117) for upgrading existing wireless setups, and specialized instrument microphones (SR20 Gen 2). Their drum microphone line includes dedicated kick (DM6), tom/snare (DM17), and overhead (SR20sp Gen 2) mics, as well as complete kits (DK6, DK7 Gen 2). For speech and presentation applications, they offer streaming/broadcast microphones (ETHOS, ICON, ICON PRO), podium/gooseneck mics (P30, C30, FM Series), and piano microphones (PM40). The company also provides measurement microphones (M23R, M30, M50) for acoustic tuning and system calibration in recording studios and live venues. All products are designed, machined, and assembled in their Milford, New Hampshire factory.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ETHOS XLR Streaming Microphone XLR streaming/broadcasting microphone featuring stainless steel construction and exceptional audio clarity for professional streamers, podcasters, and broadcasters; ships bundled with iZotope VEA and RX 10 Elements.
• SR117 Supercardioid Live Vocal Microphone Flagship supercardioid live vocal microphone designed for studio, stage, broadcasting, and streaming applications with high realism and dynamic-condenser hybrid design; used by touring artists.
• DK6 6-Piece Drum Microphone Kit 6-piece drum microphone kit including three DM17s, two SR20 Gen 2s, and one DM6 kick drum microphone, with custom SKB hard case for complete drum miking; MAP price $1,499.
• DM17 Tom & Snare Drum Microphone Tom and snare drum microphone with premium on-axis detail and superior off-axis rejection, handles up to 155 dBSPL with a tight cardioid polar pattern; MAP price $199.
• SR20 Gen 2 Instrument Microphone Versatile instrument microphone for guitar cabs, cymbals, percussion, brass, and saxophones in high-volume live and studio environments; handles up to 155 dBSPL; MAP price $349.
• SR20sp Gen 2 Drum Overhead Microphone Pair Stereo pair of drum overhead microphones with a tight cardioid pattern for focused, detailed capture of cymbals and overhead drum sound across all frequencies; MAP price $698 per pair.
• DM6 Kick Drum Microphone Kick drum microphone designed to capture bass drums with a single mic, featuring exceptional low-frequency response and transient detail with supercardioid pattern; handles 150 dB SPL; includes Triad-Orbit M2-R ball mount and carrying bag; priced at $399.
• https://earthworksaudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SR3117-5-Pack-Bundle.jpg Wireless vocal microphone capsule combining condenser-quality sound with dynamic-like safety; compatible with Shure ULX-D, QLX-D, SLX-D, Axient; Audio-Technica 3000/5000/6000 Series; Lectrosonics HH/HHa; Line 6 V75/V55; priced at $179.
• https://earthworksaudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SR5117-5-Pack-Bundle.jpg Wireless vocal microphone capsule designed for Sennheiser wireless systems (Digital 9000, Digital 6000, 2000 Series, EW-D, EW G4 500/300/100 Series), offering condenser-quality sound with dynamic-like safety and pattern control.
• https://earthworksaudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/piano-mics-pm40.png Specialized piano microphone system designed for capturing piano performances with high fidelity and accurate sound reproduction; used by Olivia Rodrigo on Saturday Night Live; priced at $2,999.
• https://earthworksaudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/icon_usb_microphone.png USB (ICON) and XLR (ICON PRO) streaming microphones for podcasting and content creation, featuring wide pickup pattern and detailed audio capture; ICON PRO priced at $499.
• https://earthworksaudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/M23R-23Kkz-Reference-Microphone.png 23kHz measurement microphone for audio measurement and reference applications in professional audio environments; priced at $599.
• https://earthworksaudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/M30-30Kkz-Measurement-Microphone.png 30kHz measurement microphone used for acoustic tuning, room analysis, and PA system calibration in professional audio and music festival applications (e.g., Boston Calling, Gov Ball NYC).
• https://earthworksaudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/M50-50Kkz-Measurement-Microphone.png 50kHz high-frequency measurement microphone for precision acoustic measurement and system tuning applications; priced at $1,299.
• M23 G2 & M30 G2 Measurement Microphones (Next Generation) Next-generation 23kHz and 30kHz measurement microphones announced in November 2025 with lower sensitivity and current consumption targeted at modern measurement applications.
• P30 / C30 / FM Series Gooseneck Podium Microphones Gooseneck podium microphones for speech, government meetings, and presentations, featuring flexible FlexMic technology and extended pickup patterns; deployed by City Channel Pittsburgh (City of Pittsburgh) for government meeting broadcast.

Quantifiable outcome

• DM6 outperformed 6 industry-standard kick drum microphones in independent testing
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers20 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• PGL eSportscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 September 2021Earthworks Audio partnered with PGL eSports, a leading independent esports entertainment company, to provide microphones for esports productions. This partnership aims to deliver authentic, life-like audio to esports fans, bringing professional broadcast quality to competitive gaming events.
• iZotopeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEarthworks bundles iZotope's VEA (AI-powered audio enhancement) and RX 10 Elements (audio repair) with every ETHOS microphone purchase, a $128 value. This software bundle is available through 2024. The partnership enhances the ETHOS value proposition for content creators and podcasters.
• DrumeominorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvery Earthworks drum microphone purchase includes 3 months of free access to Drumeo Edge (an online drum education platform with 2M+ YouTube subscribers and ~500M views). This bundle targets aspiring and practicing drummers as customers.
• ShurecoreTechnology or IntegrationEarthworks SR3117 and SR117 wireless capsules are compatible with Shure wireless systems including ULX-D, QLX-D, SLX-D, and Axient handheld transmitters. Earthworks wireless capsules function as drop-in replacements that upgrade the audio quality of existing Shure wireless handheld systems.
• Audio-TechnicacoreTechnology or IntegrationEarthworks wireless capsules (SR3117) are compatible with Audio-Technica wireless systems including the 3000, 5000, and 6000 Series. This compatibility allows AT users to upgrade their capsule while retaining their existing transmitter/receiver infrastructure.
• Sennheiser (EPOS)coreTechnology or IntegrationThe Earthworks SR5117 wireless capsule is designed for Sennheiser wireless systems including Digital 9000, Digital 6000, 2000 Series, EW-D, and EW G4. Sennheiser users can swap to an Earthworks capsule for immediate audio quality improvement.
• iHeartRadio / iHeartMediaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBryan Olinger, producer behind iHeartRadio's regular livestream concert series (featuring Alicia Keys, Coldplay, Jason Aldean, The Black Keys), is featured in Earthworks content and uses Earthworks microphones for professional production work.
• Backing TrackminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBacking Track, a royalty-free rock and metal music platform, is featured in Earthworks content. Will Burley's company used Earthworks microphones (ICON PRO, ETHOS) and was featured on the Earthworks blog as part of a content collaboration targeting content creators.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Shure Incorporated: Shure is the dominant US-based professional microphone and wireless systems manufacturer. Earthworks' SR3117 wireless capsule is explicitly designed as a drop-in upgrade for Shure ULX-D/QLX-D/SLX-D/Axient systems, making Shure the most direct comparable peer.
• Blue Microphones (Logitech-owned): Blue is a premium consumer/prosumer USB and XLR microphone brand now under Logitech. Earthworks' ETHOS and ICON PRO compete directly with Blue Yeti and Snowball families for the streaming, podcasting and content creation segments.
• DPA Microphones: DPA is a Danish manufacturer of high-end professional condenser microphones widely used in broadcast, live and theater. Earthworks and DPA compete head-to-head for premium live sound, choir/overhead and broadcast microphone deployments.
• Audio-Technica Corporation: Audio-Technica is a major Japanese pro audio brand with broad microphone, headphone and wireless portfolios. Earthworks' SR3117 capsule supports AT 3000/5000/6000 Series wireless systems, making AT a directly comparable competitor in studio, live and broadcast microphones.
• Sennheiser electronic SE & Co. KG: Sennheiser is a leading global manufacturer of pro microphones, wireless systems and headphones. Earthworks' SR5117 wireless capsule is engineered specifically for Sennheiser Digital 9000/6000/2000/EW-D/EW G4 systems, putting the two firms in direct competition for live vocal applications.
• Electro-Voice (Bosch Communications): Electro-Voice is a long-established US pro audio brand focused on microphones and PA systems. Earthworks competes with EV in live sound and broadcast vocal microphone deployments, particularly for FOH and touring engineers.
• beyerdynamic GmbH & Co. KG: beyerdynamic is a German premium audio manufacturer of microphones and headphones with a strong live touring heritage. Earthworks competes with beyerdynamic in pro vocal, drum and instrument microphone applications as well as measurement/reference categories.
• Neumann (Sennheiser subsidiary): Neumann is the premium studio microphone brand under Sennheiser, widely used in professional recording. Earthworks competes with Neumann for premium studio and measurement microphone share, particularly for vocal and acoustic measurement applications.
• AKG (Harman International): AKG is a Harman-owned pro audio brand with deep penetration in studio, broadcast and live microphones. Earthworks competes with AKG across drum, vocal and instrument microphone categories, particularly in studio and live sound markets.
• RØDE Microphones: RØDE is an Australian pro audio brand with a broad microphone portfolio spanning studio, live, broadcast and creator/streaming segments. Earthworks competes with RØDE across vocal mics, drum mics and the USB/XLR streaming category where Earthworks positions ETHOS and ICON PRO.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/earthworksaudio
• YouTubeyoutube.com/citychannelpittsburgh
• Instagraminstagram.com/earthworksaudio
• Facebookfacebook.com/earthworksaudio

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 Earthworks Audio