R2Sonic
R2Sonic, LLC is a privately held Austin, Texas-based manufacturer of wideband multibeam echosounders used for hydrographic surveying, ports, dredging, offshore wind, and underwater research, selling globally via a 40+ country distributor network and serving ports, government hydrographic agencies, survey companies, and research institutions.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2005
- HeadquartersAustin, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What R2Sonic does
R2Sonic, LLC is a privately held Austin, Texas-based designer and manufacturer of wideband multibeam echosounder (MBES) systems used for underwater bathymetric surveying and mapping. Founded in 2005, the company sells a portfolio centered on the Sonic-V Series (Sonic 2020-V, 2022-V, 2024-V, 2026-V) — compact, software-agnostic multibeam sonars with selectable operating frequencies from 170kHz to 450kHz and an Ultra High Resolution mode at 700kHz — complemented by the VOX-IM inertial interface module, the I2NS integrated inertial navigation system, the modernized VOX Control GUI, and a set of remotely upgradeable technical modes (UHD, UHR, TruePix Compressed Water Column, Pipeline Mode, Multispectral Backscatter). The company also sells the Voxometer, a patented MA3 Multi-Aspect Survey System launched in 2024 that it claims reduces survey time by up to 90% versus traditional methods.
R2Sonic generates revenue primarily through hardware sales of multibeam systems, accessories (cables, mounting hardware, adaptors priced $110–$1,180 per item), paid technical mode upgrades, training courses ($750 per 6-delegate online session), and 24/7/365 technical support services under standard 3-year warranties extendable to 6 years. Go-to-market combines direct sales for USA customers from its Austin headquarters with a channel-led model through 40+ authorized distributors covering the Americas, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East, including long-standing core partners such as R2C Pte. Ltd. (Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand), Swathe Services (UK), and Seaprod (Mexico).
Customers span ports and harbors (Port of London Authority), government and hydrographic agencies (Canadian Hydrographic Service, Mexican Navy SEMAR, US National Park Service), enterprise survey and dredging contractors (Van Oord, eTrac, XOCEAN, VRT Finland, Ultrabeam, Precision Hydrographic Services, ECHO81), energy and infrastructure (Itaipu Binacional), and academic and research institutions (University of Otago, Dalhousie University, University of Bremen/MARUM, University of Washington, TU Delft, University of Alberta, Centre de Géomatique du Quebec). The company supports integration with leading third-party hydrographic software ecosystems (HYPACK/HySweep, QPS QINSy, Fledermaus, Applanix POSPac) and deploys on platforms ranging from large surface vessels to small boats, ROVs, AUVs, and USVs.
R2Sonic firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- R2Sonic
- Legal name
- R2Sonic, LLC
- Website
- https://r2sonic.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2005
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- R2Sonic, LLC is a privately held Austin, Texas-based manufacturer of wideband multibeam echosounders used for hydrographic surveying, ports, dredging, offshore wind, and underwater research, selling globally via a 40+ country distributor network and serving ports, government hydrographic agencies, survey companies, and research institutions.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
R2Sonic industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Multibeam Sonar Systems
- NAICS
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services (54136)
- SIC
- Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Sonar, Undersea Sensors & Acoustic Detection Systems (IMABAGAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Nautical Safety, Navigation Aids & Hydrographic Services (TLAHAFAE), Underwater Inspection, Maintenance & Repair (UWILD, Diving/ROV, In-water Cleaning) (IMAJAFAJ), Satellite/Aerial/Remote Sensing MRV (Methane plumes, land-use change) (EUAHADAL), Underwater/Port Infrastructure Security (Dive Teams, Hull & Pier Inspections) (BPAKALAH)
Keywords
Where R2Sonic is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Austin
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
R2Sonic business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Multibeam Echosounder Hardware: Sale of multibeam sonar systems including Sonic 2020-V, Sonic 2022-V, Sonic 2024-V, Sonic 2026-V, and Sonic-V PLUS Series. Products are differentiated by beamwidth, range, and frequency capabilities.
- Voxometer Survey System: Sale of the revolutionary Voxometer MA3 Multi-Aspect Survey System launched in 2024.
- Training Services: Online training courses and customized on-site training services for R2Sonic systems and industry applications.
- Accessories and Consumables: Cables, mounting hardware, clamps, adaptors and other accessories for multibeam systems.
- Technical Support: 24/7/365 technical support services provided by Chief Hydrographic Engineer.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Essential Technical & Operational Multibeam Training |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Cable Adaptor, DB9 to Mini XLR 12v to 5v |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Sonic 2020 Stainless Steel Mounting Stud Set |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Sonic 2024/2022 Receiver/Projector Mounting Hardware Spares Kit |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Sonic 2024/2022 Titanium Mount Stud Kit |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Warranty Extension |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
R2Sonic product offering
Product offeringCore offering
R2Sonic designs and manufactures wideband multibeam echosounder (MBES) systems for underwater bathymetric surveying and seabed mapping. Its product portfolio includes the Sonic-V Series (Sonic 2020-V, 2022-V, 2024-V, 2026-V), the Sonic-V PLUS integrated package, and the Voxometer MA3 Multi-Aspect Survey System, supported by optional software-licensed technical modes (UHD, UHR, Pipeline Mode, TruePix, Multifrequency), the VOX-IM inertial module, and VOX Control software. Customers are hydrographic surveyors, ports, dredging contractors, offshore energy operators, governments, and research institutions that deploy the systems on surface vessels, USVs, AUVs, and ROVs.
Product overview
R2Sonic is a manufacturer of multibeam echosounders (MBES) for hydrographic surveying and underwater mapping. The product portfolio centers on the Sonic-V Series, four multibeam sonar models (Sonic 2020-V, 2022-V, 2024-V, and 2026-V) differentiated by beamwidth and range capabilities, all featuring wideband selectable operating frequencies from 170kHz to 700kHz. The Sonic-V Series and Sonic-V PLUS Series represent the latest generation with compact VOX-IM integration and modern VOX Control interface. The company also offers the Voxometer, a revolutionary MA3 Multi-Aspect Survey System that reduces survey complexity. A range of optional technical modes (UHD, UHR, Pipeline Mode, TruePix, Multispectral) can be added to any multibeam sonar at any time, including remotely. Systems integrate on various platforms including AUVs, ROVs, ASVs/USVs, small vessels, and large surface vessels. The company provides supporting software (Sonic Control/VOX Control GUI), inertial navigation (I2NS), and training services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Sonic-V Series: Broadband multibeam echosounder series including Sonic 2020-V, 2022-V, 2024-V, and 2026-V models.
- Voxometer
Products and services
- Sonic 2026-V Flagship wideband multibeam echosounder with selectable frequencies from 170kHz to 450kHz at 1Hz resolution, plus 700kHz Ultra High Resolution mode. Targets high-end hydrographic survey applications requiring the largest dynamic range for deep and shallow water.
- Sonic 2024-V Mid-range wideband multibeam echosounder with selectable operating frequencies between 170kHz and 450kHz to 1Hz resolution, plus 700kHz Ultra High Resolution capability. Suited for general hydrographic survey work.
- Sonic 2022-V Compact wideband multibeam echosounder with selectable frequencies for versatile survey applications across various water depths. Used for pipeline detection, port surveys, and general hydrography.
- Sonic 2020-V Most compact and lightweight multibeam echosounder in the Sonic series, designed for portability and easy integration on AUVs, USVs, and small vessels.
- Voxometer Revolutionary MA3 Multi-Aspect Survey System that delivers near end-quality data directly from the field, reportedly reducing survey time and complexity by up to 90% compared to traditional methods. Powered by patented technologies.
- Sonic-V PLUS Series Complete multibeam value package bundling embedded INS, VOX-IM, SV Probe, antennas, cables, mounting bracket and VOX Control interface in a single case, offering cost and time savings over separate component purchases.
- Essential Technical & Operational Multibeam Training Online 3-hour training course tailored to R2Sonic multibeam systems, covering basic acoustic theory, system operation, and industry applications, priced at $750 per session for up to 6 delegates.
Quantifiable outcome
- 90% reduction in survey time compared to traditional methods with Voxometer
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use R2Sonic
Customer profileNamed customers18 records
Segments9 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
R2Sonic technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration6 records
AI capability2 records
Feature12 records
R2Sonic partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic and minor.
- R2C Pte. Ltd.coreExclusive distributor for Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand markets, handling sales and support of R2Sonic multibeam echosounders in these regions from their Singapore office.
- Swathe Services (UK)coreAuthorized distributor for United Kingdom, providing local sales and support services for R2Sonic products.
- Seaprod (Mexico)coreAuthorized distributor in Mexico providing sales, training support, and technical services for R2Sonic systems.
- Seaprod (Mexico)coreProvides regular training services for Mexican Navy (SEMAR) on R2Sonic multibeam echosounder operation and capabilities.
- XOCEANstrategicXOCEAN integrates R2Sonic multibeam systems (Sonic 2024, 2026, 2020) into their unmanned surface vessels (USVs) for remote offshore survey operations, enabling over-the-horizon data collection.
- eTracminorSurvey company supplying bathymetric survey talent and post-processing services for the USS Arizona project using R2Sonic Sonic 2020 on USV.
- Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)strategicR2Sonic's 2017 Multispectral Challenge winner, where Timo Gaida developed algorithms for bottom characterization using multi-frequency backscatter data. Awarded a Sonic 2026 system.
- Ocean Observatory Initiative (OOI)strategicOOI's Regional Cabled Array provides power supply and two-way communication to R2Sonic Sonic 2022 deployed on the seafloor for the M3 methane monitoring project.
- National Park ServiceminorCoordinated the USS Arizona and USS Utah survey activities as part of National Historic Landmarks preservation efforts.
- Fabien Cousteau / PROTEUSstrategicR2Sonic is joining forces with Fabien Cousteau in the mapping of the Curacao coast for the PROTEUS underwater habitat project.
Scale indicators1 record
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
R2Sonic competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- NORBIT Subsea: Manufactures compact wideband multibeam echosounders (iWBMSc, iWBMSe) targeting similar survey, dredging, and USV/AUV integration use cases as R2Sonic's Sonic series. Closest direct competitor on compact/portable wideband MBES.
- Sonardyne: Underwater acoustic technology provider with overlapping offerings in subsea positioning, sonar imaging, and survey systems. Competes in adjacent underwater acoustic markets serving offshore energy, defense, and science.
- WASSP Multibeam: Specialist multibeam sonar manufacturer focused on fishing, hydrographic, and survey applications. Competes with R2Sonic in commercial survey and hydrographic segments with similar wideband frequency offerings.
- Kongsberg Discovery: Multibeam echosounder and hydrographic instrument division of Kongsberg. Directly competes with R2Sonic across hydrographic survey, dredging, and offshore mapping, with a broader portfolio (EM series) and deeper naval/government relationships.
- EdgeTech: Manufacturer of sidescan sonars, sub-bottom profilers, and bathymetric systems for hydrographic and offshore survey. Overlaps with R2Sonic in seabed imaging and hydrographic survey customer base.
- iXblue (iXblue Sonar): Sonar and acoustic division of iXblue (now Exail), offering multibeam echosounders and related subsea positioning/acoustic products. Comparable in hydrographic survey and underwater mapping use cases.
- Teledyne Marine (RESON): Teledyne's marine imaging group includes the RESON multibeam echosounder line, which is a primary direct competitor in shallow-to-deep water hydrographic surveying. Teledyne Marine also bundles sidescan sonars and sub-bottom profilers, offering a wider system solution.
Emerging players
- Imagenex Technology: Smaller specialist sonar manufacturer with multibeam and imaging sonar products. Overlaps with R2Sonic in niche multibeam and profiling sonar applications, typically at more compact/portable scales.
Others
- BeamSea (formerly Hugin AUV operator community suppliers): Adjacent AUV/USV survey services and integration partner that consumes multibeam echosounders. Relevant ecosystem peer indicating how R2Sonic's hardware is deployed in autonomous survey workflows.
Broad incumbents
- Furuno: Broad marine electronics incumbent (radar, sonar, navigation, communications). Furuno's multibeam and fish-finding sonars address some overlapping commercial and hydrographic survey customer segments, though its core is general marine electronics.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
R2Sonic social profiles
Digital presenceR2Sonic financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
R2Sonic leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
R2Sonic funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
R2Sonic M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about R2Sonic
What does R2Sonic do?
R2Sonic designs and manufactures wideband multibeam echosounder (MBES) systems for underwater bathymetric surveying and seabed mapping. Its product portfolio includes the Sonic-V Series (Sonic 2020-V, 2022-V, 2024-V, 2026-V), the Sonic-V PLUS integrated package, and the Voxometer MA3 Multi-Aspect Survey System, supported by optional software-licensed technical modes (UHD, UHR, Pipeline Mode, TruePix, Multifrequency), the VOX-IM inertial module, and VOX Control software. Customers are hydrographic surveyors, ports, dredging contractors, offshore energy operators, governments, and research institutions that deploy the systems on surface vessels, USVs, AUVs, and ROVs.
Is R2Sonic a public or private company?
R2Sonic is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was R2Sonic founded?
R2Sonic was founded in 2005. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is R2Sonic based?
R2Sonic is headquartered in Austin, United States, in the North America region.
How does R2Sonic make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Multibeam Echosounder Hardware is the primary driver. The others are voxometer Survey System, training Services, accessories and Consumables and technical Support.
Who are R2Sonic's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are NORBIT Subsea, Sonardyne, WASSP Multibeam, Kongsberg Discovery, EdgeTech, iXblue (iXblue Sonar) and Teledyne Marine (RESON). Imagenex Technology is listed as an emerging player. BeamSea (formerly Hugin AUV operator community suppliers) is listed as an others. Furuno is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does R2Sonic have an API?
No public API is recorded for R2Sonic.
What industry is R2Sonic in?
R2Sonic's product category is Multibeam Sonar Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAGAD, Sonar, Undersea Sensors & Acoustic Detection Systems, with a secondary code of TLAHAFAE, Nautical Safety, Navigation Aids & Hydrographic Services. Its NAICS code is 334511 and its SIC code is 3812.