DirectOut Technologies
DirectOut GmbH is a German maker of FPGA-based professional audio platforms (PRODIGY, ACE, MAVEN.A) that convert, route, and provide redundant switching across MADI, Dante, RAVENNA, SoundGrid, and Milan for live sound, broadcast, recording, installation, and touring customers worldwide.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2010
- HeadquartersMittweida, Germany
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What DirectOut Technologies does
DirectOut GmbH is a German developer of high-end professional audio interfaces and smart audio platforms headquartered in Mittweida, Germany, with a wholly-owned US subsidiary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The company designs FPGA-based modular hardware platforms — primarily the PRODIGY Series (PRODIGY.MC, PRODIGY.MP, PRODIGY.MX), the portable ACE platform, and MAVEN.A — that perform audio format conversion, signal routing, sample-rate conversion, and redundancy switching across the dominant professional audio network protocols (MADI, Dante, RAVENNA/AES67, SoundGrid, and Milan). DirectOut's stated differentiator is multi-protocol interoperability combined with proprietary reliability features such as EARS (Enhanced Automatic Redundancy Switching), BLDS (Buffer Loop Detection System), MirrorMode, FastSRC, and HD SRC, targeted at mission-critical live, broadcast, and touring applications where signal failure is not acceptable. The product portfolio is complemented by compact EXBOX format converters, legacy ANDIAMO AD/DA units, the globcon browser-based control software, and an AI-based support assistant called Ask.DirectOut.
DirectOut serves professional audio end-users across five primary segments: live sound (festivals, stadium tours), broadcast (OB vans and facilities), recording (studio and live capture), fixed installation (theatres, concert halls, houses of worship, conference centres), and playback (touring playback rigs). Named reference deployments span Taylor Swift's Eras Tour infrastructure, Kendrick Lamar/Linkin Park/Drake tours via Nerdmatics, Creative Technology Middle East's G42 Supercharged event, and the 2025 Jubilee of Youth Papal Mass in Rome (80+ DirectOut devices).
The company generates revenue through hardware sales routed via a global distributor network spanning 40+ countries, supplemented by perpetual software license sales through its License Webshop (shop.directout.eu) and professional services for enterprise deployments. Pricing is quote-based with no public list. Go-to-market combines regional distributors, a US subsidiary for North American enterprise accounts, an OEM-style technology partnership with RCF (announced June 2026), and direct enterprise field sales for major accounts. DirectOut is privately held, founder-controlled (Stefan Flock as founder; CEO Luca Giaroli, COO Jan Ehrlich, CTO Claudio Becker-Foss), reports no external venture or private-equity funding, and lists a 1-10 employee firmographic headcount despite operating a global distribution and support footprint.
DirectOut Technologies firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- DirectOut Technologies
- Legal name
- DirectOut GmbH
- Website
- https://directout.eu
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2010
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- DirectOut GmbH is a German maker of FPGA-based professional audio platforms (PRODIGY, ACE, MAVEN.A) that convert, route, and provide redundant switching across MADI, Dante, RAVENNA, SoundGrid, and Milan for live sound, broadcast, recording, installation, and touring customers worldwide.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
DirectOut Technologies industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Professional Audio Equipment
- NAICS
- Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (33431)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Playout Infrastructure & Hardware (Servers, Storage, SDI/IP Gateways) (MPAHAKAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Live Production Switching & Routing (Vision Mixers, Routers) (MPAHAKAE)
Keywords
Where DirectOut Technologies is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Mittweida
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
DirectOut Technologies business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales: Sale of professional audio hardware including PRODIGY Series platforms, MAVEN.A, ACE, and EXBOX converters. Revenue generated from sale of physical audio equipment with modular IO cards and accessories.
- Software Licenses: Perpetual software licenses for ACE Modes and platform extensions. Customers purchase additional capabilities through license webshop to expand functionality of Smart Audio Platforms.
- Professional Services: Service and support including firmware updates, technical support, and customization services for enterprise deployments.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Hardware products - Quote-based pricing |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Software Licenses - Perpetual licenses |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
DirectOut Technologies product offering
Product offeringCore offering
DirectOut Technologies designs, manufactures, and sells FPGA-based smart audio platforms (PRODIGY Series, MAVEN.A, ACE) and compact format converters (EXBOX, ANDIAMO) for professional live, broadcast, recording, installation, and playback applications. Its platforms perform high-quality audio format conversion, matrix routing, sample rate conversion, and intelligent redundancy switching across Dante, RAVENNA/AES67, SoundGrid, MADI, and Milan protocols. The offering is sold through a global distributor network, with perpetual software licenses and extensions delivered via an online License Webshop.
Product overview
DirectOut Technologies offers high-end audio interfaces and Smart Audio Platforms for professional live, broadcast, recording, installation, and playback applications. The product portfolio centers on the modular PRODIGY Series (PRODIGY.MC, PRODIGY.MP, PRODIGY.MX) and the compact MAVEN.A platform, all programmable via the globcon software. The newly launched ACE brings these capabilities into a portable format. All platforms support multiple audio network protocols including MADI, Dante, RAVENNA/AES67, SoundGrid, and Milan, with a comprehensive range of I/O modules and interface cards. The ecosystem is complemented by the compact EXBOX Series format converters, ANDIAMO converters, and the 24/7 AI-powered Ask.DirectOut support service. Users can expand functionality through perpetual licenses purchased via the License Webshop.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- PRODIGY Series A series of modular audio platforms (PRODIGY.MC modular audio converter, PRODIGY.MP multifunction audio processor, PRODIGY.MX multiformat audio matrix) that perform high-end conversion, signal routing, and signal processing in a customizable mainframe with dedicated slots for IO modules and scalable license management. Targeted at professional live sound, broadcast, recording, installation, and playback customers.
- MAVEN.A Smart Audio Platform for integrated and tailored professional audio solutions, compatible with all Milan certified interface cards and supporting multiple audio network protocols.
- ACE Compact portable smart audio platform bringing PRODIGY Series capabilities into a travel-ready form factor, featuring dedicated ACE Modes (Playback, PA, PRODIGY) and supporting MADI, Dante, Milan, AES3, and analog I/O for professional workflows.
- globcon Browser-based virtual remote controller software for DirectOut equipment, supporting drag-and-drop channel configuration, multiple virtual controllers, and integration with third-party OSC and MIDI controllers. Used by professional audio operators to configure and monitor Smart Audio Platforms remotely.
- EXBOX Series Compact audio devices (in 1/3 of 19-inch format) for format conversion, routing, automatic redundancy switching, and SRC, including EXBOX.MD (Dante/MADI), EXBOX.RAV (RAVENNA/MADI), EXBOX.SG (SoundGrid/MADI), EXBOX.AES (AES/MADI), and EXBOX.BLDS (MADI redundancy switch), targeted at broadcast and live use.
- ANDIAMO Third-generation AD/DA/AES to MADI converters designed for broadcast, live sound, installation, and recording applications, converting analog and AES digital signals to and from MADI.
- Ask.DirectOut AI-based assistance service available 24/7 for technical support and configuration help with DirectOut Smart Audio Platforms, providing customers with around-the-clock access to product expertise.
Quantifiable outcome
- Audio delay between first and last towers: over 5 seconds for 5+ kilometer audience area coverage
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use DirectOut Technologies
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
DirectOut Technologies technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration7 records
AI capability3 records
Feature10 records
DirectOut Technologies partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- RCFcoreStrategic technology partnership aimed at developing tightly integrated audio solutions for RCF's professional sound systems portfolio. DirectOut brings expertise in audio networking, signal conversion, processing, and redundancy technologies to support and enhance RCF's system architectures. Collaboration designed to deliver fully integrated solutions aligned with the RCF ecosystem.
- Synthax Audio UKcoreSynthax Audio UK appointed as new distribution partner for United Kingdom and Ireland, taking over from Aspen Media. Synthax brings 15+ years of experience in studio, live sound, broadcast, and systems integration markets. Company already familiar with DirectOut products as a long-time reseller.
- 7Hertzminor7Hertz provides integration support for DirectOut solutions, helping customers maximize capabilities of PRODIGY.MP and ensuring solutions integrate smoothly into customer workflows.
- EventManagementminorItalian production company that installed DirectOut devices for major events including the Pope's 2025 Jubilee for Youth. Implementation partner for large-scale installations.
- Aspen MediaminorPrevious UK and Ireland distributor for many years, represented DirectOut with outstanding professionalism. Owner Chris Collings stepping back for retirement.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
DirectOut Technologies competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Optocore: German manufacturer of fiber-based and network audio routing/bridging devices for live, broadcast, and installation markets. Directly competes with DirectOut's PRODIGY and EXBOX lines as a multi-protocol audio network bridge, serving similar touring, OB-van, and theater customers.
- AuviTran: French maker of audio networking interfaces and bridges supporting Dante, AES67/RAVENNA, MADI, and EtherSound. Competes head-to-head with DirectOut's format conversion and matrix routing products in fixed installation and live event markets.
Broad incumbents
- RCF: Italian loudspeaker and pro audio systems manufacturer with global install and touring presence. DirectOut's June 2026 strategic technology partner and an adjacent peer — both serve large-scale pro audio installations but RCF dominates the loudspeaker side while DirectOut owns the routing/conversion layer.
- d&b audiotechnik: German premium loudspeaker and audio system manufacturer for touring and installation. A broader incumbent whose DS100 signal engine and Soundscape ecosystem overlap with PRODIGY's matrix processing role in large-format sound design scenarios.
- DiGiCo: UK-based digital mixing console manufacturer dominant in touring and broadcast. DirectOut integrates with DiGiCo consoles via MADI and is referenced in flagship tours, but DiGiCo's own routing capabilities are an overlapping incumbent product set.
- Allen & Heath: British console manufacturer covering live, broadcast, and installed sound. Competes for routing/processing slots in mid-tier and large-format deployments where DirectOut also bids, particularly via Dante-enabled console ecosystems.
- Yamaha Pro Audio: Global pro audio incumbent with consoles, processors (DME/DX), and network audio (Dante ecosystem roots via Audinate). A system-level competitor that can bundle routing/conversion inside its broader solution, pressuring standalone specialists like DirectOut.
Others
- Audinate: Australian creator of the Dante audio-over-IP protocol that DirectOut's platforms bridge to. Not a direct competitor for hardware but a critical ecosystem dependency — Audinate's roadmap, licensing terms, and competitive moves shape DirectOut's product economics.
Emerging players
- Merging Technologies: Swiss maker of networked audio interfaces and RAVENNA implementations for recording, broadcast, and high-end music production. Overlaps with DirectOut on RAVENNA/AES67 conversion and high-channel-count routing for studio and broadcast clients.
- Sound Devices: US manufacturer of portable professional audio recorders, mixers, and networked interfaces (Dante-enabled). Comparable in serving the pro audio market with hardware/FPGA expertise and overlap on broadcast and live event customers, though with a different product mix.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
DirectOut Technologies social profiles
Digital presenceDirectOut Technologies compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
DirectOut Technologies financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
DirectOut Technologies leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
DirectOut Technologies subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
DirectOut Technologies funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
DirectOut Technologies 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 DirectOut Technologies
What does DirectOut Technologies do?
DirectOut Technologies designs, manufactures, and sells FPGA-based smart audio platforms (PRODIGY Series, MAVEN.A, ACE) and compact format converters (EXBOX, ANDIAMO) for professional live, broadcast, recording, installation, and playback applications. Its platforms perform high-quality audio format conversion, matrix routing, sample rate conversion, and intelligent redundancy switching across Dante, RAVENNA/AES67, SoundGrid, MADI, and Milan protocols. The offering is sold through a global distributor network, with perpetual software licenses and extensions delivered via an online License Webshop.
Is DirectOut Technologies a public or private company?
DirectOut Technologies is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was DirectOut Technologies founded?
DirectOut Technologies was founded in 2010. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is DirectOut Technologies based?
DirectOut Technologies is headquartered in Mittweida, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does DirectOut Technologies make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are software Licenses and professional Services.
Who are DirectOut Technologies's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Optocore and AuviTran. Broad incumbents are RCF, d&b audiotechnik, DiGiCo, Allen & Heath and Yamaha Pro Audio. Audinate is listed as an others. Emerging players are Merging Technologies and Sound Devices.
Does DirectOut Technologies have an API?
No public API is recorded for DirectOut Technologies.
What industry is DirectOut Technologies in?
DirectOut Technologies's product category is Professional Audio Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAHAKAJ, Playout Infrastructure & Hardware (Servers, Storage, SDI/IP Gateways), with a secondary code of MPAHAKAE, Live Production Switching & Routing (Vision Mixers, Routers). Its NAICS code is 33431.