Active Audio
Active Audio is a French manufacturer of professional column loudspeakers using patented DGRC directivity control technology, serving houses of worship, conference venues, transport hubs, and government buildings globally through a 30+ country distributor network under Arbane Groupe.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2002
- HeadquartersSaint-herblain, France
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Active Audio does
Active Audio SAS is a French manufacturer of professional column loudspeakers, founded in 2002 by Xavier Meynial, a Professor of Room Acoustics, to commercialize research from the University of Le Mans Acoustics Laboratory. The company's core technical differentiator is its patented DGRC (Digital and Geometric Radiation Control) technology — a hybrid directivity-control approach combining digital signal processing with geometric speaker-array design that enables highly directional, compact columns at lower cost than fully digital alternatives. The product portfolio spans three generations of column loudspeakers (StepArray, StepArray+, Ray-On/Ray-On+/Ray-On PoE), the NUT and NUT-Lite audio processors with proprietary Speech Conformer and Automix algorithms, MPA multichannel amplifiers with AirPlay and Spotify streaming, iS subwoofers, CL62 ceiling speakers, and a premium Vendôme sub-brand for luxury hospitality. The company is privately held (SAS, share capital €972,020), operates from Saint-Herblain in the Nantes region with 11-50 employees, and is part of Arbane Groupe following the 2020 combination with APG.
Active Audio sells exclusively through a network of authorized distributors in 30+ countries — 24+ named partners across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, North America, and Africa — with direct sales in France handled through Arbane Groupe. Customer segments are diversified across four primary verticals: houses of worship (churches, mosques, temples), conference and government (parliaments, international organizations, corporate boardrooms), transport hubs (airports, rail and metro stations), and public places and retail. End-customer logos include the French Senate and National Assembly, Bahrain Parliament, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque, Paris-Nord, Charles de Gaulle, Beijing Airport, CICG Geneva, and BNP Paribas Atrium. The Ray-On range holds EN 54-24 Type B certification for voice-alarm systems, while StepArray+ and Ray-On PoE are Dante audio-over-IP enabled, allowing integration with broader IT/AV infrastructure. Pricing is quote-based, multi-year contracts, and not publicly disclosed.
Active Audio firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Active Audio
- Legal name
- Active Audio SAS
- Website
- https://activeaudio.fr
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2002
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Active Audio is a French manufacturer of professional column loudspeakers using patented DGRC directivity control technology, serving houses of worship, conference venues, transport hubs, and government buildings globally through a 30+ country distributor network under Arbane Groupe.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Active Audio industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Professional Loudspeakers
- NAICS
- Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (334310)
- SIC
- Household Audio & Video Equipment (3651)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Live Sound & Stage Equipment (PA Systems, Amplification, Monitoring) (MPAIAJAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Speakers & Subwoofers Retail (Soundbars, Surround, Smart Speakers) (CRACAEAF), AV Receivers, Amplifiers & Hi‑Fi Components Retail (CRACAEAE)
Keywords
Where Active Audio is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Saint-herblain
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Active Audio business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Professional Audio Hardware Sales: Active Audio generates revenue through the sale of professional audio hardware including column loudspeakers (StepArray, StepArray+, Ray-On, Ray-On+ series), audio processors (NUT series), amplifiers, subwoofers, and accessories. Products range from entry-level passive columns to premium digitally-steerable systems with Dante connectivity.
- Custom/ Premium Loudspeaker Sales (Vendôme): The Vendôme range offers high-end custom and standard finish loudspeakers including custom shop options with premium materials (leather, Macassar ebony, carbon fiber) and artisan craftsmanship. These premium products target luxury venues, hotels, and high-end retail spaces.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Professional column loudspeakers and audio processors - quote-based pricing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels9 records
Active Audio product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Active Audio designs and manufactures professional column loudspeakers with controlled directivity for acoustically challenging environments. Its product range covers digitally steerable columns (StepArray/StepArray+), passive and self-powered directional columns (Ray-On, Ray-On+, Ray-On PoE), NUT audio processors with proprietary speech enhancement algorithms, subwoofers, multichannel amplifiers, in-ceiling speakers, and a premium architectural Vendôme line. Products are deployed in houses of worship, government and conference venues, transport hubs, and public spaces.
Product overview
Active Audio is a French manufacturer of professional audio products specializing in column loudspeakers with controlled directivity for acoustically challenging environments. The core product portfolio centers on three main column speaker ranges: StepArray (DSP-controlled, externally powered), StepArray+ (self-powered with Dante networking), and Ray-On (passive with fixed directivity), plus Ray-On+ (active version) and Ray-On PoE (network-powered via PoE+). Supporting the speaker lines are NUT/NUT-Lite audio processors featuring proprietary Speech Conformer and Automix algorithms, iS passive subwoofers, MPA multichannel amplifiers with streaming support, and CL62 ceiling speakers. The separate Vendôme sub-brand offers premium architectural speakers with extensive customization options. All products leverage the patented DGRC (Digital & Geometric Radiation Control) technology for consistent sound coverage and speech intelligibility. The company operates as part of Arbane Groupe following 2020 merger with APG.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- StepArray+: Self-powered digitally steerable column loudspeakers, Dante-enabled
- StepArray
- Ray-On+
- Ray-On
- Ray-On PoE
- CL62
- NUT
- Vendôme
Products and services
- StepArray Series Digitally steerable column loudspeakers using patented DGRC (Digital & Geometric Radiation Control) technology. DSP-controlled columns available in multiple lengths (1.0m to 4.0m) for venues with horizontal or raked seating, providing superior speech intelligibility in reverberant environments.
- StepArray+ Series Self-powered digitally steerable column loudspeakers that combine DGRC technology with Dante audio-over-IP networking. Built-in ICEpower Class D amplifiers enable lossless digital audio transmission with less than 1ms latency. Available in 1.5m to 4.5m configurations.
- Ray-On Series Passive column loudspeakers with fixed directivity based on DGRC technology. Available in four sizes (20cm compact to 2.10m) with EN 54-24 Type B certification and IP55 rating for indoor/outdoor use. Compatible with 8Ω and 100V systems.
- Ray-On+ Series Active (self-powered) column loudspeakers with Dante network input, combining DGRC technology with onboard DSP and integrated amplifiers. Available in 70cm, 1.10m and 2.10m sizes for high-directivity applications.
- Ray-On PoE Series Network-powered column loudspeakers that use Power over Ethernet (PoE+) for both power and Dante audio signal via single CAT6 cable. Includes 70cm and 1.10m vertical columns plus 70cm horizontal sound bar, designed for smart building integration.
- NUT Audio Processor 8x8 audio processor designed for PA applications and speech intelligibility enhancement. Features web browser-based control with built-in applications including Automix, Speech Conformer, Feedback Killer, EQ, compressor, delay, and router. Dynamic range of 114dB with sample rates up to 192kHz.
- NUT-Lite Audio Processor Compact version of NUT processor with all applications except StepArray directivity control. Recommended for Ray-On column loudspeaker installations.
- iS Subwoofer Series Passive subwoofers (iS110 10", iS112 12", iS115 15") designed to extend bass response for StepArray and Ray-On columns. Feature neodymium drivers in bass reflex configuration for compact form factor and dynamic sound.
- MPA Amplifier Series Multichannel power amplifiers (MPA4350, MPA4700, MPA41500, MPA8200) for Ray-On series and subwoofers. Feature DSP, cloud LAN Ethernet, web UI with built-in WiFi hotspot, and streaming input supporting AirPlay and Spotify.
- CL62 In-Ceiling Speaker 6.5-inch two-way ceiling loudspeaker with 40W continuous power, 100V/70V taps, and IP23 rating. Designed for hotels and leisure facilities with repaintable grille and removable logo.
- Vendôme Series Premium architectural loudspeakers combining professional audio performance with customizable aesthetics. Available in Vendôme Five (5" woofer) and Vendôme Eight (8" woofer) models with handcrafted French manufacture. Offers Classic, Color, Art, and Custom Shop finish collections for high-end venues, hotels, and retail spaces.
- B70 Sound Bar Horizontal sound bar designed for meeting rooms and video conferencing applications, offering horizontal directivity control for confidentiality and reduced annoyance in shared spaces. Part of the Ray-On PoE product line.
Quantifiable outcome
- STI (Speech Transmission Index) reduced from 2.6 to 0.7 seconds in Palais du Luxembourg Senate chapel installation
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Active Audio
Customer profileNamed customers16 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Active Audio technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
AI capability2 records
Feature7 records
Active Audio partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, primary and secondary.
- APGcoreStrategic partnership between French loudspeaker manufacturers announced April 2016. Active Audio acquired majority stake in APG, extending its position in the professional audio market. In 2020, both companies established Arbane Groupe as a combined entity offering one of the industry's largest pro audio ranges from public address to professional loudspeakers for events and fixed installations.
- Fantasy Sound International (Taiwan)primaryExclusive distributor for Active Audio in Taiwan since 2019. Specializing in the conference market, Fantasy Sound distributes Televic conference systems and now offers complete sound systems from microphones to speakers through the partnership with Active Audio.
- Venuetech LLC (UAE)primaryOfficial distributor for Active Audio in Middle East sector since 2017. Venuetech has developed the brand through prestigious installation projects and trade show presence including GITEX Technology Week Dubai.
- Mahajak Development Co., Ltd (Thailand)primarySelected Active Audio products for installation in the Singha Complex luxury venue in Bangkok, including StepArray SA230P+ and Ray-On R120+ columns.
- Axians Audiovisual Solutions ParissecondaryAudiovisual integrator for the Palais du Luxembourg Senate chapel project, installing eight StepArray 100P columns controlled by NUT processor.
- LM Ingénierie AudiovisuelsecondaryDesign office that specified Active Audio products for the Palais du Luxembourg Senate chapel and Calvados departmental council room projects.
- SidevsecondarySpecified Active Audio products for 4 rooms at International Congress Centre Geneva (CICG) ranging from 108 to 940 seats.
- Projection NouvellesecondaryAudiovisual integrator for CICG Geneva installation, implementing StepArray SA250P, SA180S, and Ray-On 100 columns.
- META Atelier AcoustiquesecondaryAcoustic consultant for the Palais du Luxembourg Senate chapel project, conducting studies that demonstrated the requirement for controlled directivity speakers.
- Almoayyed Commercial Services (ACS)secondaryPartnered with Venuetech to upgrade the entire sound system of the Bahrain Parliament using Active Audio column speakers.
- TelevicsecondaryActive Audio products integrated alongside Televic uniCOS conference system in Bahrain Parliament project and in various conference room installations.
- Arbane GroupecoreParent company established in 2020 combining Active Audio and APG brands. Handles direct sales in France and coordinates the group brands of APG, Active Audio, and ACTIVOX.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Active Audio competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Renkus-Heinz: U.S.-based manufacturer of steerable, digitally controlled column array loudspeakers (Iconyx and Beam Steering series) for houses of worship, transport hubs, and government — Active Audio's closest direct competitor in beam-steered column technology.
- Bose Professional: Major pro-audio brand with a broad column-array (MSA series) and installed-sound portfolio serving the same houses of worship, conference, and public-space use cases as Active Audio, but at much larger scale.
- d&b audiotechnik: German premium pro-audio manufacturer with active column and point-source installed-sound solutions competing with Active Audio in high-end government, house-of-worship, and corporate AV projects.
- L-Acoustics: French pro-audio rival with column-line-source and installed-sound products; the most direct geographic and segment competitor for high-end installed venues and the parent of sister brand under the French pro-audio cluster.
- Nexo: Yamaha-owned French pro-audio loudspeaker maker serving both fixed-installation and touring markets; peers with Active Audio and now shares leadership because Alain Boone moved from Nexo to Arbane Groupe.
- Martin Audio: UK-based professional loudspeaker manufacturer with column and point-source installed products targeting houses of worship, hospitality, and conference venues — directly comparable to Active Audio's verticals.
Broad incumbents
- Meyer Sound: U.S. premium pro-audio incumbent with broad installed-sound and live-sound portfolio; competes with Active Audio for premium fixed-installation projects in government and house-of-worship markets.
- RCF: Italian pro-audio manufacturer with extensive column-array and EN 54-24 voice-alarm lines for transport, public address, and commercial installations — broad incumbent competing in Active Audio's transport-hub segment.
- Bosch (Electro-Voice / Dynacord): Large incumbent offering column loudspeakers and full EN 54 voice-alarm systems for transport and public spaces; competes broadly with Active Audio in airports, rail, and emergency-PA tenders.
Others
- Focal-JM LAB: French premium loudspeaker and acoustic brand whose founder (Jacques Mahul) is a shareholder of Active Audio; contextually adjacent and a partner ecosystem connection rather than a direct competitor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Active Audio social profiles
Digital presenceActive Audio compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Active Audio financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Active Audio leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Active Audio subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Active Audio funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Active Audio 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 Active Audio
What does Active Audio do?
Active Audio designs and manufactures professional column loudspeakers with controlled directivity for acoustically challenging environments. Its product range covers digitally steerable columns (StepArray/StepArray+), passive and self-powered directional columns (Ray-On, Ray-On+, Ray-On PoE), NUT audio processors with proprietary speech enhancement algorithms, subwoofers, multichannel amplifiers, in-ceiling speakers, and a premium architectural Vendôme line. Products are deployed in houses of worship, government and conference venues, transport hubs, and public spaces.
Is Active Audio a public or private company?
Active Audio is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Active Audio founded?
Active Audio was founded in 2002. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Active Audio based?
Active Audio is headquartered in Saint-herblain, France, in the Europe region.
How does Active Audio make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Professional Audio Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are custom/ Premium Loudspeaker Sales (Vendôme).
Who are Active Audio's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Renkus-Heinz, Bose Professional, d&b audiotechnik, L-Acoustics, Nexo and Martin Audio. Broad incumbents are Meyer Sound, RCF and Bosch (Electro-Voice / Dynacord). Focal-JM LAB is listed as an others.
Does Active Audio have an API?
No public API is recorded for Active Audio.
What industry is Active Audio in?
Active Audio's product category is Professional Loudspeakers. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAIAJAD, Live Sound & Stage Equipment (PA Systems, Amplification, Monitoring), with a secondary code of CRACAEAF, Speakers & Subwoofers Retail (Soundbars, Surround, Smart Speakers). Its NAICS code is 334310 and its SIC code is 3651.