Ambient
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1992
- HeadquartersMünchen, Germany
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
Ambient firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Ambient
- Legal name
- Ambient GmbH & Co. KG
- Website
- https://ambient.de
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1992
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Ambient industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Professional Film Audio Equipment
- NAICS
- Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (33431), Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (3343)
- SIC
- Communications Equipment, Nec (3669)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Pro Audio Equipment (Mics, Interfaces, Mixers, Studio Monitors) (MPAIAJAB)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Microphones, Headsets & Audio Input Devices (HDACAFAH)
Keywords
Where Ambient is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- München
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Ambient business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales - Timecode Equipment: Sale of proprietary timecode generators, synchronizers, and logging devices including LockitBT, Lockit, NanoLockit, LockitSlate Take 2, and Lockit+. One-time hardware purchase model with prices ranging from EUR 279 to EUR 1,635.
- Hardware Sales - Audio Equipment: Sale of QuickPole boompoles, hydrophones, microphones, cables, adapters, power supplies, and accessories. One-time hardware purchase model with prices ranging from EUR 22 to EUR 1,490.
- LockitNetwork Production Service: Subscription-based production service for script supervisors offering project setup, metadata management, custom reports, and multi-user collaboration. Pricing based on shooting days with volume discounts.
- Distribution of Third-Party Brands: German distributor for Lectrosonics, Zaxcom, Viviana Sound Solution, Voice Technologies, Radius, Rycote and other location sound equipment brands. Resale of professional audio equipment.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | LockitBT (ACN-LB) - Timecode & Sync Generator |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Lockit (ACN-CL) - Timecode & Sync Generator |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | NanoLockit (ACN-NL-L) - Timecode Generator and Logger |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | LockitSlate Take 2 (ACN-LS2) - Timecode Clapper |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Lockit+ (ACN-LP) - Timecode and Sync Generator, Metadata Interface |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | QuickPole Serie 5 - Boompole |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | QuickPole Slim - Boompole |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | ASF-1 MKII - Hydrophone with 48V Phantom Power |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | ASF-2 MKII - Small Hydrophone with 48V Phantom Power |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | LockitNetwork Production Service - 20 shooting days |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels6 records
Ambient product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Ambient designs, manufactures, and sells proprietary professional location sound and timecode equipment for film and television production, centered on the Lockit timecode family of generators and the ACN 2.4 GHz wireless synchronization protocol. Its portfolio also spans QuickPole carbon-fiber boompoles, Soundfish underwater hydrophones, an extensive range of specialized cables, microphones, and power supplies, plus script-supervising software (LockitScript) and a cloud-based production service (LockitNetwork). The company is headquartered in Munich, manufacturing cables and custom solutions on-site, and distributes third-party pro-audio brands in Germany.
Product overview
Ambient is a specialist B2B supplier for professional film audio and timecode equipment, headquartered in Munich with over 30 years of industry experience. The product portfolio centers on the Lockit Timecode Family (LockitBT, Lockit, NanoLockit, LockitSlate Take 2, Lockit+) — timecode and sync generators connected via the proprietary ACN (Ambient Communication Network) 2.4 GHz wireless protocol — alongside QuickPole carbon-fiber boompoles and Soundfish hydrophones. Supporting hardware includes specialized cables (timecode, boompole, microphone, camera, antenna, power), microphones (ATE 308, TinyMike), power solutions (UMP III, Eumel), handheld adapters, and transport cases. The software layer comprises the LockitScript iPad app for script supervisors and the cloud-based LockitNetwork Production Service. The company also operates a custom cable manufacturing workshop and serves as a German distributor for third-party professional audio brands including Lectrosonics, Zaxcom, DPA, Schoeps, Sennheiser, and Sound Devices.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Lockit: Timecode and sync generators including LockitBT, Lockit, NanoLockit, LockitSlate Take 2, and Lockit+.
- QuickPole
- Soundfish
- LockitScript
- LockitNetwork
- LockitRemote
- NanoLogger
- LockitToolbox
- ACN
Products and services
- Lockit Timecode & Sync Generators Family of frame-accurate timecode and sync (genlock) generators including the LockitBT, Lockit, NanoLockit, LockitSlate Take 2, and Lockit+. The Lockit+ additionally serves as a metadata interface for camera, lens, and audio metadata. These provide frame-accurate timestamps to cameras and audio recorders on film sets, connect via the proprietary ACN 2.4 GHz wireless network, and target professional film/TV production crews.
- LockitBT (ACN-LB) Timecode and sync generator with OLED display and Bluetooth remote control capability for wireless control and ACN device monitoring. EUR 590.
- NanoLockit (ACN-NL-L) Compact timecode generator and logger with OLED display, wireless ACN connectivity, green/red take-marking buttons, and .markers file export. From EUR 279.
- LockitSlate Take 2 (ACN-LS2) Timecode slate with writable display for marking scene, take, and roll information; supports metadata and tally integration. From EUR 1,120.
- Lockit+ (ACN-LP) Timecode and sync generator with metadata interface for collecting and distributing camera, lens, and audio metadata; supports WiFi/Ethernet Frame.io C2C integration. From EUR 1,635.
- LockitModule (ACN-LM) Plug-in timecode and sync module with full ACN functionality for integration into third-party hardware designs by ACN Hardware Partners (used in Panavision DXL, RED V-RAPTOR XL, Technocrane, and DI4D HMC systems).
- ACN (Ambient Communication Network) Technology Platform Proprietary 2.4 GHz wireless network technology enabling stable, interference-resistant communication between Lockit devices for timecode, sync (genlock), and metadata transfer. Supports up to 52 simultaneous devices and 200-meter line-of-sight range with 10 microsecond accuracy via C-Jam. Offered as an integration platform for ACN Software and Hardware Partners.
- QuickPole Boompoles Carbon fiber composite boompoles (Series 5 and Slim) offering lightweight stability and balance with up to 6+ meter extension; available pre-wired or retrofittable with internal cabling. QuickPole Series 5 from EUR 370; QuickPole Slim from EUR 540.
- Soundfish Hydrophones Underwater microphones (ASF-1 MKII, ASF-2 MKII, ASF-G) offering crystal-clear, low-noise audio capture from infra- to ultrasound frequencies (7Hz to 100kHz) with over 100dB dynamics and 100 meter water pressure tolerance on the ASF-1 MKII. Designed for sound designers, Foley artists, and scientists.
- LockitScript App iPad application for script supervisors providing digital data entry, automated report generation (daily reports, editor reports, shot logs, lined scripts), and metadata preparation for post-production workflows. Integrates with ARRI, RED, Cooke, and Zeiss metadata sources.
- LockitNetwork Production Service Cloud-based subscription production service for script supervisors offering project setup, metadata management, custom reports, and multi-user collaboration. Pricing is usage-based at EUR 45 per shooting day with volume discounts up to 35% for 2,000 shooting days.
- LockitRemote App Mobile application for remote control of LockitBT via Bluetooth and monitoring of all ACN-enabled Lockit devices; available on iOS App Store and Google Play.
- NanoLogger App iPhone companion application that simulates the Live Logging workflow with NanoLockit and Lockit+ hardware, allowing users to test the workflow without full production setup.
- LockitToolbox Desktop Software Desktop software utility for Mac and Windows that downloads .markers files from NanoLockit and manages firmware updates for Lockit devices.
- Custom Cable Manufacturing Service Bespoke cable manufacturing service for custom configurations, lengths, and connector combinations, manufactured in-house at the Munich-Schwabing workshop.
- Third-Party Pro-Audio Equipment Distribution German distribution for professional location sound brands including Lectrosonics, Zaxcom, Viviana Sound Solution, Voice Technologies, Radius, and Rycote, offered through the Ambient Location Sound Shop with expert consultation.
Quantifiable outcome
- Zero drift synchronization accuracy of 10 microseconds with C-Jam technology
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Ambient
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Ambient technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration14 records
Feature5 records
Ambient partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- ARRIcoreMunich-based ARRI has implemented deep interfacing with Ambient Lockits. Clip-based metadata processing is possible via attached Lockit+ allowing script supervisors using LockitScript app to automatically receive information like clip names on iPad.
- PanavisioncorePanavision Millennium DXL Series 8K Large-Format Cameras have LockitModule integrated and are fully ACN compatible. No external timecode generator needed.
- REDcoreRED's V-RAPTOR XL 8K camera has LockitModule integrated allowing remote timecode and genlock setting via ACN. RED's RCP protocol is fully supported by ACN for clip-based metadata transfer.
- Frame.iocoreFrame.io integration enables Ambient Logging workflow on set with Lockit+ C2C integration. Live logging data can be sent directly to Frame.io cloud for accelerated post-production.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves1 record
Expansion highlights6 records
Ambient competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Denecke Inc. Direct peer manufacturing professional timecode generators, slates, and readers used in film production. Closely comparable to Ambient's Lockit and LockitSlate Take 2 product lines.
- Zaxcom: Direct peer in wireless pro audio and timecode-enabled recorders/transmitters for film production. Ambient distributes Zaxcom in Germany, making it both a partner and a category competitor.
- Wisycom: Direct peer in professional wireless microphone and in-ear monitoring systems for broadcast and film. Competes with the wireless components of Ambient's distributed product range.
- Sound Devices: Direct peer manufacturing professional field production audio recorders, mixers, and timecode-enabled hardware used on the same film sets where Ambient's Lockit boxes operate. Ambient also distributes complementary Sound Devices gear.
- Lectrosonics: Direct peer producing professional wireless microphone systems and timecode-compatible receivers for film and broadcast. Ambient is also Lectrosonics' German distributor, so the relationship is both distribution and competitive.
- Tentacle Sync: Direct peer offering compact timecode generators and sync solutions for film and video production. Competes head-to-head with Ambient's NanoLockit and LockitBT in the portable timecode category.
- Timecode Systems (Atomos): Direct peer in multi-camera timecode and sync (formerly Timecode Systems, now part of Atomos). Competes with Ambient's ACN ecosystem for synchronizing professional video workflows.
Broad incumbents
- Schoeps: Established German manufacturer of high-end professional shotgun and lavalier microphones used on film sets alongside Ambient boompoles. Ambient distributes complementary Schoeps mics through its webshop.
- Sennheiser: Broad incumbent in professional microphones, wireless systems, and headphones with strong presence in film/broadcast. Ambient makes adapters for Sennheiser transmitters and distributes Sennheiser products.
Emerging players
- Comtek: Specialist in wireless IFB, IEM, and personal communication systems for film and broadcast production. Comparable niche scope to Ambient's location-sound accessories and timecode-adjacent workflow tools.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Ambient social profiles
Digital presenceAmbient financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Ambient leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Ambient funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Ambient 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 Ambient
What does Ambient do?
Ambient designs, manufactures, and sells proprietary professional location sound and timecode equipment for film and television production, centered on the Lockit timecode family of generators and the ACN 2.4 GHz wireless synchronization protocol. Its portfolio also spans QuickPole carbon-fiber boompoles, Soundfish underwater hydrophones, an extensive range of specialized cables, microphones, and power supplies, plus script-supervising software (LockitScript) and a cloud-based production service (LockitNetwork). The company is headquartered in Munich, manufacturing cables and custom solutions on-site, and distributes third-party pro-audio brands in Germany.
Is Ambient a public or private company?
Ambient is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Ambient founded?
Ambient was founded in 1992. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Ambient based?
Ambient is headquartered in München, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Ambient make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales - Timecode Equipment is the primary driver. The others are hardware Sales - Audio Equipment, lockitNetwork Production Service and distribution of Third-Party Brands.
Who are Ambient's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Denecke Inc., Zaxcom, Wisycom, Sound Devices, Lectrosonics, Tentacle Sync and Timecode Systems (Atomos). Broad incumbents are Schoeps and Sennheiser. Comtek is listed as an emerging player.
Does Ambient have an API?
Yes. Lockit+ API for ingesting frame-accurate camera or lens metadata; LockitNetwork API for accessing content metadata from script supervising workflows. Both are available to ACN Software Partners. Developer documentation is at Not specified.
What industry is Ambient in?
Ambient's product category is Professional Film Audio Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAIAJAB, Pro Audio Equipment (Mics, Interfaces, Mixers, Studio Monitors), with a secondary code of HDACAFAH, Microphones, Headsets & Audio Input Devices. Its NAICS code is 33431 and its SIC code is 3669.