What Autograph does

Autograph Sound Recording Ltd is a UK-based professional audio services and proprietary hardware company, founded in 1973 and headquartered in Perivale, London. The company operates across five integrated revenue streams: sound design services for major West End musicals and touring productions; equipment hire ranging from single radio microphones to full theatrical systems; special events audio for corporate launches, festivals, and ceremonies; systems integration for permanent venue installations (theatres, museums, places of worship, education, hospitality); and proprietary hardware sales through its Signature Series product line.

The Signature Series portfolio consists of failsafe audio routing and conversion hardware developed in-house by Autograph engineers, including the XDANTE-1 Dante Network Audio Changeover, XUSB-2 Computer Changeover, XMAD-1 MADI Changeover System, AES 160-D Dante to AES Converter, and XRC Remote Controllers. These integrate with mainstream production ecosystems (Dante, MADI, Q-Sys, QLab, Riedel Bolero/punQtum) to deliver redundant switching in mission-critical show environments. Equipment partnerships with Sennheiser (since 1989), Riedel, d&b audiotechnik, DiGiCo, DPA, Shure, and EM Acoustics form the technology backbone.

Autograph has supplied sound for marquee West End and Broadway productions including Les Misérables, Hamilton, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, Moulin Rouge, Mrs Doubtfire, and Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. The company self-describes as Europe's leading theatre sound company and operates the largest resident sound design team at any live performance audio company worldwide, with multiple Olivier Award-winning designers on staff. Distribution is direct via project-based engagements, supported by a website enquiry channel and an active LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram presence. Pricing is quote-based with no published rate cards. The company is privately held, with no external institutional investment or parent ownership disclosed.

Name

Autograph

Legal name

Autograph Sound Recording Ltd

Website

https://autograph.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1973

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Autograph is a UK-based professional audio company, founded in 1973, providing sound design, equipment hire, special events, systems integration, and proprietary Signature Series hardware to theatres, museums, live events, sports venues, and corporate clients, with Europe's leading theatre sound reputation.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Audio Services and Equipment Hire

NAICS

Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (334310)

akta.pro primary industry

Live Sound & Stage Equipment (PA Systems, Amplification, Monitoring) (MPAIAJAD)

Keywords

• Theatre sound design
• Professional audio equipment hire
• Live event audio services
• Audio systems integration
• Signature audio hardware

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Sound Equipment Hire: Rental of professional audio equipment including microphones, mixing consoles, wireless systems, and speakers for events and productions. Services range from single radio microphone hire to complete system packages for productions.
2. Sound Design Services: Professional sound design for theatre productions, live events, immersive experiences, and installations. Includes creative design, system engineering, and technical expertise.
3. Systems Integration: Sale and installation of permanent audio solutions for venues including equipment supply, design, and commissioning services.
4. Special Events: Audio services for corporate events, product launches, festivals, awards ceremonies, and special occasions requiring pitch-perfect sound and acoustics.
5. Signature Series Products: Sale of proprietary audio equipment products including changeover systems, converters, and remote controllers designed and built by Autograph.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Autograph is a UK-based professional audio company that provides sound design services, sound equipment hire, special events audio, permanent audio systems integration, and studio services to theatre productions, venues, corporate clients, and live events globally. The company also designs, manufactures and sells its proprietary Signature Series hardware (XDANTE-1, XUSB-2, XMAD-1, AES 160-D, XRC Remote Controllers) for failsafe audio switching in critical live performance environments. The combined offering covers the full audio lifecycle from creative design through to equipment delivery and permanent venue installation.

Product overview

Autograph is a UK-based professional audio and sound design company offering both proprietary products and comprehensive services. Their Signature Series product line includes professional audio changeover and conversion hardware: the XDANTE-1 Dante Network Audio Changeover, XUSB-2 Computer Changeover, XMAD-1 MADI Changeover System, AES 160-D Dante to AES Converter, and XRC Remote Controllers. These units address real-world demand for failsafe audio switching in theatre and live production environments. Beyond products, Autograph provides integrated services including Sound Design Services (their core offering since 1973 for theatre and touring productions), Sound Equipment Hire (from single microphone to complete system rentals), Special Events Services (corporate events, product launches, festivals), Systems Integration (permanent venue installations), and Studio Services. The company has been the primary sound supplier to major West End shows including Les Misérables, Hamilton, Wicked, and The Book of Mormon for 50 years.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Sound Design Services Professional sound design for major West End musicals, touring productions, special events, and installations. Core service offering since 1973, covering the full creative and technical process of designing audio for live performances for theatres, producers and venue operators.
• Sound Equipment Hire Rental of professional audio equipment including microphones, mixing consoles, wireless systems, and loudspeakers for events and theatrical productions. Services range from single radio microphone hire to complete system packages for musicals, with proper packaging, software updates, and comprehensive support included for all hire engagements.
• Special Events Services Audio services for corporate events, product launches, festivals, concerts, award ceremonies and special projects requiring pitch-perfect sound and acoustics. Includes delivery for high-profile events such as the 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony, car launches, and worldwide experiential brand activations.
• Systems Integration Permanent sound and audio-visual solutions integrating audio, video and control systems for venues. Includes design, specification, supply and installation services for corporate, education, places of worship, and hospitality sectors.
• Studio Services Recording studio space available at Autograph for recording sound effects, voiceovers, keyboard programming, and training on the latest digital mixing consoles. Provided at Autograph HQ for producers, designers and visiting clients.
• XDANTE-1 Dante Network Audio Changeover Dante Network Audio Changeover System developed by Autograph engineers for switching between dual-redundant Dante sources. Features two switchers, each capable of switching between two 32-channel sources (combinable for 64 channels), housed in 1U 19-inch rack-mount chassis with dual-redundant internal power supplies. For theatre, broadcast and live-performance audio engineers requiring failsafe Dante source switching.
• XUSB-2 Computer Changeover KVM/USB/MIDI changeover system designed for switching between two computer systems in critical live-performance environments. 1U rack-mount design with dual Head VGA/USB KVM switch, dual Integrated USB MIDI Interfaces, dual redundant logic units, dual redundant power supply, four-output MIDI Thru device, remote switching, Pseudo Tracking and LCD Status Display. Compatible with Apple Macintosh and Microsoft Windows computers.
• XMAD-1 MADI Changeover System MADI Changeover System that accepts four MADI streams and switches between redundant backup sources at the push of a button, routing switched output to two different locations such as redundant mixing console engines. Supports 48KHz 24bit operation up to 64 channels per MADI stream and 96KHz 24bit operation up to 32 channels. Housed with dual-redundant power supplies.
• AES 160-D Dante to AES Converter 16-channel Dante to AES output converter housed in a 1U unit with dual-redundant internal power supplies. Features 8 XLR outputs for 16 channels of AES, primary and secondary Dante connections, and full configuration via Dante Controller at 44.1/48/88.2/96K sample rates.
• XRC Remote Controllers Push-button remote controllers in three models (XRC-4A four-button for cue list control, XRC-2A two-button for Go/Stop control, XRC-1A single button for changeover function). Designed to integrate with Signature Series changeover products using standard cat5 RJ45 connections with locking connectors, illuminated LED buttons and noiseless switches.

Quantifiable outcome

• Olivier Award wins for Best Sound Design - Nick Lidster (Cabaret, 2022), Tony Gayle (My Neighbour Totoro, 2023)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers47 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• SennheisercoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 1989Long-standing relationship since 1989 when Autograph purchased their first complete Sennheiser wireless systems (21-channel system for Aspects of Love musical). Autograph continues to use Sennheiser equipment for productions.
• RiedelcoreTechnology or IntegrationEquipment supplier for communications systems. Provided wireless Bolero and punQtum digital wired intercom systems for Birmingham Royal Ballet installation.
• d&b audiotechnikcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for Stadium Sound by Autograph initiative, providing audio solutions for empty stadiums during COVID. Combined technical and theatrical expertise for stadium atmosphere systems.
• Pixel ArtworksmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEngaged by Pixel Artworks for Dragon Slayer production at Warwick Castle, providing 5.1 surround sound system design, installation, and operation for large-scale outdoor event with projection mapping.
• Bearded KittenmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrand activation and experiential agency engaged for Battersea Power Station grand opening. Autograph delivered audio and show control for multiple events across the opening celebrations.
• ArcadiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAutograph provided audio for Arcadia's 'Lords of Lightning' show at Battersea Power Station public opening event.
• EntouragemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProduction agency partnership for Stadium Sound by Autograph, pivoting theatrical sound expertise to sports atmosphere solutions. Working with Championship football clubs.
• EM AcousticscoreTechnology or IntegrationEquipment manufacturer used extensively in Autograph's installations and hire inventory. Products include R-Series, EMS, S-Series loudspeakers and DQ/Di amplifiers.
• DiGiCocoreTechnology or IntegrationDigital audio mixing console manufacturer. Autograph uses DiGiCo consoles including Quantum 338 and SD9 for productions and events.
• DPA MicrophonescoreTechnology or IntegrationProfessional microphone manufacturer. Used extensively for theatrical productions requiring high-quality instrument and speech microphones.
• ShurecoreTechnology or IntegrationWireless microphone systems manufacturer. Products like Shure Axient Digital ADX1M used for productions.
• Opera NorthmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term client relationship spanning 10 years and multiple productions. Autograph provided sound design for Love Life production including BBC Radio 3 broadcast.
• The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing partnership for RSC productions. Most recently My Neighbour Totoro at Barbican (Tony Gayle sound design) and The Fair Maid of the West (Niamh Gaffney).

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Sennheiser: Global professional audio manufacturer with whom Autograph has had a core supplier relationship since 1989. Comparable as a broad incumbent in wireless microphones, monitoring and pro audio whose vertical integration could pressure specialist hire companies.
• PRG (Production Resource Group): Global live event and entertainment production company offering audio, video, lighting and scenic services. Broad incumbent that competes for theatre, special event and touring audio contracts at a larger scale than Autograph.
• DiGiCo: UK-based digital mixing console manufacturer used across Autograph's fleet and installations. A core equipment partner but also a broad incumbent that could disintermediate by offering integrated show-control solutions directly to venues.
• L-Acoustics: French professional sound system manufacturer with a growing integrated solutions and venue installation business. Comparable as a broad incumbent that competes for installation and immersive venue audio work alongside Autograph.
• Solotech: Canadian-headquartered AV and entertainment technology provider with UK presence, offering audio hire and integration across live events, theatre and corporate. Larger, geographically broader competitor in live sound services.
• d&b audiotechnik: German professional loudspeaker systems manufacturer and Autograph partner on Stadium Sound. Comparable through its push into complete audio solutions and venue installations, and potential competitor for integration work.

Direct peers

• Masque Sound: US-based theatrical sound reinforcement and equipment rental company serving Broadway and major American theatre productions. Closest US peer to Autograph in theatre-specific sound services.
• Clair Brothers: US audio systems manufacturer and rental company serving large-scale touring, festivals and live events. Comparable in combining proprietary loudspeaker product IP with a hire/services business, though broader in genre than Autograph.
• Orbital Sound: London-based theatre and live-event sound hire, design and communications company. Direct competitor for UK theatre sound contracts and overlapping supplier partnerships (DiGiCo, Sennheiser).
• Stage Sound Services: Cardiff-based UK theatre sound equipment hire and services company serving West End and touring productions. Most direct UK competitor to Autograph in the theatre sound hire and design market.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/AutographSound
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/autographsound
• Instagraminstagram.com/autographsound
• Xx.com/autographlondon

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries1 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 Autograph