Focusrite

What Focusrite does

Focusrite plc is a UK-listed audio technology group that develops and markets proprietary hardware and software for music creation, recording, and sound reproduction. Founded in 1985 and headquartered in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, the Group operates 11 brands organised into two divisions: Content Creation (Focusrite, ADAM Audio, Novation, Sequential, Oberheim, Sonnox, Ampify) serving individual musicians, podcasters, producers, and home/project studios, and Audio Reproduction (Martin Audio, Optimal Audio, Linea Research, TiMax, OutBoard) serving commercial venues, touring productions, and installed-sound markets. The flagship Scarlett audio interface line is used by more than 6 million musicians globally and has consistently been described as the world's most popular audio interface.

Core technology spans USB and Thunderbolt audio interfaces (Scarlett, Clarett+, ISA, Red, Vocaster), professional studio monitors (ADAM Audio's proprietary Accelerated Ribbon Tweeter), analog and hybrid synthesizers (Sequential, Oberheim), MIDI controllers and grooveboxes (Novation Launchpad, Launchkey, Circuit), Audio-over-IP solutions (RedNet supporting Dolby Atmos workflows), Class D amplifiers with integrated DSP (Linea Research), object-based immersive audio platforms (TiMax SoundHub, TrackerD4 stage tracking), and audio processing plugins including the patented Oxford Inflator. In 2026, the Group launched a proprietary silicon platform enabling tighter hardware-software integration, improved performance, and reduced supply dependency. Engineering and production are split across UK sites (High Wycombe HQ, Letchworth Garden City for Linea Research, Oxfordshire for Sonnox, King's Cross for Ampify) and Berlin (ADAM Audio); the Group is listed on AIM (London Stock Exchange) with Phil Dudderidge OBE as founder and Non-executive Chairman, Tim Carroll as Group CEO, and Sally McKone as CFO; an orderly Chair succession to Ian Barkshire is planned for the 2026 AGM.

The business model combines a global distribution network across approximately 240 territories — dealers, distributors, and regional sales teams — with a growing direct-to-consumer e-commerce channel through brand websites. Hardware sales constitute the bulk of revenue (audio interfaces, monitors, synthesizers, live sound systems, recording equipment), supplemented by one-time-licensed and subscription software (Sonnox plugins, Ampify apps). Pricing tiers range from entry-level Scarlett interfaces to enterprise-grade Dante-networked RedNet installations and project-based Martin Audio touring systems. For the 12 months to 28 February 2026, revenue was £164.6 million (1.3% growth), gross margin was 45.1%, and adjusted EBITDA was £24.7 million; ownership is concentrated via the Dudderidge Family Discretionary Settlement 2024 (32.54%) with Liontrust Asset Management holding 14.75%.

Name

Focusrite

Legal name

Focusrite Plc

Website

https://focusriteplc.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Focusrite plc is a UK-listed audio technology group operating 11 brands that develop proprietary hardware and software for music creation, recording, and live/installation sound reproduction, serving individual creators, studios, and commercial venues across approximately 240 territories globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Audio Equipment

NAICS

Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (334310), Software Publishers (51321), Other Sound Recording Industries (512290)

SIC

Household Audio & Video Equipment (3651)

akta.pro primary industry

Pro Audio Equipment (Mics, Interfaces, Mixers, Studio Monitors) (MPAIAJAB)

Keywords

• Professional audio equipment
• Audio interfaces
• Studio monitors
• Live sound systems
• Music production hardware

Headquarters

HQ city

Wycombe

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales: Primary revenue driver from audio interfaces (Scarlett, Clarett+), studio monitors (ADAM Audio), synthesizers (Sequential, Oberheim, Novation), live sound systems (Martin Audio, Optimal Audio), and recording equipment. Hardware constitutes majority of revenue mix.
2. Software/Plugin Sales: Sonnox audio processing plugins (Oxford Inflator, Voca, Claro, Drum Gate) and software applications (Ampify Groovebox, Blocs Wave). Software provides recurring revenue and margin expansion opportunity.
3. Commercial Audio Systems: Martin Audio touring and installation systems, Linea Research amplifiers, Optimal Audio commercial solutions. Typically project-based with longer sales cycles to venues and event producers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Focusrite plc is a global music and audio products group that develops and markets proprietary hardware and software products across more than 11 brands. Its portfolio spans audio recording interfaces (Scarlett, Clarett+, ISA, Red, RedNet), studio monitors (ADAM Audio), synthesizers and MIDI controllers (Novation, Sequential, Oberheim), live sound reinforcement and commercial audio systems (Martin Audio, Optimal Audio, Linea Research), immersive audio platforms (TiMax, Innovate Audio), and audio processing software/plugins (Sonnox, Ampify).

Product overview

Focusrite is an audio technology group comprising 11+ brands offering products from studio to stage. The portfolio is organized into Content Creation brands (Focusrite/Focusrite Pro, Novation, Ampify, ADAM Audio, Sequential, Oberheim, Sonnox) providing recording interfaces, studio monitors, synthesizers, MIDI controllers, and audio plugins; and Audio Reproduction brands (Martin Audio, Optimal Audio, Linea Research, TiMax, OutBoard) providing live and installed sound systems, commercial audio solutions, amplifiers, DSP, and immersive audio processing. In 2026, the company launched a proprietary silicon platform enabling tighter hardware-software integration across its product ecosystem. The Scarlett interface line remains the world's most popular audio interface with over 6 million users.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Scarlett: World's most popular USB audio interface, with over six million users. Currently in 4th Generation.
• Clarett+
• ISA
• RedNet
• Launchkey
• FLkey
• Circuit
• Launchpad
• Launchpad App
• T Series
• A Series
• S Series
• Subwoofers
• Prophet-5
• Prophet X
• XE
• FlexPoint
• TORUS
• Wavefront Precision
• Voca
• Claro
• Drum Gate
• Oxford Inflator
• Controllers
• Amplifiers
• Loudspeakers
• M Series
• C Series
• ASC
• SoundHub
• TrackerD4
• panLab
• panLab Console
• RCX Smart Remote
• LV & DV Motor Control

Products and services

• Scarlett World's most popular USB audio interface line, currently in 4th Generation, making professional recording accessible to over six million musicians, producers, podcasters and songwriters for home and project studio use.
• Clarett+ USB audio interface range delivering expert analogue engineering with all-analogue Air mode to capture every nuance of recordings with high-end studio sound, targeting professional and prosumer users.
• ISA Microphone preamplifier range directly descended from the original Focusrite Studio Console, crafted to impeccable standards with sound-shaping tools for professional recording applications.
• Red Flagship audio interface combining Focusrite's best sound quality with Dante, Pro Tools HD and Thunderbolt connectivity, designed for serious professional studios.
• RedNet Audio-over-IP solutions supporting up to 128 channels of Focusrite-quality audio over a single cable, with Dolby Atmos production support for cutting-edge professional audio workflows.
• Vocaster Podcast and content creation focused audio interface range, the first Focusrite product designed with environmental sustainability considerations from product development.
• Novation Launchkey Keyboard controller range for in-the-box music production with intuitive control and creative features, winner of Sound On Sound Best Performance Controller 2023.
• Novation Launchpad Grid MIDI controller offering fast, intuitive music making with software controls, bundled with the Launchpad App for making and remixing electronic music.
• Novation Circuit Groovebox range including Circuit Tracks and Circuit Rhythm, offering intuitive workflows for starting new tracks or adding unexpected elements to music production.
• Sequential Synthesizers American synthesizer company founded by Dave Smith, co-inventor of MIDI, known for Prophet-5, Prophet X, Rev2 and Take 5, having sold over 100,000 instruments in more than 50 countries.
• Oberheim Synthesizers Legendary American synthesizer brand since 1969, known for iconic SEM and modern OB-X8. Products include OB-6 and OB-X8 featuring vintage analogue sound with modern expressiveness.
• ADAM Audio Studio Monitors Professional studio monitor manufacturer based in Berlin, offering T Series, A Series, S Series and subwoofers with proprietary Accelerated Ribbon Technology (ART) for high-precision monitoring applications.
• Martin Audio Loudspeaker Systems High-performance loudspeaker systems for touring and installation markets including XE stage monitors, FlexPoint, TORUS constant curvature series, and Wavefront Precision line arrays for world-class touring and venue sound.
• Optimal Audio Commercial Systems Commercial audio brand offering streamlined loudspeakers, amplifiers, and zone controllers with intuitive WebApp for easy installation and operation of multi-zoned commercial audio by non-engineers in bars, restaurants, retail, education, and worship venues.
• Linea Research Amplifiers UK-based manufacturer of high-power Class D amplifiers with integrated DSP, providing power and audio performance with advanced network control via System Engineer software, including M Series and C Series.
• TiMax Immersive Sound Object-based spatial audio platform offering SoundHub processors, TrackerD4 precision 3D stage tracking, and panLab spatial audio mixing software for immersive AV presentations in theatre and live events.
• OutBoard Stage Rigging Control Stage rigging motor controllers including RCX Smart Remote for digital multi-channel control with load-cell feedback, plus LV & DV Motor Controllers for concert touring, events and theatre.
• Sonnox Audio Processing Plugins Oxford-based audio processing plugin developer with products including Voca (vocal production), Claro (EQ workflow), Drum Gate (ML-powered), and patented Oxford Inflator for mixing, mastering, live sound, broadcast, TV and film applications.
• Ampify Software Cross-platform music creation applications for iOS and Mac, bundled with Novation and Focusrite hardware including Ampify Groovebox and Blocs Wave for high-quality soundtrack experimentation.

Quantifiable outcome

• 6 million+ Scarlett users globally - world's most popular audio interface
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

AI capability2 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and growth.

• Innovate AudiocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Acquired UK-based Innovate Audio, the company behind panLab spatial audio solutions. The panLab solutions integrated within TiMax to offer comprehensive immersive sound solutions.
• OutBoard ElectronicscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2023Acquired OutBoard Electronics, the company behind TiMax immersive sound solutions and OutBoard stage rigging motor control products and PAT4 enterprise electrical safety testing.
• Sonnox LimitedcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 December 2022Acquired Sonnox, a developer of audio processing software based in Oxford, UK, for £9.1 million. The acquisition expected to enhance earnings and expand Focusrite's portfolio in professional audio with award-winning plugins for mixing, mastering, live sound, broadcast, TV and film.
• Linea ResearchcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2022Acquired Linea Research, manufacturer of high-power amplifiers, DSP, audio networking and software products and key supplier to Martin Audio. Headquartered in Letchworth Garden City, UK.
• Oberheim BrandgrowthStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Acquired rights to Oberheim brand, the 21st century return of legendary synthesizer manufacturer and creator of world's first commercially available poly synthesizer.
• Optimal AudiogrowthStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2021Launched Optimal Audio as an initiative from Martin Audio to make commercial audio installation less complex. Manufactures loudspeakers, amplifiers, and controllers for commercial applications.
• SequentialcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2021Acquired Sequential, the respected American synthesizer manufacturer led by legendary electronic instrument designer and Grammy winner Dave Smith.
• Martin Audio LimitedcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2019Acquired Martin Audio Limited, British designer of high-performance loudspeaker systems for touring and installation markets, based in Buckinghamshire, UK.
• ADAM Audio GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2019Acquired ADAM Audio, precision innovator in professional monitoring and loudspeaker technology based in Berlin, Germany.
• MIDI AssociationgrowthStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEO Tim Carroll serves as President of the MIDI Association, a non-profit trade organisation dedicated to expanding, promoting and protecting MIDI technology for artists and musicians.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• PreSonus: Competes with Focusrite in audio interfaces (Studio series), studio monitors (Eris, R-series), and DAW software (Studio One). Overlapping customer base in project and professional recording studios.
• L-Acoustics: Premium loudspeaker systems vendor for touring and installation markets. Direct competitor to Martin Audio in the high-end live-sound and venue-install category.
• Music Tribe (Behringer): Aggressive value-priced competitor in audio interfaces, mixers, monitors, and live sound (including Midas, Turbosound, Klark Teknik). Competes with Focusrite in prosumer Scarlett tier and Martin Audio installations.
• Native Instruments: Competes with Novation and Ampify in music production software, sound libraries, and maker hardware (Maschine, Kontrol). Adjacent to Focusrite's controller and synthesizer category.
• Universal Audio: Direct competitor in audio interfaces (Apollo, Volt) and studio plugins, targeting the same prosumer and professional recording market with a hardware-plus-DSP-software model. Universal Audio is Focusrite's most direct rival in the audio interface category.

Broad incumbents

• Avid Technology: Industry incumbent in professional audio production via Pro Tools and Pro Tools | HD interfaces. CEO Tim Carroll previously led Avid's audio portfolio, illustrating the strategic overlap with Focusrite's RedNet and Pro-end offerings.
• Harman International (Samsung): Harman-owned brands (JBL Professional, AKG, Soundcraft, Crown, Martin — not to be confused with Martin Audio) compete with Martin Audio, Linea Research, and ADAM Audio in live sound, installed audio, and studio monitors.
• Shure Incorporated: Industry-leading microphone and audio equipment manufacturer with strong presence in live sound, broadcast, and conferencing. Overlaps with Focusrite's ISA microphone preamp and pro audio reproduction segments.
• Sennheiser: German-headquartered microphone, headphone, and professional audio equipment manufacturer. Competes with ADAM Audio in monitoring and with Focusrite-aligned brands across pro audio hardware.
• Yamaha Pro Audio: Established Japanese incumbent in mixers, professional monitors, and live sound reinforcement. Competes with Martin Audio in touring and installation, and with Focusrite-aligned brands in mixing consoles.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/about
• Xx.com/wearefocusrite
• Facebookfacebook.com/Focusrite

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Focusrite