What Waves System does

Waves System is a French designer and manufacturer of interactive multimedia players, media servers, and directional audio solutions, headquartered and produced in Sainte-Luce-sur-Loire, France since 2001. The company operates an in-house 'agile factory' that builds its hardware in France with a 3-year warranty, and serves integrators, museums, theme parks, retailers, fitness venues, hospitality operators, escape rooms, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and event production companies across North America, Europe, and Asia through a global distributor network plus a direct e-commerce boutique.

Its product portfolio is organized into three interlocking layers. At the device layer, the company offers audio players (AP420, MicroPlayer mkIII+), professional video players (VP320, VP330), the EVP380 show-control player that synchronizes 4K audio/video playback with DMX512, contact outputs, RS-232, and Art-Net control, the Proxima line of media servers in 2-, 4-, and 6-output variants for video mapping, and the Hypersound and Cube directional speakers based on ultrasonic modulation. At the sensor and accessory layer, the Sensopad capacitive sensors and amplifiers extend these devices into touch- and proximity-triggered installations. At the platform layer, the Wavespark cloud-based digital signage and audio management platform enables remote monitoring, content updates, and scheduling of large fleets of devices.

Waves System earns revenue primarily through one-time hardware sales of players, media servers, speakers, sensors, and accessories, supplemented by subscription-based software/cloud services tied to Wavespark and ancillary tools such as Generic Remote Control, Show Control Editor, and Scheduler. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed; the company maintains a reseller/integrator program with special purchase conditions, sells directly through its online boutique, and reaches customers via content marketing (multilingual blog, case studies), SEO, email newsletters, and industry events such as ISE. Marquee customers include LVMH, Givenchy, IKEA, Louvre Museum, Cité des Sciences, Futuroscope, Europa Park, Legoland Windsor, and Euronext, with Thierry Roger serving as the Publication Director.

Name

Waves System

Legal name

WAVES SYSTEM

Website

https://waves-system.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Waves System is a French manufacturer founded in 2001 that designs and builds interactive multimedia players, media servers, and directional speakers, serving integrators and end clients across museums, retail, theme parks, hospitality, and events through global distributors and its Wavespark cloud platform.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Audio/Video Equipment

NAICS

Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (33431)

SIC

Household Audio & Video Equipment (3651)

akta.pro primary industry

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

Keywords

• Interactive multimedia players
• Media server solutions
• Directional audio speakers
• Digital signage platforms
• Show control systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Sainte-luce-sur-loire

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales: Sale of interactive multimedia players (audio, video, show control), media servers, directional speakers, sensors, amplifiers, and accessories. Products are manufactured in France with 3-year warranty.
2. Software/Cloud Services: Cloud-based Wavespark platform for digital signage and audio management with subscription model. Additional software products include Generic Remote Control, Show Control Editor, and Scheduler.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Waves System designs and manufactures interactive multimedia players (audio, video, show control), media servers (Proxima line with 2-6 outputs), directional audio speakers (Hypersound, Cube), and offers a cloud-based digital signage and audio management platform (Wavespark). The company produces hardware manufactured in France and pairs it with software tools for synchronized audio/video/DMX show control, targeting museums, retail, theme parks, fitness centers, hospitality, and event venues.

Product overview

Waves System manufactures a complete range of interactive multimedia players and media servers combined with a scalable cloud platform. The product portfolio centers on three main categories: (1) Audio/video players including AP420 (audio), VP320/VP330 (video), and EVP380 (show control) that synchronize audio/video with DMX lighting; (2) Proxima media servers (4020, 4040, 4060) with 2-6 outputs for video mapping; (3) Wavespark cloud platform for remote management of players and signage. Supporting hardware includes Hypersound and Cube directional speakers, sensors (Sensopad), amplifiers, and headphones/transducers. Software tools include Generic Remote Control, Show Control Editor, and Scheduler. The solutions target museums, retail, theme parks, fitness centers, hotels/restaurants, escape rooms, and educational institutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Wavespark: Cloud-based digital signage platform for monitoring and updating media and scenarios remotely
• Wavespark Audio
• Proxima
• Hypersound

Products and services

• AP420 Advanced audio player for broadcasting music titles, playlists, webradios, and messages. Supports media storage on USB key, micro SD card, or internal 4GB flash memory. Designed for public address and background music in retail, airports, and theme parks.
• EVP380 Show control player for creating immersive, interactive multimedia experiences. Offers DMX512 output, contact outputs, and RS-232 commands in perfect synchronization with audio/video playback up to 4K resolution.
• VP320 Professional interactive video player for museography and digital signage applications.
• VP330 Most complete multimedia player for museums and interactive digital signage. Delivers 4K video, infinite scenario support, with programming accessible to integrators, content creators, and operators.
• Proxima 4020 Media server with 2 outputs for video mapping applications, part of the Proxima line with interface approved by over 10,000 users.
• Proxima 4040 Media server with 4 outputs for video mapping applications. Features intuitive interface approved by over 10,000 users worldwide.
• Proxima 4060 Media server with 6 outputs for video mapping applications.
• Hypersound Ultra-directional speaker with 5-degree beam angle. Uses ultrasonic technology to create highly focused sound beams with minimal sound pollution. Available in mono or stereo packs. Licensed from Turtle Beach.
• Cube Precision directional speaker combining design with audio directionality for focused sound delivery.
• Wavespark 100% cloud-based digital signage and audio management platform for monitoring and updating media and scenarios remotely from anywhere at any time.
• MicroPlayer mkIII+ Compact audio player for triggered audio content applications.
• Generic Remote Control Software tool for remote control and management of Waves System players.
• Show Control Editor Software for programming and editing show control scenarios and sequences.
• Scheduler Scheduling software for automated playback and content management.
• Sensopad Capacitive sensor for interactive installations, compatible with EVP380 show control players for touch-based interactivity.
• Amplifiers Audio amplifiers for driving speakers in Waves System installations.
• Headphones & Transducers Audio output devices including headphones and transducers for visitor audio experiences.
• Accessories Various accessories supporting Waves System player installations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 3-year warranty on all products with commitment to repair even after warranty expires
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers23 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AxianscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAxians is a key integration partner for Waves System products, particularly for museum installations such as Terre d'Estuaire museum where they deployed audio and video solutions.
• SGroup EquipmentcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSGroup Equipment is a system integrator that selected Waves System EVP380 for distributed show control at Puy de Lemptégy volcano site, implementing interactive light shows with Sensopad sensors.
• Alive TechnologycoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAlive Technology partnered with Waves System for Terra Botanica's Terra Nocta show, installing 11 EVP380 show control players in collaboration with designer Faerya Concept.
• Novelty (France)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerNovelty, leader in events in France, selected EVP380 for Abbaye de Fontevraud's Les Étoiles de Fontevraud sound and light show, ensuring perfect synchronization and reliable summer operation.
• De Roo et filleminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerDe Roo et fille integrated 10 VP320 video players at Musée Maritime du Québec for synchronized video with lighting in challenging museum conditions.
• Studio Crumble / Atelier MaquarthisminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWeb agency that created interactive web applications for Espace Sciences museum using Waves System VP320 and VP330 SDK integration.
• Turtle BeachcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerTurtle Beach is the owner of the Hypersound trademark. Waves System licenses and distributes Hypersound ultrasonic directional speakers.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves1 record

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Barco: Barco is a major projection, display, and image processing vendor for cinemas, museums, and events—overlapping with Waves System's media server and AV control products serving theme parks and immersive venues.
• Crestron Electronics: Crestron is a major AV control and media player vendor serving enterprise, education, and hospitality with integrated control systems—comparable to Waves System's EVP380 show control and AP420 audio players but at much greater scale and breadth.
• Extron Electronics: Extron manufactures professional AV signal processing, control, and switching hardware widely used in museums, corporate, and education—directly competing with Waves System's media players and show control products for integrator specifications.
• Scala (Stratacache): Scala, now part of Stratacache, is an enterprise digital signage software and media player platform—directly comparable to Waves System's Wavespark cloud digital signage offering for retail and large venues.
• Bose Professional: Bose Professional offers commercial audio systems, including directional and zone-controlled speakers used in retail, hospitality, and museums—comparable to Waves System's Hypersound and Cube directional speaker products.

Direct peers

• disguise (d3 Technologies): disguise is a leading media server and show control platform for live events, concerts, and immersive experiences—closely comparable to Waves System's Proxima servers and EVP380 for synchronized AV/DMX shows.
• Dataton: Dataton makes Watchout and Watchmax media servers and show control software for museums, theme parks, and live events—a close functional peer to Waves System's Proxima media servers and EVP380 show control player.
• BrightSign: BrightSign is a leading manufacturer of digital signage media players with cloud management—directly overlapping with Waves System's VP320/VP330 video players and Wavespark platform serving retail and museums.
• Modulo Pi: Modulo Pi designs media servers and show control solutions specifically for museums, theme parks, and cultural venues—a niche competitor to Waves System's Proxima and EVP380 product family.
• 7thSense Design: 7thSense produces high-end media servers (Delta, Actor) used in theme parks and immersive attractions, directly comparable to Waves System's Proxima media server lineup for video mapping and synchronized show control.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/wavessystem
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/waves-system

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 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 Waves System