Dutch & Dutch is a quintessential representation of how innovation in acoustics can manifest in every aspect: from design and physical operation to marketing and even the name itself. Founded in the Netherlands, the brand is a testament to local craftsmanship, technology, and a passion for superior sound quality.
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name "Dutch & Dutch" embodies the company's commitment to local production, signifying both Dutch design and assembly. This name also pays homage to the popular national jump rope game "Double Dutch," reflecting the brand's playful yet profound connection to its cultural roots. This connection extends to the global hip-hop culture, where the game has become a symbol of rhythm and energy.
Martijn Mensink, one of the founders and leading developers of Dutch & Dutch, discovered his passion for audio at an early age. Fascinated by his parents' music collection and legendary bands like Queen, Pink Floyd, and The Beatles, Martijn's interest in stereo components grew. By age 12, he was already experimenting with assembling his own audio equipment. His first encounter with a high-end system left an indelible mark, sparking a desire to create top-class devices to experience his favourite music.
Martijn's first serious foray into acoustics involved components from the renowned brand Scan-Speak. He created an acoustically optimized room and built a "huge and awful" active acoustic system that delivered surprisingly high-quality sound. This early experimentation laid the foundation for his future innovations.
Martijn's journey took a pivotal turn when he pursued studies in physics, business administration, and economics with a focus on strategy and entrepreneurship at Delft University of Technology. While juggling studies, he worked part-time at a Hi-Fi equipment store and attempted to start his first audio company with friends.
Though initial attempts were fraught with challenges—financial constraints and a manufacturing partner's bankruptcy—these experiences were invaluable. Martijn realized that the room's characteristics should be embraced, not battled against, leading to the breakthrough concept of the 8c system.
The turning point came when Martijn was introduced to enterprising individuals keen on starting their own audio company. They possessed the knowledge, energy, and funding needed to pursue their vision. This team, initially known as Pro Fidelity, focused on professional installation solutions for music venues, clubs, and concert halls. Here, they pioneered the use of cardioid sound directivity, which later became a hallmark of the Dutch & Dutch brand.
Unlike traditional speakers, cardioid systems create a unique heart-shaped sound pattern, directing sound primarily in one direction. This reduces unwanted reflections and enhances sound clarity. By employing multiple speakers, sound waves are phased to amplify desired sounds and minimize noise and echo. This technology is crucial for concert venues, ensuring precise sound directionality for musicians and performers.
The 8c system, Martijn's brainchild, exemplifies Dutch & Dutch's commitment to excellence. Drawing inspiration from renowned researchers like Earl Geddes, the team developed a high-quality product that seamlessly interacts with room acoustics. The "8" in 8c denotes the main drivers' size in inches (20 cm).
Initially, the company offered two versions: the 8m with traditional acoustic wave directionality and the 8c with cardioid technology. However, overwhelming demand for the 8c led to the discontinuation of the 8m model. The brand's built-in DSP is a cornerstone of their system, ensuring sound precision and adaptability.
Today, Dutch & Dutch offers two main models: the 8c Studio Speaker for professional use and the 8c Speaker for home settings. A defining feature of the brand is the ability to enhance and update speakers through remote firmware updates, allowing for continuous improvement without physical replacements. Recent updates, for example, added Roon Ready certification, showcasing the brand's commitment to innovation.
The 8c system goes beyond acoustics, offering a comprehensive solution with speakers, processor, DAC, and ADC integrated into a compact design. The home version supports streaming, multi-room functions, and sound correction, delivering a flat acoustic characteristic across the full range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The difference between the studio and home models lies in firmware features, body material, mounting, and installation characteristics.
