Focusrite

Focusrite plc, originally known as Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd., is a manufacturer of professional audio equipment based in High Wycombe, England. The company designs and sells audio interfaces, microphone preamplifiers, mixing consoles, analog equalizers, as well as hardware and software for digital sound processing.

The company has been honored with four Queen's Awards: two for international trade and two for technology.

Among the first contracts of the company, founded in 1985 by Rupert Neve, was a commission from Sir George Martin (producer of The Beatles) to expand the Neve mixing console in his studio. This initially involved a vintage console in the Air studio on the island of Montserrat in the Caribbean Sea, particularly enhancing it with an uncompromising microphone preamplifier and equalizer.

Phil Dudderidge, an audio industry veteran and co-founder of Soundcraft Electronics Ltd, acquired the assets of the company in April 1989. He founded Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd and reissued the original modules along with some new developments. The company also developed the new Focusrite Studio Console, released in 1990.

In August 2004, Focusrite acquired the electronic instrument manufacturer Novation, which became a subsidiary named Novation Digital Music Systems Ltd.

On December 12, 2014, Focusrite shares were listed on the AIM (Alternative Investment Market) under the name Focusrite plc.