Sound Devices
Sound
Devices History
The name "Sound Devices" came to the company by accident - and possibly magic. The founders of the company started business in July 1998 without a name; the working name was JAM Electronics. The company could not establish anything official without a name. Weeks passed without an identity.
It was debilitating working without a name. Every few minutes a new name would spark interest, only to be shot down for one reason or another. Many parents have the same feeling trying to find a suitable name for a newborn child. It is remarkable how many companies exist. Just when you think you found "the" name, you discover that it is being used somewhere that could cause confusion.
Jon, Matt, and Jim in front of Park Ridge, IL office entrance,
company name on sheet of paper on door - Aug. 1998
While working in the original Park Ridge (Illinois) office, a box with the labeling "Sound Devices" was spotted high on a shelf of the shared office space. The box was filled with noise makers and audio toys belonging to the previous tenant. The name immediately stuck, and by the end of the day the company became Sound Devices. Sound Devices, LLC registered as a legal entity with the state of Wisconsin on July 22, 1998.
The original "Sound Devices" box
The first product Sound Devices began developing was a single-input, portable microphone preamp for broadcast use. The MP-1 Mic Preamp was designed to drive long lines at line-level signals, provide phantom power, and operate off AA battery power. The MP-1 is often used for sports production applications when multiple mics are place throughout a venue. It is also used at critical podium positions because of its preamp quality, limiter, and ability to drive long cable runs. The MP-1 was introduced at NAB 1999 and was available for purchase at the time of the show, seven months after development began. The MP-1 continues to be a part of Sound Devices product offering.
For a brand new company, the development of the MP-1 was an important milestone. Many of the circuitry elements designed into the MP-1 continue to live in later generation products, such as the high-performance Lundahl input transformers and durable powder-coated aluminum chassis. The MP-1 was the sole Sound Devices product available for all of 1999.
The Sound Devices MixPre, Mixer/Preamp, begins shipping. NBC Olympics Inc. purchases the first units for use at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.
A variation of the MixPre,
the MP-2 begins shipping.
The USBPre, microphone interface for computer-based audio production, is previewed at NAB 2000. Prototype is show at right.
The USBPre begins shipping as the industry’s first bus-powered USB interface with microphone preamplifiers.
The 442, HX-3 and MM-1 are previewed at NAB 2001. An improved USBPre 1.5 replaces USBPre featuring
the addition of digital I/O.
Sound Devices marks the Company's first month with sales in excess of $100,000.
The HX-3 Headphone Amplifier begins shipping. The MM-1 Microphone Preamplifier with headphone monitor begins shipping.
The 442 Field Production Mixer begins shipping. The first units are delivered to NBC Olympics Inc. for use at the 2002 Games in Salt Lake City.
442N Mixer begins shipping. Designed for European requirements.
Sound Devices begins exhibiting at the IBC show in Amsterdam.
IBC Booth 2002
The 302 Mixer is introduced at NAB 2003. Proof-of-concept prototypes of the 722 and 744T are also presented.
The Sound Devices 302 Mixer begins shipping.
Working prototypes of the 7-Series family are presented at NAB 2004. The company introduces a new logo, which remains today.
The Sound Devices 744T Digital Recorder begins shipping.
Sound Devices begins shipping the 722 Digital Recorder.
The Company's first dedicated Technical Support Specialist joins the company.
The 702 and 702T Digital Recorders are introduced and begin shipping.
The 7-Series version 2 firmware, which writes to external media and supports the CL-1 keyboard control, becomes available.
Sound Devices 744T is the 2006 recipient of the Cinema Audio Society Award for Outstanding Technical Achievement in Production Technologies.
Wave Agent File Utility 1.0 released.
The Sound Devices 788T is introduced at NAB 2008 and begins shipping in the same month.
Sound Devices celebrates its 10th Anniversary...in the Wisconsin Dells.
Jon, Matt, and Jim in 2008
The CL-8 controller for the 788T is previewed at IBC in Amsterdam.
The 788T is the recipient of the Cinema Audio Society Award for Outstanding Technical Achievement in Production Technologies.
The CL-8 for the 788T is released.
The 552 Field Mixer, which replaces the popular 442 is introduced at IBC in Amsterdam. It begins shipping the following month.
The CL-9 Linear Fader Controller for the 788T is introduced.