Focusrite plc has acquired Sheriff Technology Limited, trading as OutBoard, the company behind both TiMax immersive audio solutions and OutBoard stage rigging motor control products and PAT4 enterprise electrical safety testing. They join the Audio Reproduction division of the Focusrite Group, alongside Martin Audio, Optimal Audio and Linea Research.
Founded in 2001 by Robin Whittaker and David Haydon, OutBoard is a UK-based company specialising in innovative entertainment technologies, which it sells globally. Operating under two sub-brands – TiMax and OutBoard – its products are prominent in the audiovisual industry, particularly in live performance, event management and the rapidly expanding sector of immersive sound experiences.
TiMax is a pioneer in immersive sound, specialising in innovative audio and show control technologies through the Soundhub and Tracker D4 products, serving a wide range of applications including entertainment, events, branding, themed environments and exhibition spaces These solutions are frequently used for Broadway and West End shows, and together with sister Focusrite brand Martin Audio in particular there will be many opportunities for future collaboration.
Under the OutBoard brand, the business designs, manufactures and sells industry standard rigging control products for live events, together with enterprise-level safety test, preparation and quality management for global rental companies and venues. These solutions are commonly used across European markets and feature at BST Hyde Park concerts, again alongside Martin Audio.
Whittaker and Haydon will remain with the company, as will existing business development, R&D, PR and manufacturing colleagues. They will have additional support with expanded sales, marcoms and applications resources from the experience and reach offered by the Focusrite Group.
By extending the Focusrite Group’s business into products and markets that complement its existing offerings, this acquisition is strategically aligned with the previously communicated aims of ‘growing the company’s core customer base, expanding into new markets and increasing lifetime value for customers’.
‘The acquisition of OutBoard represents another strategic expansion within our Audio Reproduction business, enhancing our product range and market reach,’ confirms Focusrite CEO, Tim Carroll. ‘OutBoard’s innovative products, such as TiMax spatial audio and show control, align perfectly with our mission to deliver exceptional audio experiences within live environments. We are looking forward to integrating OutBoard’s technologies and exploring new opportunities in this segment of the rapidly evolving audio industry.’
‘Joining forces with Focusrite marks an exciting new chapter in OutBoard’s story,’ say OutBoard founders and Directors Robin Whittaker and Dave Haydon. ‘We are thrilled to see our products reach new markets and benefit from Focusrite’s global presence and brand recognition. Our commitment to innovation and quality remains steadfast, and we look forward to contributing to the Group’s continued success.
‘For OutBoard-branded products, Focusrite has interesting new ideas to expand the existing tech concepts, especially in rigging motor control, while continuing to maintain and grow the belt-and-braces appeal that has made them so successful.’
