Focusrite

The story of Focusrite is also the story of its founder, Rupert Neve. The British engineer and entrepreneur began producing audio equipment in the 1960s, and his development of microphone preamps, equalisers, compressors and recording consoles has become legend. In fact, vintage Neve consoles these days are worth about as much as a luxury sports car, and simply having one is a sign of great status for any recording studio.

So when Rupert Neve set up Focusrite in 1985, 10 years after leaving his original company, it was to continue his ground-breaking work in audio technology. The company's first contract was to build the highest-quality microphone preamp and equaliser -- for none other than Beatles producer George Martin's AIR Studios.

These days, Focusrite produces a range of audio interfaces, analogue-to-digital converters, equalisers, compressors, and microphone preamps. Their products are both based on Rupert's original designs, and updated with the latest technology for integration into modern studios. Classic Neve circuitry has never been more affordable, and few brands have done so much to close the gap between the professional producer and the bedroom enthusiast.

Photo credit: Sven Brandsma