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Electro-Voice ( EV) is an American manufacturer of Sound equipment, including microphones, amplifiers, and , focused on pro audio applications such as sound reinforcement and commercial and residential audiovisual installations. As a subdivision of Bosch Communications Systems Inc. since 2006, Electro-Voice markets products for use by consumers as well as small or large concert venues, broadcasting, houses of worship, and in retail situations.
The partners recognized an opportunity to capitalize on what they perceived as the generally poor quality and high prices of existing microphones. They purchased a lathe and a drill and started producing about one microphone a week. Soon after, Burroughs withdrew from the business, leaving complete ownership to Kahn. By 1933, the previous business debts were completely paid off, and Electro-Voice began hiring manufacturing employees. In 1936, twenty people were hired, and Lou Burroughs returned as chief engineer.
During World War II, EV developed the noise-canceling microphone. Noise cancelling microphones such as the Electro-Voice T45 lip microphone were instrumental to fighter and bomber airplane, tank, battleship and ground troop radio communications. EV licensed the patent to the government for free to be applied by other manufacturers to produce what was needed for the war supply.
In 1946, the business moved to a bigger facility in Buchanan, Michigan and expanded its engineering efforts. In 1948, they began successfully producing phonograph pickup cartridges. In 1950, they started production of the first automatic TV booster. They also started to design and produce a consumer loudspeaker line in response to increased public interest in High fidelity music listening. In 1952, EV patented the Compound Diffraction Horn, which changed the look and performance the traditional cone-shaped Horn loudspeaker. Known for its high output, the CDP was deployed by the Navy on and other high noise environments.
In the mid-1950s, EV introduced the 664 dynamic microphone. It became known as "The Buchanan Hammer" when chief engineer Lou Burroughs demonstrated its durability during sales presentations by hammering nails into a board with it before using it for his public address. Buchanan referred to the company's Michigan headquarters.
In 1963, EV received an Academy Award for their 642 Cardiline shotgun microphone, the first ever given for an audio product.
Electro-Voice launched its RE Series of microphones in the 1960s, notably the RE15, which was used extensively by musicians on television shows. The RE series used "Variable D" technology first developed by EV in 1953, which eliminated changes in tone and frequency response corresponding to changes in the physical distance of the sound source from the microphone. The RE20 broadcast microphone was introduced in 1968, followed by the RE27N/D in the late 1980s, using neodymium magnets. Both continue to be used in recording studios and on the concert stage.
In the early 1970s, EV developed the first commercial system for Diode matrix four channel stereo called Stereo-4. When Columbia/CBS and Sony developed their Stereo Quadraphonic system (SQ) that system became the leading matrix system. Electro-Voice then adapted their decoders so they also could play SQ records as well as Sansui Electric's QS records. The EV system could also simulate four channel sound from two channel sources.
In 1978, Electro-Voice patented its Constant Directivity Horn, which produced an even balance of frequencies across the listening field. It overcame the uneven dispersion of high frequencies that affected the typical high frequency horns used in many professional sound speakers until the late seventies.
Also in the 1970s, EV acquired TAPCO. The company, founded by Greg Mackie, specialized in audio mixers. TAPCO products soon became prominent in the EV product line.
In the late 1980s, EV became the first microphone manufacturer to use neodymium magnets in its microphones. The N/DYM microphones were introduced in the mid 1980s to combine the high output and high frequency response characteristics of condenser microphones with the rugged shock resistance of dynamic microphones. Around the same time EV's first wireless microphones were being produced.
In June 2006, EV, along with all of Telex Communications, became part of Bosch Security Systems division. Following the Telex Acquisition: Bosch Founds New Business Unit-Bosch Communications Systems-Established 1/1/2007 Electrovoice.com Today EV manufactures widely used broadcast microphones as well as loudspeakers and various other professional audio equipment.
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