This morning saw exciting news in the audio world with the announcement that DPA Microphones has acquired the majority share in the Vienna-based Austrian Audio brand. Founded in 2017 by former empolyees of AKG, Austrian Audio has managed to build a brand with heritage that produces excellent, high-quality audio products like microphones and headphones. In fact, when I reviewed Austrian Audio’s budget Hi-X20 headphones, they quickly became my favorite.
The two brands have more than 350 years of combined engineering experience. Austrian Audio’s mission statement is to “Make Passion Heard” and that’s what the team has been doing since the company was founded in 2017 following the closure of the AKG offices in Vienna. The company began with a core team of previous AKG personnel and has been developing and producing microphones, headphones and audio tools ever since.
Austrian Audio caught the attention of Denmark’s DPA Microphones due to the brand’s accelerated growth, skilled engineers and product portfolio that dovetails with DPA own line up. DPA is a leading manufacturer within several Miniature Microphone categories while Austrian Audio has a strong offering of large diaphragm microphones. Both companies service the high end of the market, with DPA positioned at the very top and Austrian Audio offering a wider span of price ranges.
Together, the two brands can provide a broader product range for sound engineers in industries like broadcast, musical, theatre, live events and recording studios. By joining forces, the companies will design and develop sophisticated and professional audio solutions to meet the demands within acoustical and digital fields.
“Austrian Audio is a rising star for high-end audio solutions, and I am excited to join forces with such a strong team of audio professionals,” said DPA Microphones’ CEO Kalle Hvidt Nielsen. “I know that together we can deliver increasingly innovative products and further enhance the service for our customers, which will elevate both brands to new heights. It is impressive to see what Austrian Audio has already achieved in its short lifetime, and we are thrilled to welcome such a competent partner into the family.”
For Martin A. Seidl, Austrian Audio’s CEO and shareholder, the acquisition is an important step towards his dream of introducing the brand’s high-quality solutions to even more sound engineers across the world.
“Kalle first approached me at an industry event where both our brands were participating, and I was thrilled,” said Seidl. “To be recognized as a strong and influential brand after only four years in the market was such a great honor for Austrian Audio, and me personally. It is fantastic to have been selected to join forces with such an experienced and globally renowned partner. I very much look forward to what lies ahead for both brands, which are now in a great position to serve the professional audio industry with passionate innovations.”
Austrian Audio has made itself a strong and respected brand in the audio industry. Working in partnership with DPA Microphones, the company will continue to develop and manufacture high-quality audio products under its own name, still based in Vienna.
“The ultimate key to a company’s success is the people and the culture,” added Nielsen. “With Austrian Audio, we get a significant addition of exceptional individuals and a culture of customer-focused innovation. We are excited about the future and the opportunities this acquisition brings.”
Representatives from both companies will be available during the 2025 NAMM Show to discuss this new partnership. DPA Microphones are located at Booth 18206 and Austrian Audio at Booth 16102.
