You are here

DPA buy Austrian Audio

Exclusive Interview 

DPA acquire buy Austrian Audio microphones

DPA Microphones have announced the acquisition of a majority share in fellow microphone manufacturers Austrian Audio. The surprise move will see the latter operating under the auspices of DPA Microphones but, crucially, with Austrian Audio maintaining their manufacturing base in Vienna.

DPA Microphones are of course best known for their small- and miniature-diaphragm capsules and mics — technology that can trace its roots back to Bruel & Kjaer and the very first measurement microphones in the world. Their ever-popular 4006 omnidirectional microphone can trace its roots directly to a B&K design, and has been used by classical recordists worldwide, as well as by sound designers, live sound engineers, and even NASA on the surface of Mars!

Although only founded in 2017, Austrian Audio boast a similarly illustrious history: they were established by former AKG engineers when AKG shut down their Vienna factory, and Austrian Audio’s first goal was to create a capsule that would equal AKG’s legendary ‘brass ring’ CK12 (as found in the original C12 microphone and the C414 EB), but which could be made reliably and at scale. In that task they very much succeeded, as we found out when we reviewed their debut microphones, the multi-pattern OC818 and cardioid OC18.

In a prepared statement, DPA Microphones CEO Kalle Hvidt Nielsen said:

“Austrian Audio are rising stars for high-end audio solutions, and I am excited to join forces with such a strong team of audio professionals. 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 have already achieved in their short lifetime, and we are thrilled to welcome such a competent partner into the family.”

His counterpart at Austrian Audio, Martin A. Seidl, added:

“Kalle first approached me at an industry event where both our brands were participating, and I was thrilled. To be recognised as a strong and influential brand after only four years in the market was such a great honour 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.”

Exclusive Interview

DPA CEO Kalle Hvidt Nielsen (left) and Austrian Audio CEO Martin A. Seidl (right).

Prior to the announcement, SOS was given exclusive access to both CEOs to get some insight into the move.

Will Austrian Audio continue to manufacture microphones and capsules in Vienna?

Kalle: Yes, Austrian Audio will continue to manufacture capsules in Vienna. The Austrian Audio and DPA Microphones capsule and microphone portfolios are very different, each targeted to different top range applications. Both brands will continue to operate and develop solutions independently, to provide customers with superior quality products and sound experiences in their respective industries. 

Martin: This partnership is a great opportunity for both brands to learn from one another and take advantage of the synergies that will inevitably arise. As the teams get to know each other, we can combine our technologies and experiences into new and exciting products.  

To what extent will the DPA Microphones and Austrian Audio teams work together to develop new products under both brands? Will there be any staff movement, or will R&D work be shared or combined?

Kalle: There are several exciting products on both roadmaps, which will not involve movement of staff. Of course, there will be an exchange of experience and support in both directions between Austria and Denmark. 

Martin: While still in its very early days, this brand-new cooperation will, of course, trigger exciting new ideas and opportunities for both companies, which will thereby result in new products that incorporate the best of both worlds. 

Are there any specific AA technologies that could find their way into DPA products, and vice versa?

Martin: Again, it’s in the very early days, but all opportunities were evaluated carefully prior to finalising the partnership. Both DPA Microphones and Austrian Audio master different segments of capsule and pattern-control disciplines. In this merger, 1+1 definitely adds up to more than two.

DPA and AA both have rich but very different histories, with DPA Microphones' roots in measurement mics still apparent in their small- and miniature-diaphragm models, and Austrian Audio's Vienna heritage forming the basis for their large-diaphragm capsules. Do you plan to maintain this distinction, or can we expect to see some crossover in terms of product categories and use cases? DPA large-diaphragm microphones, for example, or Austrian Audio lavalier models?

Kalle: From here forward, we are one group of brands. All our products will be available for every creative user and engineer around the globe. Branding is less of an issue than continuing to develop groundbreaking, high-quality audio gear for professionals within our market sectors.

Martin: We may come with different heritages, but we have one important thing in common: a deep understanding and passion for very precise and high-quality microphone design. We joined forces to accelerate pushing the limits of what is doable within physics, acoustics and electronics, rather than double dipping on technologies. 

Both DPA Microphones and Austrian Audio have had products aimed at the 'content creator.' Is there any opportunity now for these brands to expand further into this sector?

Kalle: Content creation is a highly interesting sector that also has a very wide reach — ranging from prosumers and semi-professionals to very high-end commercial music, TV and movie creation. An important part of this large and growing group are creative, young professionals who produce podcasts and social media content.

Martin: Austrian Audio’s recent MiCreator product range has received great recognition and is a TEC Award finalist for the upcoming NAMM Show 2025 in Anaheim, California, USA. There is no decision yet on any existing or potential future portfolios. On first glance, the integration of high-end analogue audio into the digital workflow of content creators might be closer to Austrian Audio’s heritage. 

One area that Austrian Audio cover, but DPA Microphones do not, is moving-coil transducers. Can we expect to see dynamic DPA microphones in the future, or even DPA headphones?

Kalle: DPA Microphones build on a heritage of high-quality condenser microphones. We have continued to specialise in this category over the years, and we still have much more to offer within this area. We have no plans to introduce dynamic microphones in the DPA range. However, we are all aware that this combination of two excellent microphone brands, which each bring different technologies to the table, opens the door for a lot of opportunities — both commercially and, even more so, technologically. 

Martin: I am sure that there are many great ideas that will arise from this partnership. Hmm... what might a combination of a great miniature microphone and a superior headphone technology add up to?

https://www.dpamicrophones.com/

https://austrian.audio/

Did you miss this News?