For release: 07:00, 6 June 2022
Focusrite plc
("Focusrite" or "the Group")
Launch of new audio interface product: Vocaster
Focusrite plc (AIM: TUNE), the global music and audio products company supplying hardware and software used by professional and amateur musicians and the entertainment industry, is pleased to announce the launch of Vocaster; a new range of audio tools designed for podcasters and other content creators.
Industry data shows a continued, substantial increase in content creation globally, including podcasting at both the hobbyist and professional level. The Group's own registration data also aligns with this, referencing strong double-digit growth in new user registrations versus pre-pandemic levels as highlighted in the recent results for the six months to 28 February 2022. Podcasting is a rapidly growing market, with in excess of four million1 different podcasts available on a variety of platforms, with over two and half million2 available through Apple alone. Podcast listeners worldwide are estimated to have grown by 15% in the last year3 .
The Vocaster range, starting at £189, is comprised of two standalone interfaces, Vocaster One and Vocaster Two, and two studio packs, Vocaster One Studio and Vocaster Two Studio. While Vocaster One is designed for the solo podcaster, Vocaster Two is designed for more dynamic shows that feature two hosts and/or audio segments. The studio packs contain Focusrite branded headphones and microphones, enabling users to begin recording high quality podcasts quickly and easily.
The range includes everything needed to record broadcast quality podcasts, including a specially created "Easy Start" onboarding process for users. As with other Focusrite products, an intuitive companion app, Vocaster Hub, is available as the central hub for setting up, recording, and mixing a show.
Vocaster also represents a big step forward in sustainability. The range comprises carefully chosen components and biodegradable and recyclable packaging. More than half of the plastics in the Vocaster are from recycled sources.
It is anticipated that Vocaster will begin to contribute to the Group's revenue in the last quarter of this financial year, becoming a more important contributor in the next financial year.
Tim Carroll, Chief Executive Officer, commented:
"We are delighted with the launch of Vocaster, which we are calling the ultimate podcasting kit. With Vocaster, creators have everything they need to start recording studio-quality sound in seconds.
"The two interfaces are designed so that there is a solution for every creator, whether you are just starting out and building a home podcasting studio from scratch or looking to take an existing setup to the next level. Vloggers are just one cable away from adding Vocaster's studio sound to their vlogs, as both interfaces feature a camera output, allowing a user to record high quality audio directly to their camera and removing the need to sync audio and video later.
"Since 2019 we have substantially grown and maintained our core customer base. Vocaster is an important new product for us as it seeks to tap into the rapid growth seen in the preparation and distribution of audio files. Launching a range specifically catered to podcasting has been a key focus for us and shows our ongoing commitment to content creators at all levels. Our customers are particularly drawn to our premium, easy to use solutions that allow them to create professional audio recordings no matter their level of experience. We anticipate that Vocaster will be an important revenue generator for us in the future. "
1 Source: Podcastindex.org March 2022
2 Source: Podcast Industry Insights courtesy of Daniel J. Lewis
3 Source: Statista Number of podcast listeners worldwide 2019-2024
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Enquiries:
Focusrite plc +44 (0) 149 446 2246
Tim Carroll, Chief Executive Officer
Sally McKone, Chief Financial Officer
Investec Bank plc (Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker) +44 (0) 20 7597 5970
David Flin
William Brinkley
Charlotte Young
Peel Hunt LLP (Joint Broker) +44 (0) 20 7418 8900
Edward Knight
Michael Burke
James Smith
Belvedere Communications +44 (0) 20 3687 2756
John West
Llew Angus
Notes to Editors
Focusrite plc is a global audio products group that develops and markets proprietary hardware and software products. Used by audio professionals and musicians, its solutions facilitate the high-quality production of recorded and live sound. The Focusrite Group trades under nine established brands: Focusrite, Focusrite Pro, Novation, Ampify, ADAM Audio, Martin Audio, Optimal Audio, Linea and Sequential.
With a high-quality reputation and a rich heritage spanning decades, its brands are category leaders in the music-making and audio recording industries. Focusrite and Focusrite Pro offer audio interfaces and other products for recording musicians, producers, and professional audio facilities. Novation and Ampify products are used in the creation of electronic music, from synthesisers and grooveboxes to industry-shaping controllers and inspirational music-making apps. ADAM Audio studio monitors have earned a worldwide reputation based on technological innovation in the field of studio loudspeaker technology. Martin Audio designs and manufactures performance-ready systems across the spectrum of sound reinforcement applications. Linea designs, develops, manufactures and sells innovative professional audio equipment globally. Sequential designs and manufactures high end analogue synthesizers.
The Focusrite Group has offices in four continents and a global customer base with a distribution network covering approximately 240 territories.
Focusrite plc is traded on the AIM market, London Stock Exchange.
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