SOLID STATE LOGIC JOINS AUDIOTONIX GROUP

Digico managing director, James Gordon, established Audiotonix as a parent company that purchased British console stalwarts, Allen & Heath and Calrec. Now he’s buying arguably the biggest mixing console name of all, Solid State Logic.

SSL was rescued some years ago by unlikely ‘angel’ investor, Peter Gabriel. The company, far from the leviathan of the ’80s (when virtually every song on the charts was mixed on an SSL), has been doing its best to reinvent itself. The days of million dollar studio consoles are long gone. SSL’s Live series of consoles are well regarded but haven’t found a regular place on tour riders.

It’ll be fascinating to watch what Audiotonix does to inject extra vitality into SSL.

Here’s the original press release from Audiotonix group.

Audiotonix is pleased to announce the acquisition of Solid State Logic (SSL) as part of its expanding Group that already includes leading audio brands Digico, Digigrid, Calrec and Allen & Heath. The deal which was concluded today brings together the top flight of the world’s mixing consoles companies.

James Gordon CEO of Audiotonix comments: “We are growing the Audiotonix Group with professional audio brands that have exceptional technology, committed people and a real passion for what they do. With their incredible history and reputation, their enthusiasm and loyal customer base, SSL is ideally placed to be the next partner in the group. The whole group will benefit by having SSL as an integral part of the team going forward. Having their help to further expand our international reach, technology and customer base will be a lot of fun.”

Antony David, MD of Solid State Logic, added: “I am very proud of the achievements our team have made to date with the expansion of SSL. To reach our full potential we need the support and resources of a larger group to help us achieve our aspirations. In Audiotonix we have found a partner that is as fiercely obsessed about audio, products and customer service as we are. Audiotonix’ success in investing in and nurturing similar audio focused businesses was crucial to us. Once we got talking, we quickly discovered that this was something we both wanted to happen.”

Peter Gabriel, the majority shareholder in Solid State Logic, becomes an investor in Audiotonix as part of the transaction. He added, “My relationship with SSL began as a user, a customer and then as part owner. SSL has always made wonderful innovative equipment that encourages creativity and I got involved because I never wanted to imagine a world without SSL. It is obvious with this sale that there are many in this growing Audiotonix group that are as nuts about new tech and good audio as we are. Each manufacturer has their own particular markets, strengths and idiosyncrasies but through collaboration, there will be a lot of opportunities to spread knowledge and skills to benefit the group as a whole. I am also excited by what could be created by all these new potential synergies so I have chosen to use a chunk of the sale money to invest in this newly expanded version of Audiotonix. I wish Audiotonix and all who now sail in her, every success.”

Audiotonix: www.audiotonix.com
SSL: www.solidstatelogic.com