Sequential joins the Focusrite family
Legendary synthesizer brand Sequential headed up by Dave Smith has moved in with Focusrite PLC joining the likes of Novation, Adam Audio and Martin Audio.
Focusrite PLC
Focusrite gives the impression of being an unassuming little company that makes audio interfaces and pro audio gear out of High Wycombe. They may have picked up another little British company like Novation along the way, maybe add some speakers and live sound to that via Adam Audio and Martin Audio but they’re just helping each other out, right? However, taking on an American product line with such a reputation as Sequential makes you realise exactly how much clout Focusrite PLC has these days; they are so much more than a maker of red audio interfaces.
Sequential
Dave Smith says:
With Focusrite, we’ve found an ideal home and a perfect cultural and technological fit. Phil Dudderidge and his team have a long history of quality, vision, and focus on what musicians and audio professionals really want. We’re excited to join such an industry powerhouse and contribute to our mutual success. I expect great things.
The most important thing to know is that nothing bad is happening to Sequential. Dave Smith is still leading engineering and product development and it will operate as a separate entity exactly as it has been.
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What perhaps is more interesting is to imagine the sort of collaborative products that could emerge over the next few years. A Novation Circuit with Prophet filters perhaps, or Oxford filters becoming a part of a future Prophet synth. I’m sure at the very least Novation and Sequential have a lot to talk about.
I wonder if it will have any effect on the price of manufacturing and availability of Sequential products in the UK? In any case, this feels like an enormously positive move and as Dave Smith has been at this for 50 years it’s a good place to curate his legacy so that it’s no longer dependent solely on his drive and energy.
I’m looking forward to seeing what develops.
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7 responses to “Sequential joins the Focusrite family”
Very unexpected move, but I can see it being a success. Novation’s top end synths and Sequential’s synths are both good and share a similar market. It could be a really good Anglo-American tie-up that helps both companies group their products in a portfolio of synths. Sequential don’t do fantastically well in Europe, and Novation don’t do wonderfully in the US, so it’ll help both firms.
I grew up with Sequential Synths surrounding… My first contact by hand was Prophet VS. I convert my self from guitar/songwriter on Sound Engineer in Cuba Thanks to 2 peoples: Dave Smith and Peter Frampton. I dont know what about my actual life without they…
If this is good for Dave Smith then I’m happy for him, he deserves good fortune I think.
But I’m not feeling hopeful about this- Novation synths are average, Focusrite is a brand I don’t enjoy.
“Focusrite’s board has intended the £18m purchase to boost share price-earnings sometime this year.”
This will not end well.
A Prophet 5 made in China.
Just Wow!
It’s very unlikely. Big brands acquire smaller prestigious brands for… their prestige. Focusrite NEED Sequencial to keep building made in USA high-end synth so the brand keeps its status
They will, however do similar moves as pioneer : incorporating Sequential filters or VCO into cheaper made in china instruments
It would probably be better quality coming out of China.
DSI quality control has been absolute shit for years.
Agreed. But sometimes the cure can be worst than the illness.
Hope I’m wrong.
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