REG - Focusrite PLC - Launch of new audio interface product: Vocaster

FocusriteAnnouncement

06/06/2022 07:01

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RNS Number : 6841N  Focusrite PLC  06 June 2022

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 million(1)
different podcasts available on a variety of platforms, with over two and half
million(2) available through Apple alone.  Podcast listeners worldwide are
estimated to have grown by 15% in the last year(3) .

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

 

- Ends -

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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