Founded in 1985 by Rupert Neve, Focusrite's first contracts included a commission from George Martin to build extensions to AIR Studios' custom Neve consoles, initially the vintage recording console in Martin's AIR Montserrat studio in the Caribbean – specifically a microphone preamplifier and equaliser.[2]
Audio industry entrepreneur and co-founder of Soundcraft Electronics Ltd, Phil Dudderidge purchased the company's assets in April 1989, establishing Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd and reissuing the original modules along with some new designs.[3] The company also designed a new console, the Focusrite Studio Console, released in 1990.
In August 2004, Focusrite acquired electronic instrument manufacturer Novation which became a subsidiary called Novation Digital Music Systems Ltd.[4]
On 12 December 2014, Focusrite was floated on the AIM market as Focusrite plc.[5]
In July 2019, Focusrite acquired monitor speaker manufacturer ADAM Audio,[6] and in December 2019 acquired Martin Audio[7] who manufacture loudspeaker systems for sound reinforcement.
In April 2021, Focusrite acquired Sequential, a designer of analogue synthesizers.[8]
In March 2022, Focusrite acquired the UK audio equipment maker Linea Research Holdings for £12.6 million.[9]