Master-Audio

Master Audio is among Europe’s technology leaders within pro audio. We create advanced solutions to the most demanding sound reinforcement requirements. Our main focus today is on active speaker systems and line arrays with the latest digital technology inside.

Vast experience, passion for audio performance, innovative engineering and cost-effective manufacturing are the key quality factors that position Master Audio ahead of competition.

The company was founded in 1972 by Juan Antonio Amate, who is still active as both General Manager and Director of Research & Development. Master Audio headquarters and factory are located near Barcelona, Spain.

Innovative research and development
Over 37 years, Master Audio has developed a unique technology base covering all aspects of acoustic and electronic design, including sophisticated digital signal processing and amplification. Our in-house production facility, makes possible to create products with state-of-the-art performance at competitive prices.

Each new product is created trough computer simulation, mainly using our own sophisticated software. Our engineering department has developed several proprietary audio-acoustical software for the design of professional loudspeakers.

After the design specification stage follows the modelling phase, where the physical components of the electro-acoustical system usually are hand-made, assembled and rigorously tested with the latest measurement technologies to obtain the parameters accurately and maximize the product performance.

During the product development process, we constantly optimize the design towards the most cost-effective way of manufacturing. By reducing costs without affecting performance we are keeping up with our tradition for providing amazing sound quality at reasonable price.

Large anechoic chamber
A very important element in the R&D process is our large 90 m2 anechoic chamber with a volume of 400 m3. This make possible to simulate free-field conditions, necessary for a truly scientific and accurate approach to loudspeaker systems development. It is one of the most advanced, fully robotized and capable of handling up to 4000 positions. The chamber was built in close cooperation with the Polytechnic University of Barcelona, one of the World’s leading scientific acoustical research institutions.

Production and quality assurance
Production and final assembly take place in our own factory in Terrassa near Barcelona. All milling drilling and cutting work for loudspeaker cabinets have been made by high-precision computer controlled CNC-machinery, assuring a perfectly tight and accurate box assembly.

Production and final assembly take place in our own factory in Terrassa near Barcelona. All milling drilling and cutting work for loudspeaker cabinets have been made by high-precision computer controlled CNC-machinery, assuring a perfectly tight and accurate box assembly.
The best products require the most demanding quality control. Each and every product has to pass a strict and comprehensive inspection:

    All electronics (amplifiers, processors, mixers) must undergo an 8-hour burn-in test at full power handling.
    Speaker systems (passive and active) are inspected for frequency response, power handling, phase and other vital parameters in a semi-anechoic room.

All products must comply with very narrow tolerances. Those beyond the limits are removed from the production line.

Master Audio innovation history
Following scientific procedures, MASTER AUDIO is an engineering driven company constantly developing new products and breaking new grounds for audio performance. Many of our original innovations have subsequently been followed by manufacturers Worldwide.

Some examples of Master Audio innovations that became new industry standards:

1985:     Master Audio introduces the revolutionary AD1000, the first power amplifier in the World with built-in clip limiter circuit to avoid output distortion at maximum power level. Today every good amplifier includes this feature.

1989:     Master Audio introduces the World’s first 3-channel power amplifier, TP-700 with built-in signal processing and crossover. One output dedicated to the subwoofer and two high-pass channels for the left and right satellites. Today there are many brands on the market with the same concept.

1990:     The World’s first three-way parametric fully configurable analogue processor was introduced by Master Audio.

1993:     Master Audio introduces the first MD System with a revolutionary built-in digital processing amplifier.

1995:     Master Audio presents a new topology Class H power amplifier with high dynamic power. Today, Class H is being used by all amplifier manufacturers.

During the 1990’es:     Signal processing amplifier (DPU) with Soft-start and Mains Overvoltage protection (>240V-400V), with customized processing cards (DPM), to optimize and fully protects the related MD speaker systems