Focusrite plc Acquires Sequential LLC

San Francisco, CA (April 28, 2021)—Focusrite Group has acquired American synthesizer manufacturer Sequential LLC., joining other brands in the organization such as Focusrite, Focusrite Pro, Martin Audio, Optimal Audio, ADAM Audio, Novation and Ampify. Sequential’s day-to-day operations and product development will remain unchanged and will continue to be guided by electronic instrument designer and Grammy winner Dave Smith and his team.

Smith said, “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.”

Focusrite plc Debuts Optimal Audio Brand

Smith founded Sequential Circuits in 1974, which rose to prominence with its Prophet-5 polyphonic synthesizer in 1978. When the company went out of business in 1987, Yamaha purchased the brand, while Smith went on to found Dave Smith Instruments in 2002. In 2015, Yamaha returned the brand to Smith, and on August 31, 2018, the 40^th anniversary of the Prophet-5, the company rebranded as Sequential LLC. A proponent of analog synths, Sequential’s current offerings include the Prophet 5 Rev4 polyphonic synth, Pro 3 hybrid monosynth, and Prophet X Samples + Synthesis keyboard.

Focusrite Founder Phil Dudderidge commented: “We’re excited and pleased to add Sequential’s instruments and pedigree to Focusrite Group’s portfolio of world-class audio and music production tools. Dave Smith’s history as an innovator speaks for itself. From his creation of the world’s first fully programmable polysynth, the Prophet 5, to his co-invention of MIDI, Dave has literally changed the world of music several times. We’re looking forward to continuing his history of innovation and expanding the global market for Sequential’s instruments.”

Focusrite plc • www.focusriteplc.com

Sequential • www.sequential.com