RIP BEYERDYNAMICI have had a longterm, ongoing affair with Beyer microphone and headphone products, from the old handheld ribbon vocal mic designs to the classic M88, and even a wild fling with an MC740 back in 1987-88, all the way to their ultra-comfortable headphones. It is with a deep and profound feeling of sadness that I'm reporting that BeyerDynamic, has been sold to a Chinese holding company for 122-million Euros. With so much history and I.P. this sale price seems mighty low.
I've had the feeling for a while that the company has been managed poorly, moving into markets outside their core. There has been limited marketing here in the USA, a shrinking portfolio of current products and completely exiting large-diaphragm designs, in favor of radio mic's and electronic products outside their core background of transducers.
Goodbye BeyerDynamic, I honestly do wish the new owners all the best but my hopes are rather low. If it turns out like AKG moving from Austria to China - like they say in Trinidad, "You've got a hope coming".
PRESS RELEASE FROM NEW OWNERS
 |
| click to enlarge |
A Brief History of Beyerdynamic
Founded in 1924 by Eugen Beyer in Berlin, Beyerdynamic began as Elektrotechnische Fabrik Eugen Beyer, crafting loudspeakers for the burgeoning cinema industry. Beyer, a Russian-born engineer fascinated by sound, saw the potential of audio to transform communication. By 1937, the company revolutionized the audio world with the DT 48, the first dynamic headphones, setting a standard for studio and personal listening. In 1939, Beyerdynamic introduced the M 19, a studio-grade dynamic microphone, cementing its role in professional audio.
World War II halted production, and the company’s Berlin facilities were destroyed. In 1948, Beyerdynamic relocated to Heilbronn, Germany, rebuilding from scratch. The 1950s saw the DT 49 gain popularity in record bars, while the 1957 M 160 ribbon microphone became a studio legend, still in production today. The 1960s brought further innovation with the "transistophone," Beyerdynamic’s first wireless microphone, and the E-1000 microphone, famously used during The Beatles’ 1966 German tour.
The 1980s marked the launch of the iconic DT 770, DT 880, and DT 990 headphone series, beloved by professionals for their durability and sound quality. Beyerdynamic’s commitment to “Made in Germany” craftsmanship persisted, with most products hand-assembled in Heilbronn. The company expanded into conference systems and gaming headsets, equipping global events like the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the German Bundestag.
Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024, Beyerdynamic has remained family-owned, blending tradition with innovation. The PRO X series, featuring the STELLAR.45 driver, and True Wireless Free BYRD earbuds showcase its modern prowess. From Elton John to Taylor Swift, Beyerdynamic’s microphones and headphones have shaped music history, earning a revered place in studios and among audiophiles worldwide.
Thanks for reading High on Technology. Good Music To You!
©June 2025 by Mark King, it is NOT ok to copy or quote without written permission from the author
