
Electro-Voice (EV) is an American manufacturer of audio equipment, specialising in microphones, amplifiers, and loudspeakers. The company was founded in 1927 by Lou Burroughs and Albert R. Kahn, who began servicing radio receivers in the basement of the Century Tire and Rubber Company in South Bend, Indiana. In 1930, the company developed a public address system for Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne, who had difficulty projecting his voice during practices. Rockne referred to the system as his electric voice, which inspired the company's name, Electro-Voice. The company has since expanded its operations and, as of 2006, is a subdivision of Bosch Communications Systems Inc. Electro-Voice's headquarters were previously located in Buchanan, Michigan, but it is unclear whether this changed after the company merged with Telex Communications in 1998.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Founding location | South Bend, Indiana |
| Year founded | 1927 |
| Founders | Lou Burroughs and Albert R. Kahn |
| Current headquarters | N/A |
| Former headquarters | Buchanan, Michigan |
| Parent company | Bosch Communications Systems Inc. |
| Year acquired by Bosch | 2006 |
| Specialization | Audio equipment |
| Product examples | Microphones, amplifiers, loudspeakers |
| Markets served | Consumers, concert venues, broadcasting, houses of worship, retail |
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What You'll Learn

Electro-Voice headquarters were in Buchanan, Michigan
Electro-Voice (EV) is an American manufacturer of audio equipment, including microphones, amplifiers, and loudspeakers. The company was founded in 1927 by Lou Burroughs and Albert R. Kahn, who initially ran a small business servicing radio receivers in the basement of the Century Tire and Rubber Company in South Bend, Indiana. In 1930, the company designed a PA system for Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne, who had difficulty projecting his voice during practices due to health issues. Rockne referred to the system as his "electric voice", which inspired the company's name, Electro-Voice.
In 1946, Electro-Voice moved its headquarters to Buchanan, Michigan, to accommodate its growing operations. The new facility in Buchanan allowed EV to expand its engineering efforts and venture into new product lines. During this period, EV made significant strides in the audio industry, such as developing phonograph pickup cartridges and producing the first automatic TV booster. They also started designing and manufacturing a consumer loudspeaker line, recognising the growing public interest in high-fidelity music listening.
The Buchanan facility played a pivotal role in EV's innovation and success. It was here that EV created groundbreaking products like the Compound Diffraction Horn, which transformed the design and performance of traditional cone-shaped paging horns. This innovation led to widespread adoption in high-noise environments, including aircraft carriers. Additionally, EV's expertise in noise-cancelling technology, cultivated during World War II with the development of the noise-cancelling T45 lip microphone, continued to prove invaluable in various applications.
However, the Electro-Voice facility in Buchanan, Michigan, also faced environmental challenges. The site became contaminated due to the discharge of electroplating and paint wastes, leading to groundwater pollution with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). As a result, the facility closed down in 2000, and remediation efforts began to address the environmental concerns.
Today, Electro-Voice is a subdivision of Bosch Communications Systems Inc., continuing its legacy of innovation in audio technology. The company designs and engineers its products in the USA, maintaining its commitment to delivering best-in-class performance and sound quality. Electro-Voice's passion for sound quality and its deep understanding of audio have solidified its position as a leader in the industry.
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The company was founded in South Bend, Indiana
Electro-Voice (EV) is an American manufacturer of audio equipment, including microphones, amplifiers, and loudspeakers. The company was founded in South Bend, Indiana, in 1927 by Lou Burroughs and Albert R. Kahn. The pair started a small business called Radio Engineers, servicing radio receivers in the basement of the Century Tire and Rubber Company.
Due to financial difficulties caused by the Great Depression, Burroughs and Kahn decided to shift their focus to audio products. They identified an opportunity in the market to improve upon the poor quality and high prices of existing microphones. With this in mind, they purchased a lathe and a drill and began producing around one microphone per week.
In 1930, Burroughs and Kahn designed a public address system for Notre Dame's football coach, Knute Rockne, who had difficulty projecting his voice during practices due to health issues. Rockne dubbed the system his "electric voice", and this inspired the company's new name, Electro-Voice. By 1933, the company's previous debts had been paid off, and they began hiring more manufacturing employees.
Over the years, Electro-Voice has continued to innovate in the field of sound reinforcement solutions, becoming a leader in the industry. The company has a rich history of designing and engineering leading-edge products that empower performers, exceed the expectations of audio professionals, and elevate the audience experience. In 1946, EV moved to a larger facility in Buchanan, Michigan, and expanded its engineering efforts, developing new products such as phonograph pickup cartridges, automatic TV boosters, and consumer loudspeakers. Today, Electro-Voice is a part of the Bosch Communications Systems family of brands and continues to innovate and deliver high-quality sound solutions worldwide.
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EV is a subdivision of Bosch Communications Systems
Electro-Voice (EV) is an American manufacturer of audio equipment, including microphones, amplifiers, and loudspeakers. It was founded in 1927 by Lou Burroughs and Albert R. Kahn, who initially ran a small business servicing radio receivers in South Bend, Indiana. The company has since grown and evolved, focusing on pro audio applications such as sound reinforcement and commercial and residential audiovisual installations.
In 2006, EV became a subdivision of Bosch Communications Systems Inc., which is a business unit of Bosch Security Systems. This acquisition brought EV under the Bosch Communications Systems umbrella, which also includes other professional audio product brands such as Telex, RTS, Dynacord, Midas, and Klark Teknik.
As a subdivision of Bosch Communications Systems, EV continues to market and manufacture a range of audio equipment. Their products are used in various settings, from small to large concert venues, broadcasting, houses of worship, and retail situations. EV is known for its commitment to excellence in professional audio equipment, with a rich history spanning over 90 years.
The company has made significant contributions to audio technology, including the development of noise-canceling microphones during World War II, which were instrumental in fighter and bomber airplane, tank, battleship, and ground troop radio communications. They have also introduced innovative products like the Compound Diffraction Horn in 1952, which changed the look and performance of traditional cone-shaped paging horns, and the Constant Directivity Horn in 1978, which produced an even balance of frequencies across the listening field.
EV's loudspeakers and microphones are designed and engineered in the USA, ensuring superior sound quality, durability, and performance. The company's products are used in a wide range of applications, from world tours and professional studios to school auditoriums, delivering best-in-class sound experiences.
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EV manufactures broadcast microphones and loudspeakers
Electro-Voice (EV) is an American manufacturer of audio equipment, specialising in microphones, amplifiers, and loudspeakers. Since 2006, EV has been a subdivision of Bosch Communications Systems Inc., marketing its products for use in broadcasting, concert venues, houses of worship, and retail.
EV manufactures widely used broadcast microphones, loudspeakers, and other professional audio equipment. The company was founded in 1927 by Lou Burroughs and Albert R. Kahn, who initially serviced radio receivers in South Bend, Indiana. During the Great Depression, the pair found themselves insolvent and decided to pivot their business towards audio products, designing a PA system for a football coach at Notre Dame.
In 1930, Burroughs and Kahn incorporated the name "Electro-Voice", inspired by the coach's remark that their PA system was like an "electric voice". By 1933, they had paid off their previous business debts and began hiring manufacturing employees. During World War II, EV developed the noise-cancelling microphone, which was instrumental in fighter and bomber airplane, tank, battleship, and ground troop radio communications.
In 1946, EV moved to a larger facility in Buchanan, Michigan, and expanded its engineering efforts. In the following years, they successfully produced phonograph pickup cartridges, the first automatic TV booster, and a consumer loudspeaker line. In 1952, EV patented the Compound Diffraction Horn, revolutionising the design and performance of traditional cone-shaped paging horns.
EV continues to innovate and manufacture leading-edge sound reinforcement solutions, delivering best-in-class performance. The company's broadcast line, including the legendary RE20 and RE27N/D Variable-D™ vocal microphones, sets the standard for professionals worldwide.
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The company has been running for over 90 years
Electro-Voice (EV) is an American manufacturer of audio equipment, including microphones, amplifiers, and loudspeakers. For over 90 years, the company has been innovating sound solutions and delivering leading-edge sound reinforcement products.
The history of Electro-Voice began in 1927 when Lou Burroughs and Albert R. Kahn started a small business called Radio Engineers in South Bend, Indiana. The company initially serviced radio receivers but soon shifted its focus to audio products, particularly microphones. By 1930, the company was incorporated as Electro-Voice, inspired by a remark made by Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne, who described their PA system as his "electric voice."
During World War II, EV developed noise-canceling microphones that were instrumental in fighter and bomber airplane, tank, battleship, and ground troop radio communications. The company licensed the patent to the government for free, allowing other manufacturers to produce the technology for the war effort. After the war, EV moved to a larger facility in Buchanan, Michigan, and expanded its operations.
Over the years, Electro-Voice continued to innovate, introducing wireless microphones in the mid-1980s and combining high output with high-frequency response characteristics. The company has also designed and engineered award-winning portable loudspeakers, ensuring superior sound quality and reliability.
Today, as a subdivision of Bosch Communications Systems, Electro-Voice markets its products for various applications, including concerts, broadcasting, houses of worship, and retail. The company's commitment to sound quality and innovation has driven its success for over nine decades, establishing it as a leader in the audio industry.
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Frequently asked questions
Electro-Voice (EV) is an American manufacturer of audio equipment, founded in South Bend, Indiana. The company moved to a bigger facility in Buchanan, Michigan in 1946, where its headquarters remained until its merger with Telex Communications in 1998. Today, EV is a subdivision of Bosch Communications Systems.
Electro-Voice products are designed and engineered in the USA. The company previously had manufacturing plants in Michigan, Tennessee, and Ontario, Canada.
Electro-Voice manufactures audio equipment, including microphones, amplifiers, and loudspeakers. The company is known for its focus on pro audio applications such as sound reinforcement and commercial and residential audiovisual installations.











































