Orban (audio processing)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Audio electronics |
| Founded | 1967 |
| Founder | Bob Orban |
| Headquarters | New Jersey , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Audio processors (Optimod series) |
| Parent | Daysequerra |
| Website | www |
Orban is a global manufacturer specializing in audio processors designed for broadcasters in radio, television, and online radio sectors. The company’s origins trace back to 1967 when its founder, Bob Orban, sold his initial product.[1] Initially, the business was headquartered in San Francisco, California.[2]
History
The inception of Orban dates to 1967 when Bob Orban developed and sold a stereo synthesizer to WOR-FM in New York City, preceding his attainment of a master's degree from Stanford University by one year.[1] He collaborated with synthesizer innovators Bernie Krause and Paul Beaver to market his creations.[1] By 1970, Orban had set up manufacturing and design operations in San Francisco.[2] In 1975, Bob Orban joined forces with John Delantoni to establish Orban Associates.[3] The company was acquired by Harman International in 1989, subsequently relocating to nearby San Leandro in 1991.[2] In 2000, Circuit Research Labs (CRL) purchased Orban,[4] and by 2005, manufacturing was shifted to Tempe, Arizona, while the design team remained in the San Francisco Bay Area.[2] In 2006, Orban expanded its presence into Germany by acquiring Dialog4 System Engineering located in Ludwigsburg.[3] The Arizona-based Orban USA took over the German company in 2009.[2] Ownership transferred to Daysequerra in 2016, with production moving to New Jersey.[3] By 2020, Orban Labs unified its divisions and optimized operations, appointing Orban Europe GmbH as the global sales entity for all Orban products.[1]
Throughout its history, Orban has introduced several notable audio-processing devices. Among them is the Orban Optimod 8000, recognized as the first processor integrating both FM processing and a stereo generator within a single unit—an innovative concept at that time. This processor uniquely addressed the 75 μs pre-emphasis curve used in FM, which often results in lower average modulation levels coupled with numerous peaks.
Successors included the highly popular Orban Optimod 8100 and the trailblazing Orban Optimod 8200—the first widely successful fully digital signal processor. This model featured a two-band AGC system followed by either five-band or two-band processing stages incorporating phase cancellation techniques to reduce clipping distortion. Additionally, processors tailored for AM and digital broadcasting were developed, such as the Orban Optimod 9200 and the Optimod 6200—the latter being the inaugural processor dedicated solely to digital television, digital radio, and Internet radio platforms.
During the early 21st century, Orban continued innovating with releases like the Optimod 8400 (2000), Optimod 8500 (2005), and Optimod 8600 (2010).
Present day
The company's product portfolio currently features its premier audio processor, the Optimod-FM 5950. Additional devices offered include the Orban Optimod-FM 5750, the Trio, the Optimod PCn1600 designed for digital, internet, and mastering purposes, as well as the XPN-AM/Optimod 9300 tailored for AM broadcasting.
External links
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedObranTimeline - ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Thomas, Susan L. (December 8, 2005). "Orban moves manufacturing to Arizona". San Francisco Business Times. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 McLane, Paul (August 22, 2016). "DaySequerra and Its Hopes for Orban". Radio World. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
- ↑ Staff (June 13, 2000). "Orban Price Cut As Sale To CRL Closes". Radio World. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
- Electronics companies established in 1967
- 1967 establishments in California
- 1989 mergers and acquisitions
- 2000 mergers and acquisitions
- 2009 mergers and acquisitions
- 2016 mergers and acquisitions
- Manufacturing companies based in the San Francisco Bay Area
- Audio electronics
- Harman International
- Signal processing