Amek was a British audio equipment manufacturer founded in 1973 by Graham Langley and Nick Franks. The company specialized in designing and producing high-end mixing consoles for recording studios, broadcast, and live sound applications. Amek quickly gained a reputation for their innovative designs and high-quality audio equipment.
In the early years, Amek released several influential products, including the M1000 and Angela mixing consoles. The Angela, introduced in 1983, became one of the most popular recording consoles of its time, known for its exceptional sound quality and flexibility.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Amek continued to innovate with consoles like the Einstein, Mozart, and Hendrix. The Mozart, released in the early 1990s, featured advanced automation and recall capabilities, which were groundbreaking at the time. The Hendrix console, named after Jimi Hendrix, was noted for its superior preamps and equalizers.
One of the most significant milestones in Amek’s history was the introduction of the 9098i console in the late 1990s. Designed in collaboration with the legendary audio engineer Rupert Neve, the 9098i combined Neve’s renowned analog design with modern digital control, making it one of the most advanced and highly regarded consoles of its time.
In 1997, Amek was acquired by Harman International Industries, a global leader in professional audio equipment. Under Harman’s ownership, Amek continued to produce high-quality consoles, but the brand was eventually phased out in favor of Harman’s other brands, such as Soundcraft and Studer. Amek ceased operations as a distinct brand in 2005.
Despite its relatively short existence, Amek left a lasting legacy in the professional audio industry. Many of their consoles are still in use today, cherished for their exceptional sound quality and innovative features. Amek’s commitment to excellence and innovation has had a lasting impact on the design and development of professional audio equipment.
Today, the spirit of Amek lives on through the continued use and appreciation of their products by audio professionals around the world. Additionally, Plugin Alliance has revived some of Amek’s classic designs as digital plugins, bringing the legendary Amek sound to a new generation of audio engineers and producers.