When it comes to live sound equipment, choosing the right brand can make a significant difference in the quality and reliability of your audio experience. Whether you're a professional sound engineer or a passionate musician, the best brands in the industry offer a wide range of products that cater to various needs and budgets. These brands are recognized for their innovative technology, robust construction, and superior sound quality, making them a top choice for live performances, concerts, and events. Below, we explore some of the leading brands in live sound equipment that consistently deliver excellence and reliability.
Illustration of live sound equipment
Best brands of live sound equipment in 2025
Shure
Shure Incorporated is widely recognized as a leading manufacturer of microphones and audio electronics, with a significant market share, including over 40% in the North American microphone market as of 2016. Founded in 1925 by Sidney N. Shure, the company has a rich history of innovation, such as the iconic Unidyne® Model 55 microphone and supplying the U.S. armed forces during World War II. Shure's commitment to quality, reliability, and technological innovation has made it a trusted brand in the audio industry, serving diverse sectors including live sound, recording, and broadcasting. The company has received top honors, such as the 2016 North America Company of the Year Award from Frost & Sullivan. With over 30 manufacturing facilities and regional sales offices globally, Shure continues to set global standards in the microphone market.
Sennheiser
Sennheiser is a leading manufacturer of high-quality live sound equipment, having generated sales of 467.7 million euros in professional audio solutions in 2022, a 26 percent increase from the previous year. The company has strengthened its position in the professional audio market, driven by increased demand for professional meeting solutions and the resurgence of the event industry. Known for its innovative products such as headphones, loudspeakers, microphones, and wireless transmission systems, Sennheiser continues to be a key player in the global professional audio equipment market, which is projected to reach $37.8 billion by 2033 with a CAGR of 6.2%. Sennheiser's focus on sustainability and customer satisfaction has enabled the company to maintain its strong market presence. The company's products are highly regarded for their quality and reliability, making them a preferred choice for live performances and audio-for-video applications. For more details on how Sennheiser strengthens its position in the professional audio market, click here.
QSC
QSC is a globally-recognized leader in the design, engineering, and manufacture of high-performance live sound equipment, including loudspeakers, digital mixers, power amplifiers, and audio processors. Founded over five decades ago, QSC is known for its award-winning products and the Q-SYS(tm) software-based audio, video, and control platform. The company serves various sectors such as corporate, education, hospitality, and cinema, and has recently been acquired by Acuity Brands for $1.215 billion, reflecting its significant market value and growth potential. QSC's innovative technologies, like the Directivity Matched Transition (DMT) technology, ensure smooth and consistent sound coverage. With approximately 900 employees and annual sales of $535 million as of August 2024, QSC continues to be a pillar of quality and service in the audio-visual industry. Find out more about QSC's offerings on their official website.
Yamaha
Yamaha is renowned as one of the leading producers of live sound equipment, earning acclaim for its reliability, superb sound, and intuitive operation. In 2024, Yamaha's audio equipment sales amounted to roughly $800 million, despite a 0.7% decrease from the previous fiscal year. The company's professional audio products, such as the RIVAGE PM digital mixing systems, are widely used in major events and by top engineers like Michael "Coach" Conner and Brad Divens. Yamaha's global market presence is significant, with 74.2% of its revenue coming from overseas markets, and it holds substantial market shares in various audio equipment categories. The company's continuous updates, such as the VST Rack V2.0 and RIVAGE PM V6.6, enhance its products' versatility and performance.
JBL Professional
JBL Professional, a leading brand in the live sound equipment market, is renowned for its high-quality and reliable products. As part of Samsung Electronics (Harman), JBL has established industry standards with its Application Engineered (AE) Series loudspeakers, extensively utilized in commercial installations such as cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs. Their products, like the VTX Series, are favored for large events, including music festivals, due to their advanced technology and versatility. Notably, the JBL VTX A12 loudspeakers and B28 and S28 subwoofers were deployed at Detroit's Movement Festival in 2022. The global professional audio market, where JBL plays a pivotal role, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2029. For more information on JBL's professional audio solutions, visit their official website.
Electro-Voice
Electro-Voice, part of the Bosch Communications Systems family, is renowned for producing some of the best live sound equipment, including professional speakers, sound monitors, and arrayable loudspeaker systems. Their product lineup, such as the EVERSE 8 revolutionary weatherproof battery-powered loudspeakers, caters to various applications including live performances, speaker reinforcement, and audio streaming. In 2022, Electro-Voice unveiled the EVERSE 8, highlighting their commitment to innovation and quality. The company's products are integral to the live music industry, with professional speakers accounting for a significant portion of the market, such as 35% of U.S. pro audio sales in 2022. Their comprehensive portfolio ensures high-quality audio reproduction, making them a preferred choice for concert venues, music festivals, and corporate events.
Allen & Heath
Allen & Heath is a renowned brand in the audio industry, specializing in the manufacture of high-quality audio mixing consoles for live sound, AV, installation, recording, and DJ applications. Founded in 1968, the company has a rich history of innovating audio technology, including custom quadraphonic mixing consoles for iconic bands like The Who and Pink Floyd. By 2001, Allen & Heath's turnover had increased tenfold after its acquisition by Harman International in 1991. The company is now part of the Audiotonix Group and is known for its advanced product lines such as the dLive, Avantis, and SQ series, which are highly regarded for their expandability and features. With a strong R&D team and a global presence, Allen & Heath continues to lead in mixing technology.
Soundcraft
Soundcraft, a trading division of Harman International Industries Ltd., is renowned for its high-quality live sound equipment, particularly its mixing consoles. With over 40 years of experience in sound mixing, Soundcraft's products, such as the Notepad Series, combine analogue control surfaces with advanced features like high-grade preamps, British EQ, and Lexicon(r) effects. Soundcraft holds a significant market share, with its parent company Harman International contributing 7.18% of the revenue market share in 2018. Their commitment to technological innovation and user-friendly interfaces has established a strong foothold in the industry. Soundcraft's products are highly regarded for their reliability and industry-specific adaptations, making them a preferred choice among professionals in the audio industry.
Bose Professional
Bose Professional is a leading brand in the live sound equipment market, known for its innovative and high-quality audio products. The company holds a significant share of over 15% in the sound reinforcement market and is renowned for its proprietary technologies such as Bose Professional, Bose L1 systems, and Bose Portable PA systems. These systems are widely used in various venues and events globally, providing superior sound quality and reliability. Bose Professional has been expanding its operations, including a new hybrid sales model in the US, and has been acquired by Transom Capital in April 2023, retaining its core engineering and product management teams. The brand continues to grow, with the global professional audio market expected to reach USD 16.08 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2029. For more information, visit their official website.
Mackie
Mackie, a leading developer and marketer of high-quality, affordable professional audio systems, is renowned for its exceptional live sound equipment. As a privately owned company under the parent division, LOUD Audio, LLC, Mackie's products are widely used in professional and project recording studios, video and broadcast suites, post-production facilities, and sound reinforcement applications including churches and nightclubs. Mackie's equipment is also a staple in major musical tours and retail locations. With a strong presence in the market, Mackie contributes to the growth of the live sound mixer market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.90% from 2023 to 2030.
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