HARMAN International
ActiveOverview
HARMAN International engineers and manufactures audio, video, and lighting products for live performance, audio recording, large venues, automotive, and consumer markets. Operating as an independent subsidiary of Samsung Electronics since 2017, it focuses on connected technologies and solutions for consumers, automakers, and enterprises worldwide.12
History
Founded by Sidney Harman in 1980 after reacquiring businesses sold earlier, HARMAN International went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 1986 and grew through acquisitions including Soundcraft (1988), Becker Radio (1995), and others like AKG, Lexicon, and JBL. It expanded into automotive and software with purchases such as Symphony Teleca (2015) and TowerSec (2016). Samsung Electronics acquired the company in 2017 for integration into connected experiences, with recent milestones including acquiring Sound United (2025) and opening a European Consumer Audio Engineering Lab (2024).12
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| JBL Professional Audio | Live sound and studio monitoring | $200 - $5,000 |
| AKG Headphones and Microphones | Professional recording and performance | $100 - $1,500 |
| Crown Amplifiers | High-power pro audio amplification | $500 - $10,000 |
| Soundcraft Mixing Consoles | Live and studio mixing solutions | $300 - $3,000 |
| Lexicon Processors | Digital signal processing effects | $400 - $2,500 |
| BSS Audio Systems | Installed sound control processors | $1,000 - $8,000 |
Manufacturing
HARMAN manufactures products across facilities in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, supporting its global workforce of approximately 26,000.1 Production involves both in-house engineering and acquired technologies from brands like JBL and AKG, with recent expansions such as the European Consumer Audio Engineering Lab in Denmark (2024).1
Notable Products
- JBL VRX Line Arrays - Professional line array systems for large venues and touring.
- AKG C414 Microphone - Multi-pattern condenser microphone used in studios worldwide.
- Crown I-Tech Amplifiers - High-power touring amplifiers with DSP control.
- Soundcraft Vi Series Consoles - Digital mixing desks for live sound reinforcement.
- Lexicon PCM Reverb - Industry-standard digital reverb processors.
- BSS Soundweb London - Networked audio processors for installed systems.
Reputation
HARMAN's professional audio brands like JBL, Crown, and AKG are respected by live sound engineers and studios for reliability and performance in demanding environments.12 Professionals value the integration of acquired technologies and innovations like early Bluetooth in cars (2004).1 Criticisms include perceptions of diluted focus post-Samsung acquisition, with some enthusiasts noting variability in consumer-grade quality compared to pro lines.2