Nady Systems, Inc.
| Private | |
| Industry | Consumer and professional audio electronics |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Founder | John Nady |
| Headquarters | Emeryville, California, United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | wireless microphone systems, Microphones, headphones and earphones, speakers, amplifiers, mixers, digital sound processors |
| Website | www.nady.com |
Nady Systems, Inc. is a professional / consumer audio products manufacturer based in Emeryville, California. Founded by John Nady in 1976 utilizing the modern wireless microphone technology that he developed, Nady Systems went on to manufacture numerous wireless products and other innovative audio products that have changed the face of live music production—onstage and in the studio. The original focus of Nady products was electronic audio gear for the entertainment industry, but over the years Nady products have been widely used in many other markets—schools, churches / houses of worship, public speaking, and a long list of other varied applications. Today, Nady is known not just for their extensive line of wireless microphones as well as a broad range of audio gear including mixers, amplifiers, rack units, portable sound systems, speakers, headphones, hard-wired microphones, digital sound processors and more.
Company History
John Nady, an electronics engineer/musician and founder/CEO of Nady Systems, was the first to tackle the complex issue of noise reduction in wireless microphones. In the early 1970’s, he developed and patented a companding process for wireless which significantly improved sound quality / dynamic range. Nady was the first to offer this technology for wireless microphones in 1976. Based on his developments, Nady is widely recognized as the “father of the modern wireless microphone”.
Nady’s original marketing was focused strictly on the music and entertainment industries and by 1985, more than 80% of the world’s tops performing acts were using Nady wireless. Nady introduced the concept of wireless technology to many of the biggest name headliners at that time including Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Styx, Neil Young…and the Rolling Stones. Nady also entered the television/broadcasting market, with the fledgling wireless used on the Golden Globe Awards Show, Grammy Awards Show and the Lawrence Welk Show, among others. In 1987, Nady introduced the first high performance/ affordable wireless microphone-the 101/201 Series-which helped make wireless microphone technology a universal phenomenon. Nady is widely credited with having developed many other “firsts”: the first In-Ear Monitor System (1978), the first PLL Synthesized UHF Frequency agile wireless (1991), the first ultra light wireless head microphone for professional stage performance (1982), the first wireless guitar and bass with built-in transmitter (1985), the first studio condenser microphone and rack gear under $100 (early 2000’s), the first affordable studio ribbon microphones (2005). Over the years, Nady has continued to introduce a host of other innovative pro audio/consumer products with an emphasis on affordability.
Timeline
1968 John Nady develops Nasty Cordless prototype for world’s first plug-in guitar transmitter.
1976 John Nady establishes Nasty Cordless, Inc, developing and marketing the first wireless systems under the Nasty Cordless name/logo.
1977 Nasty Cordless quickly garners support from the music industry and receives testimonials from Aerosmith, Van Halen, Styx, Neil Young and many other top bands.
1978 As the company grows, the name is changed to Nady Systems.
1979 Nady introduces the first wireless handheld microphone transmitter with internal hidden antenna.
1981 Mick Jagger takes his Nady wireless on the road and the Stones use a complete wireless stage setup of 12 simultaneous channels encompassing all microphones and instruments for the first time in touring history.
1982 Nady becomes the first American Pro Audio/MI company to shift its production to Hong Kong and China, resulting in increased affordability.
1983 Nady introduces new line of telephone headsets and motorcycle electronic accessories to auxiliary markets.
1983 Nady is included in Inc. Magazine’s Top 500 (#23 of America’s 500 fastest growing private companies).
1984 Nady introduces the HM-1 Headmic, the first ultra-light headmic designed for professional stage performance.
1986 85% of Billboard’s Top 100 Acts are using Nady wireless systems.
1986 Nady introduces the Lightning and Thunder wireless guitar and bass with the first built-in transmitters.
1987 Nady introduces the 101/201 systems, the first pro wireless under $200.
1991 Nady introduces the UHF-950, the first UHF PLL frequency agile wireless.
1996 Nady receives Emmy Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for “Outstanding Technical Achievement in Pioneering Wireless Microphone Technology.”
1999 Nady expands product line to include a broad range of affordable pro audio gear for live performance and studio use (NadyAudio).
2001 Nady is first to introduce studio condenser microphones and rack gear priced below $100.
2004 Nady introduces the first affordable studio ribbon microphones.
2005 Guitar Player Magazine chooses Nady’s wireless innovation as one of the top 101 greatest, pivotal moments in guitar history.
2009 Nady introduces CenterStage, a new line of consumer audio products.
2012 Nady wireless featured in “Rock of Ages”—the Warner Brothers/New Line musical extravaganza starring Tom Cruise. Nady microphones used to convey the “authentic” wireless of the period (‘80’s rock scene).
2013 Nady partners with Realta Entertainment Group in development of music video game—Nady helped develop all hardware accessories for the game, BandFuse: Rock Legends, and also was exclusive distributor in the MI/Pro Audio market.
Awards
In 1996, Nady Systems was recognized by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences with an Emmy for Outstanding Technical Achievement in pioneering wireless microphone technology.