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{{Use British English|date=April 2018}}
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'''Phil Dudderidge''' (born 6 February 1949 in [[Watford]], England) is an [[English people|English]] sound engineer. He is a notable figure in the [[professional audio]] industry, having worked as [[Led Zeppelin]]'s first dedicated live soundman, and later co-founding [[Soundcraft|Soundcraft Electronics]] before serving as Chairman of [[Focusrite | Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd.]]
'''Philip Stephen Dudderidge''' {{postnominals|country=GBR|size=100%|OBE}} (born 6 February 1949 in [[Radlett]], England) is a British sound engineering entrepreneur. He is a notable figure in the [[professional audio]] industry, having worked as [[Led Zeppelin]]'s concert sound mixer, and later co-founding [[Soundcraft|Soundcraft Electronics]] Ltd before serving as Chairman of [[Focusrite | Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd.]]


==Early years==
==Early years==
Phil Dudderidge was born in 1949, the second son and fourth child of [[John Dudderidge]] OBE and Dr. Evelyn Dudderidge.
⚫
Dudderidge attended [[Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School]] in [[Elstree]], [[Hertfordshire]], but dropped out of school at the age of 17. In 1967, he worked for the noted UK underground newspaper ''[[International Times]]'' delivering the paper and posters from Osiris Visions to outlets around London. While there, he met Osiris Visions owner and record producer / band manager [[Joe Boyd]] and ended up working as a roadie / chauffeur for [[Fairport Convention]] and the [[Incredible String Band]]. Dudderidge later worked with [[Pete Brown]] and The Battered Ornaments and [[Soft Machine]].<ref>[http://www.focusrite.com/company/chairman Mini Autobiography of the Focusrite Chairman] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100730064851/http://www.focusrite.com/company/chairman |date=2010-07-30 }}</ref>

⚫
Dudderidge attended [[Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School]] in [[Elstree]], [[Hertfordshire]], but dropped out of school at the age of 17 to work for Gerald Frankel at CAPS Research Ltd. In 1967, he got a job with noted UK underground newspaper ''[[International Times]]'' delivering the paper and posters from Osiris Visions to outlets around London. While working there, he met Osiris Visions owner and record producer / band manager [[Joe Boyd]] and became a roadie / chauffeur for [[Fairport Convention]] and subsequently the [[Incredible String Band]]. Dudderidge later worked with [[Pete Brown]] and The Battered Ornaments and [[Soft Machine]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.focusrite.com/company/chairman|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100730064851/http://www.focusrite.com/company/chairman|url-status=dead|title=Mini Autobiography of the Focusrite Chairman|archivedate=30 July 2010|accessdate=23 August 2020}}</ref>


==Live sound==
==Live sound==
In 1970, Charlie Watkins (of WEM PA fame) introduced Dudderidge to [[Led Zeppelin]], beginning not only Dudderidge's first live sound engineer assignment, but also the notable position of Led Zeppelin's first dedicated live sound engineer (and "WEM expert"). This job lasted from March to May 1970, encompassing tour dates in both Europe and the U.S.<ref>[http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jun08/articles/ledzeppelin.htm , Mixing Led Zeppelin then... and now, Performing Musician, June 2008]</ref>
In 1970, [[Charlie Watkins (audio engineer)|Charlie Watkins]] (of WEM PA fame) introduced Dudderidge to Peter Grant, manager of [[Led Zeppelin]], beginning not only Dudderidge's first concert sound engineering assignment, but also it is believed the notable position of Led Zeppelin's first dedicated live sound engineer (and "WEM expert"). This job lasted from March to May 1970, encompassing tour dates in both Europe and the U.S.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jun08/articles/ledzeppelin.htm|title=, Mixing Led Zeppelin then... and now, Performing Musician, June 2008|website=Performing-musician.com|accessdate=23 August 2020}}</ref> The tour almost killed him due to lack of sleep and near misses on the road, and he chose to leave the band to work in the live sound industry.


While house engineer for the Implosion concerts at the Roundhouse in London, Dudderidge worked with [[Hiwatt]] to develop professional [[sound reinforcement system]]s.<ref>[http://hiwatt.org/history.html Hiwatt.org, Company History]</ref> He then partnered with Paul Dobson and [[Graham Blyth]] to form his first company, RSD, building custom PA systems for [[Roy Wood]]'s [[Wizzard]] and [[Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel]] amongst others, with custom-built mixing consoles derived from a Bill Kelsey original design.<ref>Fred Goodman, "Keeping It All In Focus," Pro Sound News, Nov 2010, p. 74</ref> During the '70s, Blyth and Dudderidge with Roger Lindsay, owned Europa Concert Systems, a live sound company that catered to American bands touring Europe.<ref>[http://www.tpimagazine.com/Chronicle/368609/roger_lindsay.html Roger Lindsay, TPI Magazine, Nov 2009] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091215213927/http://www.tpimagazine.com/Chronicle/368609/roger_lindsay.html |date=2009-12-15 }}</ref>
While working for Hiwatt Amplification (1970-1971) he became house engineer for the Implosion concerts at the Roundhouse in London, providing the Hiwatt PA and backline equipment.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hiwatt.org/history.html|title=MHuss Hiwatt Amplifier Pages - History|website=Hiwatt.org|accessdate=23 August 2020}}</ref> He then partnered with Paul Dobson and [[Graham Blyth]] to form his first company, RSD, building custom PA systems for [[Roy Wood]]'s [[Wizzard]] and [[Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel]] amongst others, with custom-built mixing consoles derived from a Bill Kelsey original design.<ref>Fred Goodman, "Keeping It All In Focus," Pro Sound News, Nov 2010, p. 74</ref> During the '70s, Blyth and Dudderidge with Roger Lindsay, owned Europa Concert Systems, a live sound company that catered to American bands touring Europe and providing monitor systems for The BBC's Old Grey Whistle Test TV shows.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tpimagazine.com/Chronicle/368609/roger_lindsay.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091215213927/http://www.tpimagazine.com/Chronicle/368609/roger_lindsay.html|url-status=dead|title=Roger Lindsay, TPI Magazine, Nov 2009|archivedate=15 December 2009|accessdate=23 August 2020}}</ref>


== Soundcraft ==
== Soundcraft ==
In 1973, Dudderidge and Blyth left RSD to form [[Soundcraft | Soundcraft Electronics, Ltd.]],<ref>[http://www.musiciansnews.com/so/soundcraft/soundcraft_graham_blyth_receives_fellowship_award.shtml MusiciansNews.com, "Soundcraft's Graham Blyth receives Fellowship Award"] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.is/20120903160842/http://www.musiciansnews.com/so/soundcraft/soundcraft_graham_blyth_receives_fellowship_award.shtml |date=2012-09-03 }}</ref> the company specializing in live sound and recording mixing consoles. Dudderidge's involvement with this company also led to his working with notable pro audio industry figures Betty Bennett (now CEO of [[Apogee Electronics | Apogee Electronics Corporation]]), Wayne Freeman (of Trident USA, Fairlight, Amek, Otari, and most notably Marshall Electronics), and Shane Morris (designer of the ATI Paragon monitor console and later of [[PRS Guitars]]).<ref>[http://www.prosoundnews.com/article/25386 Pro Sound News, "Wayne Freeman 1947-2009"]</ref><ref>[http://mixonline.com/mag/audio_second_british_invasion/ Chris Michie, "The Second British Invasion: UK Technology In The U.S. Live Sound Market," Mix Magazine, May 1999]</ref> 15 years later, in 1988, Soundcraft, firmly established as a leading console brand, was sold to [[Harman International Industries]].
In 1973, Dudderidge and Blyth left RSD to form [[Soundcraft | Soundcraft Electronics, Ltd.]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.musiciansnews.com/so/soundcraft/soundcraft_graham_blyth_receives_fellowship_award.shtml|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20120903160842/http://www.musiciansnews.com/so/soundcraft/soundcraft_graham_blyth_receives_fellowship_award.shtml|url-status=dead|title=MusiciansNews.com, "Soundcraft's Graham Blyth receives Fellowship Award"|archivedate=3 September 2012|accessdate=23 August 2020}}</ref> the company specializing in live sound and recording mixing consoles. Dudderidge's involvement with this company also led to his working with notable pro audio industry figures Betty Bennett (now CEO of [[Apogee Electronics | Apogee Electronics Corporation]]), Wayne Freeman (of Trident USA, Fairlight, Amek, Otari, and most notably Marshall Electronics), and Shane Morris (designer of the ATI Paragon monitor console and later of [[PRS Guitars]]).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.prosoundnews.com/article/25386|title=Pro Sound News, "Wayne Freeman 1947-2009"|website=Prosoundnews.com|accessdate=23 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mixonline.com/mag/audio_second_british_invasion/|title=Chris Michie, "The Second British Invasion: UK Technology In The U.S. Live Sound Market," Mix Magazine, May 1999|website=Mixonline.com|accessdate=23 August 2020}}</ref> 15 years later, in 1988, Soundcraft, firmly established as a leading console brand, was sold to [[Harman International Industries]].


== Focusrite ==
== Focusrite ==
Dudderidge left Soundcraft in early 1989 and formed a new company, [[Focusrite | Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd.]] to continue to develop and manufacture Focusrite products after it acquired the assets of [[Rupert Neve]]'s company, Focusrite Ltd., thus inheriting the Focusrite range designed prior to 1989.<ref>[http://rupertneve.com/company/history/1980/ Company History, Rupert Neve Designs]</ref> Focusrite acquired the assets of [[Novation Electronic Music Systems]] in 2004 and the Novation brand became integrated into the business. Focusrite established Focusrite Novation Inc. to represent its interests in the United States and manage marketing and Tier One reseller relationships.<ref>[http://www.mi-pro.co.uk/index.php/news/read/focusrite-forms-us-subsidiary/014077 Focusrite forms US subsidiary]</ref> FNI is based in Los Angeles, CA. Focusrite UK also distributes third-party brands from [[Gibson Guitar Corporation#Recent history|Gibson Pro Audio]], notably [[KRK Systems|KRK Loudspeakers]].
Dudderidge left Soundcraft in early 1989 and formed a new company, [[Focusrite | Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd.]] to continue to develop and manufacture Focusrite-branded products after it acquired the assets of [[Rupert Neve]]'s company, Focusrite Ltd., thus inheriting the Focusrite range designed prior to 1989.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rupertneve.com/company/history/|title=Rupert Neve History|website=Rupertneve.com|accessdate=23 August 2020}}</ref> Focusrite acquired the assets of [[Novation Electronic Music Systems]] in 2004 and the Novation brand became integrated into the business. Focusrite established Focusrite Novation Inc.(FNI) to represent its interests in the United States and manage marketing and Tier One reseller relationships.<ref>[http://www.mi-pro.co.uk/index.php/news/read/focusrite-forms-us-subsidiary/014077] {{dead link|date=August 2020}}</ref> FNI is based in Los Angeles, California.


Focusrite has been the recipient of many industry awards and most notably four Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, two for International Trade and two for Technology.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/queens-awards-for-enterprise-current-winners|title=Queens Awards previous winners|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=}}</ref>
Focusrite has been the recipient of many industry awards and most notably four Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, two for International Trade and two for Technology.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/queens-awards-for-enterprise-current-winners|title=Queens Awards previous winners|last=|first=|date=|website=Gov.uk|access-date=}}</ref>


Focusrite Plc. which incorporates Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd and subsidiaries, floated on the London AIM market in December 2014.<ref>[http://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/prices-and-markets/stocks/new-and-recent-issues/new-recent-issue-details.html?issueId=9067 Focusrite Plc - London Stock Exchange]</ref> Dudderidge is currently Executive Chairman of Focusrite Plc.<ref>[http://focusriteplc.com/management Focusrite Plc Board of Directors]</ref>
Focusrite Plc. which incorporates Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd and subsidiaries, floated on the London AIM market in December 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.londonstockexchange.com/live-markets/new-issues|title=New issues &#124; London Stock Exchange|website=Londonstockexchange.com|accessdate=23 August 2020}}</ref> Dudderidge is currently Executive Chairman of Focusrite Plc.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://focusriteplc.com/management|title=Board of Directors &#124; Focusrite PLC|website=Focusriteplc.com|accessdate=23 August 2020}}</ref>

In 2019, Focusrite Plc (Focusrite Group) acquired two professional loudspeaker companies, ADAM Audio GmbH, Berlin, and Martin Audio Ltd. Like Focusrite, Martin Audio is located in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England.

Dudderidge was appointed [[Officer of the Order of the British Empire]] (OBE) in the [[2024 New Year Honours]] for services to business and the music industry.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=64269|supp=y|page=N13|date=30 December 2023}}</ref>


==Family==
==Family==
Phil Dudderidge was born in 1949, the second son and fourth child of [[John Dudderidge]] OBE and Dr. Evelyn Dudderidge. He married Jennifer "Jenny" Hayes in 1973. The couple produced five sons and a daughter: Mr. Tim Dudderidge, Consultant Urologist and Prostate cancer expert at University Hospital Southampton; Tom Dudderidge, founder of Disruptive Ltd. (Gear4); Jamie Dudderidge; Simon Dudderidge, business telecoms sales executive; Jo Dudderidge, Musician, Songwriter and Producer (The Travelling Band, Later Youth) and Joanna Dudderidge, Photographer and Graphic Designer.
Dudderidge married Jennifer "Jenny" Hayes in 1973. The couple produced five sons and a daughter: Mr. Tim Dudderidge, Consultant Urologist and prostate cancer expert at University Hospital Southampton; Tom Dudderidge, Co-Founder of Ballinger & Co; Jamie Dudderidge, Managing Director at I-Blason UK; Simon Dudderidge, Founder and Managing Director at Comsense Ltd; Jo Dudderidge, musician, songwriter and producer (The Travelling Band, Later Youth) and Joanna Dudderidge, photographer and graphic designer. Phil and Jenny have twelve grandchildren.


==References==
==References==
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*[http://www.soundcraft.com/index.aspx Soundcraft home page]
*[http://www.soundcraft.com/index.aspx Soundcraft home page]
*[https://www.namm.org/library/oral-history/phil-dudderidge Interview with Phil Dudderidge - NAMM Oral History Library (2014)]
*[https://www.namm.org/library/oral-history/phil-dudderidge Interview with Phil Dudderidge - NAMM Oral History Library (2014)]

{{Harman International Industries}}
{{Harman International Industries}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dudderidge, Phil}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dudderidge, Phil}}
[[Category:English audio engineers]]
[[Category:English audio engineers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Watford]]
[[Category:People from Radlett]]
[[Category:1949 births]]
[[Category:1949 births]]
[[Category:Officers of the Order of the British Empire]]

Latest revision as of 01:37, 30 May 2024

Philip Stephen Dudderidge OBE (born 6 February 1949 in Radlett, England) is a British sound engineering entrepreneur. He is a notable figure in the professional audio industry, having worked as Led Zeppelin's concert sound mixer, and later co-founding Soundcraft Electronics Ltd before serving as Chairman of Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd.

Early years

[edit]

Phil Dudderidge was born in 1949, the second son and fourth child of John Dudderidge OBE and Dr. Evelyn Dudderidge.

Dudderidge attended Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School in Elstree, Hertfordshire, but dropped out of school at the age of 17 to work for Gerald Frankel at CAPS Research Ltd. In 1967, he got a job with noted UK underground newspaper International Times delivering the paper and posters from Osiris Visions to outlets around London. While working there, he met Osiris Visions owner and record producer / band manager Joe Boyd and became a roadie / chauffeur for Fairport Convention and subsequently the Incredible String Band. Dudderidge later worked with Pete Brown and The Battered Ornaments and Soft Machine.[1]

Live sound

[edit]

In 1970, Charlie Watkins (of WEM PA fame) introduced Dudderidge to Peter Grant, manager of Led Zeppelin, beginning not only Dudderidge's first concert sound engineering assignment, but also it is believed the notable position of Led Zeppelin's first dedicated live sound engineer (and "WEM expert"). This job lasted from March to May 1970, encompassing tour dates in both Europe and the U.S.[2] The tour almost killed him due to lack of sleep and near misses on the road, and he chose to leave the band to work in the live sound industry.

While working for Hiwatt Amplification (1970-1971) he became house engineer for the Implosion concerts at the Roundhouse in London, providing the Hiwatt PA and backline equipment.[3] He then partnered with Paul Dobson and Graham Blyth to form his first company, RSD, building custom PA systems for Roy Wood's Wizzard and Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel amongst others, with custom-built mixing consoles derived from a Bill Kelsey original design.[4] During the '70s, Blyth and Dudderidge with Roger Lindsay, owned Europa Concert Systems, a live sound company that catered to American bands touring Europe and providing monitor systems for The BBC's Old Grey Whistle Test TV shows.[5]

Soundcraft

[edit]

In 1973, Dudderidge and Blyth left RSD to form Soundcraft Electronics, Ltd.,[6] the company specializing in live sound and recording mixing consoles. Dudderidge's involvement with this company also led to his working with notable pro audio industry figures Betty Bennett (now CEO of Apogee Electronics Corporation), Wayne Freeman (of Trident USA, Fairlight, Amek, Otari, and most notably Marshall Electronics), and Shane Morris (designer of the ATI Paragon monitor console and later of PRS Guitars).[7][8] 15 years later, in 1988, Soundcraft, firmly established as a leading console brand, was sold to Harman International Industries.

Focusrite

[edit]

Dudderidge left Soundcraft in early 1989 and formed a new company, Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd. to continue to develop and manufacture Focusrite-branded products after it acquired the assets of Rupert Neve's company, Focusrite Ltd., thus inheriting the Focusrite range designed prior to 1989.[9] Focusrite acquired the assets of Novation Electronic Music Systems in 2004 and the Novation brand became integrated into the business. Focusrite established Focusrite Novation Inc.(FNI) to represent its interests in the United States and manage marketing and Tier One reseller relationships.[10] FNI is based in Los Angeles, California.

Focusrite has been the recipient of many industry awards and most notably four Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, two for International Trade and two for Technology.[11]

Focusrite Plc. which incorporates Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd and subsidiaries, floated on the London AIM market in December 2014.[12] Dudderidge is currently Executive Chairman of Focusrite Plc.[13]

In 2019, Focusrite Plc (Focusrite Group) acquired two professional loudspeaker companies, ADAM Audio GmbH, Berlin, and Martin Audio Ltd. Like Focusrite, Martin Audio is located in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England.

Dudderidge was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2024 New Year Honours for services to business and the music industry.[14]

Family

[edit]

Dudderidge married Jennifer "Jenny" Hayes in 1973. The couple produced five sons and a daughter: Mr. Tim Dudderidge, Consultant Urologist and prostate cancer expert at University Hospital Southampton; Tom Dudderidge, Co-Founder of Ballinger & Co; Jamie Dudderidge, Managing Director at I-Blason UK; Simon Dudderidge, Founder and Managing Director at Comsense Ltd; Jo Dudderidge, musician, songwriter and producer (The Travelling Band, Later Youth) and Joanna Dudderidge, photographer and graphic designer. Phil and Jenny have twelve grandchildren.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Mini Autobiography of the Focusrite Chairman". Archived from the original on 30 July 2010. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  2. ^ ", Mixing Led Zeppelin then... and now, Performing Musician, June 2008". Performing-musician.com. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  3. ^ "MHuss Hiwatt Amplifier Pages - History". Hiwatt.org. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  4. ^ Fred Goodman, "Keeping It All In Focus," Pro Sound News, Nov 2010, p. 74
  5. ^ "Roger Lindsay, TPI Magazine, Nov 2009". Archived from the original on 15 December 2009. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  6. ^ "MusiciansNews.com, "Soundcraft's Graham Blyth receives Fellowship Award"". Archived from the original on 3 September 2012. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  7. ^ "Pro Sound News, "Wayne Freeman 1947-2009"". Prosoundnews.com. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  8. ^ "Chris Michie, "The Second British Invasion: UK Technology In The U.S. Live Sound Market," Mix Magazine, May 1999". Mixonline.com. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  9. ^ "Rupert Neve History". Rupertneve.com. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  10. ^ [1] [dead link]
  11. ^ "Queens Awards previous winners". Gov.uk.
  12. ^ "New issues | London Stock Exchange". Londonstockexchange.com. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  13. ^ "Board of Directors | Focusrite PLC". Focusriteplc.com. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  14. ^ "No. 64269". The London Gazette (Supplement). 30 December 2023. p. N13.
[edit]
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