Our Work - Case Study
Hear Technologies Hear Back Mixer
Quantum Technologies is a new company specializing in courtroom sound equipment. They developed a revolutionary product for the professional audio retail market. Quantum had a confusing brand name and only a functional prototype. Quantum wanted to have a strong presence in the market and to establish an entirely new product category.
The Concept
A new company, Hear Technologies, had a revolutionary idea. They wanted to put control of music and sound back in the hands of musicians by offering them a superior musical experience with a product focused on audio control systems.
The Problem
Hear Technologies came to Inergi with its core electronics prototyped in a black, boxy enclosure, and a long list of needs. In fact, they were able to take advantage of Inergi’s comprehensive services − product development; branding services with an iconic logo, a catchy name, and product graphics; product instructions; exhibit design; and even packaging solutions.
The Target
Recording and live performing musicians
The Challenge
Hear Technologies needed controls with clear visual access, a no-nonsense approach to its user interface, and use of simple, off-the-shelf components to minimize tooling costs − all before their upcoming product rollout at a make-or-break trade show. It also required the "cool" look and feel of a professional flagship music product. This innovation had a shot at capturing a large part of the live and recorded music and broadcast market, so Hear Technologies wanted every aspect of its development and release to hit just the right note − that’s why they came to Inergi.
The Solution
Inergi's application of its Design/Build/Design & Refine philosophy with rapid prototyping ensured the final look and feel struck the right chord with musicians. By coordinating closely with the client to design enclosure parts that worked in concert with pc boards, Inergi truly enhanced the experience for musicians. The device included Original Equipment Manufacturer control knobs familiar to musicians that were easy to see and reach and a set of control functions that were simple and intuitive.
Marketing branding efforts gave the product the hit name of Hear Back and the cool icon, Hear Back Jack. An eye-catching, full color brochure, clear succinct instructions, attractive but functional packaging, and an exhibit booth worthy of such an ground-breaking tool, all consistently rounded out Inergi’s solutions for Hear.
The Result
Hear is now recognized as a market leader in network-based audio control systems. What use to take hours for musicians to relay their sound preferences now takes moments as musicians customizes their own system.
The industrial design and engineering solutions for Hear Back hit the bull’s eye. And the branding and promotional efforts were equally successful. The Hear Back product received accolades in the music press, from musicians themselves, and from broadcasters who are now more in control than before.
The Hear Technologies system appears in use regularly in such high profile settings as ABC News, on the stage in Central Park, in the sound studios of Muscle Shoals, and at Disney World in Orlando.
Disciplines Involved
Project Photos
