Adrian Lauder and Peter Thomas were hi-fi enthusiasts, and at some point they both purchased IMF transmission-coupled (transmission line) speakers. At that time (around 1972-73) there were only two models of speaker systems that I really liked: electrostatic Quads and those same IMFs. Peter wasn't sure why he liked them, but they seemed to have a very natural sound for speech and vocals, as well as a very good representation of the sound space in the room.
Over the course of 15 years of use, whenever they wanted to buy something to upgrade their audio system, no model could perform significantly better than what they were already used to. This fact made them think about developing their own acoustic systems.
In 1990, Peter (manager of BBC Music Studios) and Adrian (engineer at FWO Bauch) were dissatisfied with the speakers that were then commercially available for both studio and home use.
Due to their professional responsibilities, both had a close relationship with radio broadcasting, which gave them a clear understanding of audio monitoring. Enthusiasm, knowledge and a lifelong passion for music have been distilled into the first product, the BB5, an active main studio monitor with performance features as impressive as its imposing presence. The first sale of this monitor to the prestigious BBC-owned recording studio Maida Vale resulted in the creation of PMC as a company.
1991
PMC - The Professional Monitor Company was founded.
The first domestic speaker "LB1" was launched. At the time, it was the world's smallest transmission line acoustic design. It was quickly adopted by the BBC, other broadcasters, master houses and post-production houses around the world.
The first pair of BB5 XBD Active speakers, designed and manufactured by PMC, were installed at BBC Maida Vale Studios. It has been used to record thousands of classical, popular and drama sessions for BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 6 Music, including The John Peel Sessions .
PMC takes part in its first exhibition, the Association of Professional Recording Services, in London.
1992
The first dedicated production facility was opened in Watford, UK.
Launch of a two-way speaker system for studio and home - "AB1".
Word of PMC's quality spread quickly as the Athens Concert Hall received its "BB5 XBD Active" system to monitor a wide range of classical recordings.
1993
The first BB5 XBD-A system was installed at the world famous Metropolis Mastering, London. They would soon be followed by four more studios in Metropolis, all of which were used to create a phenomenal number of global hits.
The TB1 was launched, the first compact passive near-field monitor for studio and home use, still used by BBC Radio 1.
Active monitors are presented - "MB1".
1994
Production of the legendary 75mm mid-range PMC dome and 37mm tweeter begins.
1995
Production is expanding with a new plant in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire.
1996
PMC Receives Emmy Award for Excellent Recording in Disney's Timon & Pumbaa
1998
Adrian Loder (founding partner of the company) dies.
Launch of the legendary "AML1 Active Monitor", named after co-founder Adrian Michael Loder.
1999
Launch of the first home floor-standing speaker system - PMC "FB1". This model introduced the company to a global audiophile audience and received numerous accolades from the most respected audio magazines.
2000
Setting "BB5 XBD-A" to "Sony Mastering NY".
2001
There is a further expansion and doubling of production capacity with a new factory in Luton.
2002
"DB1" was released - the world's smallest acoustics with a transmission line, which was in production until 2021.
PMC is developing "IB2-P" for the JVC Surround Studio control room in Japan.
2003
Launch of the company's first three-way home speaker - "OB1". It was as innovative and important to audiophiles as the "FB1".
2004
Founding of PMC USA LLC and opening of an office in Orange County, California.
The GB1 is a compact floor-standing home speaker that is taking the home audio world by storm thanks to its performance-to-size ratio.
2006
Production of custom built-in/wall-mounted speakers that are used both at home and in the studio in stereo and surround formats. They became the basis of "Capitol Studios", "LA Dolby Atmos mix suite".
2007
The "EB1" was released, taking audiophiles to a whole new level of bass and dynamics.
Digidesign, creators of the industry standard "Pro Tools" (responsible for much of the world's recorded music), has launched the "RM1" and "RM2" active monitors, designed and manufactured by PMC.
2008
Launch of the "MB2 XBDi" home audio system, which brought studio into the home, with performance unheard of at the time.
2009
The release of the three-way speaker system "PB1i" with dual bass units and soft dome midrange, which followed the huge success of the "OB1".
Launch of the "fact" series, with the slim "fact.8", whose purity of form and sound raised the bar for other loudspeakers.
"IB2i" receives an award from "HiFi Choice" - "Product of the year 2009"
2010
Launch of "AML2" with major performance improvements to this great and sought after feature.
Three-way active monitors "IB2S-A" and "IB2 XBD-A" are presented at AES Expo in London.
The "fact.8" speaker becomes the second product to receive the "Loudspeaker of the Year" award from Hi-Fi Choice magazine.
2011
To commemorate the company's 20th anniversary, PMC is launching the aptly named "twenty" range. The success of this product was unprecedented in the company's history.
2012
Active near-field monitors of the "twotwo" series are produced. A line of high-quality reference true instruments designed for professional monitoring in supercritical environments, in stereo or surround sound.
The SE series has been introduced, consisting of "IB2", "MB2", "MB2 XBD" and the flagship "BB5". All of them feature improved resolution, musicality and truly high-end presentation. A real statement for any proud audiophile.
2013
"fact12" is the first solo design project for Oliver Thomas (now Head of Design), a three-page addition to the "fact" series that has won countless awards around the world.
PMC has partnered with the UK's National Physical Laboratory to become the only company to implement laser scanning to "see" the sound from a speaker, enabling radical new crossover and cabinet designs.
PMC is moving its headquarters to a former manor house, Holme Court, in rural Bedfordshire.
2014
The soon to be awarded worldwide "twenty.26" model is launched as the flagship of the twenty series.
The final high-definition main monitor "QB1 active" was released and subsequently installed at the world famous Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, where it became the standard for all their future recordings.
2015
Presented at NAMM is the company's "twotwo sub2" active subwoofer, which complements its "twotwo" series for monitoring in stereo and immersive formats.
PMC twenty23 received the "Best Buy 2015" award from "Hifi Review" (Hong Kong's leading audio magazine).
At AES in New York, the world's leading music producers were introduced to PMC's new flagship "QB1 XBD-A" monitors, featuring eight carbon fiber piston drivers and driven by a separate 1000-watt Class D amplifier.
2016
Developed "Laminair" aerodynamic ventilation technology to deliver faster, cleaner, more dynamic bass with clearer sound, the biggest improvement to the company's bass loading technology.
The "IB1S-AIII" reference monitor was introduced at NAMM, making this already respected three-way design even better.
The company celebrates its 25th anniversary with the release of the "twenty5" series. This line of five models was a success in all four corners of the world.
2017
Thanks to feedback from industry professionals, leading manufacturers and engineers, PMC is introducing the "MB3" and "BB6" ultra-high resolution active monitors at NAMM.
The "cor" integrated amplifier is available, incorporating the best technology from professional and local audio to create the purest analogue playback for the home.
AES showcases the "result6" plug and play monitors, bringing quality PMC to every music maker.
2018
PMC presents "fact fenestria". The flagship home audio design is the result of more than 25 years of technology and materials research and is a perfect example of PMC's holistic approach to design, delivering the purest, most transparent sound possible.
"What Hi-Fi?" awarded PMC "cor" the title - "Product of the Year".
2020
The innovative "ci" series of built-in/wall-mounted speakers has been released for studio use, home use and custom installations. Their professional experience includes installations on many of the world's leading Dolby Atmos music mixing facilities.
The Ear.net decided that the fact.12 was the best speaker they had heard in 2020. This slender three-way floor-standing system has established itself as a true standard in the field of Hi-End acoustics.
AVTech, which owns Hifi News, Hifi Choice and Home Cinema Choice in the UK, awarded the PMC twenty5i 5.1 the title of "Best Floorstanding Speaker".
2022
The flagship "fact fenestria" received a very prestigious award from "What Hi-Fi?" - "Temptation Award 2022".
PMC today
In 2023, "prodigy1" and "prodigy5" were released, a duo of speakers that capture the very essence of everything that makes PMC speakers the choice of the world's leading music producers and the most discerning audiophiles, and bring them to a much wider audience.
PMC can be found in the most respected professional studios - Teldax and Emil Berliner, creating products for major record labels Deutsche Grammophon, DECCA, Philips and Harmonia Mundi; The company's client list includes such respected studios as BBC, Dolby, DTS, Dreamworks, JVC Studio Japan, Metropolis and Sony Mastering.
PMC's manufacturing philosophy is quite simple - to design ideal monitoring solutions with the highest possible resolution without coloration or distortion. This highest level of resolution is achieved through tireless research and development into ATL (Advanced Transmission Line) loudspeaker design, speaker manufacturing technology and collaboration with Bryston, the world's leading amplifier designers.
In addition, PMC's close relationship with engineers has enabled the development of innovative solutions suitable for the latest recording technologies and changing monitoring environments. The design team has a clear vision of what should be achieved, which is why all PMC products sound the same - from the "DB1S+" all the way to the "BB5-XBD-A". The balance is neutral and dynamic, with broad directionality, making the soundstage clear and defined across a huge listening space.
The owner of PMC products is someone who chooses a new path and will not settle for anything less than the best.
