Linea Research History

Linea Research was formed in 2003 by Davey Smalley, Ben Ver, Pip Wilson, and Paul Williams, all of whom had worked together previously in the professional audio industry. Their aim was to design, develop and market innovative professional audio equipment. Having spent much time doing basic research and developing critical pieces of technology, the company produced its first product, the X-Pod Class-D amplifier with an integrated switched-mode power supply and DSP. Success followed, and to this day the X-Pod product line is being adopted by some very prestigious clients who have collectively now deployed thousands of these units. Since then the range of amplifier, DSP, network, and software products have greatly expanded, culminating in the groundbreaking M and C series of processed amplifiers and the ASC48 system controller.

Expertise and Philosophy

Our extensive experience in audio engineering and the associated key technologies places us in a unique position. The integration of Switched-Mode Power Supplies, very high power sonically transparent Class D amplifiers, networked Digital Signal Processing, and the associated control software are all non-trivial and are all areas in which we excel. These are the demanding technologies increasingly needed in modern audio systems, and Linea are able to offer them all.
Every aspect of a Linea product; be that hardware, software or DSP algorithm creation is produced by Linea’s team; we do not out-source any development work. We do this because to attain the highest performance in an efficient cost effective package requires all parts of the system to operate sympathetically together.
Linea branded products offer the industry’s best combination of features and performance while from the point of view of an OEM customer, partnering with Linea allows the deployment of leading-edge products quickly and with the minimum of investment outside their core business.

World Class Manufacturing

Having world leading technology is not enough. The staff at Linea Research also have decades of combined experience in design and manufacturing. This has resulted in the adoption of an approach that leads to very high factory gate quality. Critical to this is ‘design for manufacture’, which yields increased assembly accuracy, robust test regimes, reduced assembly time and high quality in general.
Every sub-assembly is serialised, and logged against the final product it is used in. As any changes to a sub-assembly automatically cause a change in its serial number, we are easily able to determine the exact build standard of any product.
Since our products have been designed to be largely modular, we are able to test every sub-assembly individually prior to testing the finished unit. Each product is therefore effectively tested twice. We feel that this philosophy pays dividends in terms of our proven field quality. Naturally, before shipping every single unit is soak tested and safety tested prior to leaving our factory.

Linea’s Directors

L to R: Davey Smalley, Ben Ver, Paul Williams

Ben Ver

Linea’s engineering director, Ben Ver has been designing electronic systems professionally for over thirty years. During that time, he has designed products for companies involved in industries as diverse as radio communications, robotics and high performance computing. Prior to forming Linea, he held various senior engineering and management positions in professional audio and has been responsible for the delivery of some of the industry’s most innovative products.

Davey Smalley

Heading up sales and operations, Davey Smalley is an experienced technical sales person with a passion for audio engineering. Prior to the inception of Linea, he was the sales manager for a major professional audio manufacturer. Smalley’s commercial abilities stem from a detailed technical and operational understanding of the pro-audio world; skills honed in the field while operating his own equipment rental company. Working at Linea is his perfect job; ‘Now I can dream up products and have some of the best designers in the world bring them to life – it’s just great!’

Paul Williams

Research and Development Director, Paul Williams has in excess of thirty years of experience in professional audio R&D, having innovated and designed some of the most respected products in our industry. In addition to vast experience with analogue and digital electronics, he is a respected world figure in the field of audio Digital Signal Processing, having been responsible for introducing many new techniques into the industry. That innovation is still apparent as Linea’s products feature genuinely ground-breaking DSP functionality that is simply not available in any other manufacturer’s products.

Sonnox Joins the Focusrite Group

Focusrite Group, Oxford, UK – December 20, 2022… Sonnox, the leading designer of innovative and high-quality audio processing Plug-Ins for professional and amateur audio engineers, is delighted to announce that as of today it has joined the Focusrite Group. The … Read More

Linea Research release System Engineer 8 Beta

Linea Research, UK – December 2022… Linea Research has announced the first beta release of System Engineer 8, the company’s new control and telemetry software platform. Redesigned from the ground up, System Engineer 8 provides software control over the M and … Read More

Q-Sys Plugin Control for LR

Linea Research UK, Sept 2020… Linea Research announce the introduction of their new Q-Sys Plugins supporting M and C series amplifiers. “With Linea Research amplifiers now present in wide ranging applications from Theaters and Performing Arts to Hospitality and Sports … Read More

Linea Research Powers Newly Redesigned Adriatic Resort

Funtana, Croatia – July 2020… With its seaside villages, white beaches, hilltop views, and Mediterranean climate, Croatia’s Istrian coast is a gem of the Adriatic Sea. Generations of tourists from across the European continent have long made it a must-do … Read More

Pyramid Audio Weighs In on Linea Research Amplifiers

Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, UK – March 2020… With more than three decades as a touring engineer and heading up his sound company, Pyramid Audio, Ian “Fleece” Elliott is well versed in the value of both vintage and contemporary technology. … Read More

Linea Research Appoint Distributor for Poland

Europe   – February 2020  Linea Research announce the appointment of distribution in Poland with NAW Performance Audio. NAW Performance Audio (formerly NAW Noise Art Works) – founded in 2006, quickly gained trust among demanding customers. Acting mainly in the areas … Read More

Re-Production Relies on Linea Research Touring Amplifiers

Bristol, UK—September 2019…From its bases in Suffolk and Bristol, Re-Production Productions Ltd delivers complete event production equipment and services, including sound, lighting, DJ and band equipment rentals, and more. Re-Production handles events of all sizes, including large indoor and outdoor … Read More

Union College Hockey Runs Power Play with Linea Research

Schenectady, NY – August 2019… Although Union College has only 2,600 undergraduate students, the private liberal arts college’s men’s ice hockey team competes quite successfully with much larger schools in NCAA Division 1. The Union Dutchmen even won the 2014 … Read More

ADI Finds Style and Substance in Linea Research Products

Brooklyn NY USA —May 2019… Since opening its doors in 1987, Audible Difference, Inc., has provided premium sound reinforcement services for high-profile fashion and luxury brand events, theatrical productions ranging from Broadway to regional companies, and concerts and tours. ADI … Read More

Linea Research at ISE 2019

Amsterdam, Netherlands  Linea Research will be exhibiting at the 2019 Integrated Systems Expo.  In attendance will be Davey Smalley director, Peter Collins senior sales manager and Margie Kirby marketing  as well as many of our international distributors in Hall 6 on … Read More

Linea Research Amps Deliver for Klondike Sound

Greenfield, MA — January 2019 –  Founded in 1968, Klondike Sound quickly became known as a preferred sound system provider for folk and jazz festivals in the northeastern U.S., including the renowned Newport Folk Festival. The company also provided tour support … Read More

Linea Research at Winter NAMM 2019

Anaheim, CA USA  Linea Research will be exhibiting at the 2019 Winter NAMM.  In attendance will be Rik Kirby vice president Linea Research USA and a host of national representatives upstairs in the ACC North 2 Hall on booth #18003. On … Read More

1,000 Seats at Suh Lim Church in South Korea

Daejeon, South Korea  Linea Research South Korean Distributor Sound Race are proud to announce another success in house of worship installations, Suh Lim Church main chapel audio system. We designed the system around twelve (six left and six right) Logic System … Read More

Linea Research Distribution Expanding Throughout Europe

Europe   – August 2018  Linea Research announce the expansion of their worldwide distribution network with an appointment in Russia –  “It’s been a busy season at Linea Research”, comments Davey Smalley, director of Linea Research, “and as part of our … Read More

New Rep Firm for Indiana & Western Kentucky

California, USA – It’s been a busy summer for Linea Research as we continue our rapid growth. In the USA this means expanding our team –  “with our continued success and growing brand recognition in the states we’re happy to … Read More

2,000 Seats in South Korea

Daejeon, South Korea  Linea Research South Korean Distributor Sound Race are proud to share one of their recent successes in house of worship installations, Hanbat First Church main chapel audio system. With seating for approximately 2,000, the system was designed around … Read More

Celebrate with Linea Research at InfoComm

Las Vegas, USA – June 2018 – Summertime is upon us once again, so it must be time for InfoComm.  This year in Las Vegas not only will you see the Linea Research line of networked DSP amplifiers and controllers, … Read More

48M06 Tested and Reviewed SONOMag

Read the latest review on Linea Research’s 48M06 Amplifier from our friends at SONOMag in France. Download the PDF here: SONOMagReview

Linea Research appoint SM ProLine for Romania Distribution

Linea Research announce the expansion their worldwide distribution network with the appointment of SM ProLine in Romania . Since 1992, SM ProLine proudly state, “we come with innovative solutions to meet the needs of our customers with serious professionalism”. We’re … Read More

Join Linea Research at ProLight+Sound

Frankfurt Germany – April 2018 – It’s Springtime in Frankfurt and that means it’s time for ProLight+Sound, join Linea Research in Hall 3.1 on stand B99 . On display will be our full range of four and eight channel networked … Read More

SDP Events choose Linea Research

Wisconsin USA – Wisconsin based Sound Decision Productions is a regional tour and event sound provider based in Muskego just outside of Milwaukee. With clients and productions ranging from corporate events, festivals and hotel ballrooms, to full scale arena touring, SDP is … Read More

Linea Research FIR for Anaheim Church

Anaheim California, USA – March 2018 – When Anaheim Christian Reformed Church needed to upgrade their 10 year old sound system they turned to local specialists GLS Creative Group and Apex Audio for assistance. Given the church’s design and architectural … Read More

Visit Linea Research at ISE

Amsterdam NL – February 2018 – When you’ve braved the cold and made it into the halls of the RAI be sure to stop by amplifier and DSP specialist Linea Research on stand 7-C240 where we’ll be exhibiting with our distributor … Read More

Linea Research introduces FIR capability at NAMM

Anaheim California USA – January 2018 – Linea Research Amplifier and DSP specialist will be making their first NAMM Show appearance at this year’s event in Anaheim CA, USA.  You’ll find them in NAMM’s new Pro Audio Hall at booth #18105. … Read More

Linea Research for Rock City Studios

California USA – August 2017 – Camarillo’s Rock City Studios upgrade their sound system including a pair of Linea Research 44C10 amplifiers. With a live music venue, recording studio, music lessons and industry advisors Rock City Studios endeavors to help … Read More

Summer of Theater

California, USA – July 2017 – Every summer the Theater Department at Orange County’s Saddleback College stages a series of free musical events at its Mission Viejo campus. Converting the central grassy quadrangle to an outdoor stage, performances range from … Read More

44M20 Review in Live Sound International Magazine

“The Linea Research 44M20 represents the highest caliber of professional audio technology. It very well could be the best sounding power amplifier I’ve ever heard.” Read the in-depth review of the 44M20 from Linea Research by Live Sound International here: … Read More

Sound4Hire adds Linea Research

UK – April 2017 – Northamptonshire based PA Rental company Sound4Hire has recently added Linea Research 44M20 networked DSP amplifiers into hire stock. Formed in 1995 Sound4Hire has become one of the UK’s most trusted professional audio suppliers. Providing solutions … Read More

Linea Research introduce System Engineer

March 2017 – Amplifier and DSP specialist Linea Research has announced the introduction of their new control and monitoring software, System Engineer. A major update to Linea Research’s existing PodWare, System Engineer is more than just a simple rebranding. With … Read More

Adlib adds LR to rental inventory

Liverpool, UK – February 2017 – Founded in 1984, Adlib is one of Europe’s most legendary and respected entertainment production companies. Catering to both rental and installation clients, Adlib provides professional sound, lighting and AV solutions to meet almost any … Read More

Visit Linea Research at ISE 2017

February 2017 – Amplifier and DSP specialist Linea Research will be making their debut appearance at this year’s Integrated Systems Europe Convention in Amsterdam at the RAI Center on booth 6-K172. On the booth Linea Research will be presenting their … Read More

LR Launch C Series

November 2016 – Amplifier and DSP specialist Linea Research has announced the introduction of their installation focused C Series range of networked DSP Amplifiers. Linea Research M Series amplifiers are gaining worldwide acclaim for their pristine sound quality and robust … Read More

LR to sponsor Dante Certification

October 2016 – Amplifier and DSP specialist Linea Research is a proud sponsor of the upcoming Dante certification training in Chicago. Partnering with fellow sponsors Ashly, Aviom, PreSonus and Renkus-Heinz, Linea Research will join Audinate in presenting their in-depth Dante … Read More

The Illusive Festival

September 2016 – Just 5 Linea Research 44M20 amplifiers powered a total of 42 Funktion One Loudspeakers at the UK’s popular Illusive Festival. Taking place at Deene Park near Corby UK the Illusive Festival has moved into it’s third year … Read More

48M Series Launch

August 2016 – Amplifier and DSP specialist Linea Research has announced the introduction of their 8-channel 48M Series networked DSP Amplifiers. Building on the success of the 4-channel 44M Series the 48M Series adds three models of high performance 8-channel amplification … Read More

Linea Research at FBC Canyon Lake

July 2016 – Forty miles north of San Antonio on the shores of the lake for which it’s named, lies the town of Canyon Lake, Texas. Long a fixture in this community, First Baptist Church recently celebrated the unveiling of … Read More

PSN Europe May 2016

An exclusive interview with PSN Europe’s Phil Ward looks into Linea Reseach’s history. Charting the companies progress from an ambitious startup to becoming one of the industries leading OEM technology providers, and now its evolution to marketing products under it’s … Read More