Exclusive Interview with Jonathan Ruest from Neumann Audio Part 2

BrandsWalk Creative |
At BrandsWalk, we had the privilege of sitting down with Jonathan Ruest, the Head of Sales and Business Development - Americas for Neumann, a visionary in the world of music and sound innovation. Welcome to the part 2 of the exclusive interview.

Innovation is crucial in today's business landscape. How does Neumann foster a culture of innovation within the company?

"Neumann as an industry leader is always striving to be the best, so we’re never satisfied with the status quo. A good example is the KH 120 A, which we replaced with the KH 120 II when the older model was still selling very well. But we knew we could make it even better, so we did. Conversely, we do not change products without a reason, just to present something “new”. The U 87 has been a trusted and sought-after studio standard since 1967. So, with the exception of a circuit upgrade to lower its noise floor, we’ve kept it essentially unchanged for more than 50 years. "

When designing each product, how does the team approach the design process? What are the core values behind each design and how important are design choices in conjunction with upholding the brand’s legacy of audio products? 

"The customer is at the center of everything we do. When we create new product, our aim is to solve a problem for the customer, open new possibilities, or make it easier to achieve better results. Another topic that’s high on our priority list is longevity – something that Neumann products are famous for."

"Of course, we listen to customer requests, and there is always demand to reissue legendary microphones from our catalogue, such as the U 67 and M 49. Honoring our history as well as customer expectations, we aim to re-create them in their original form. Luckily, our engineers have access to all the historic information and production data in Neumann archive. Therefore, the result is not a copy but a new original."

Sustainability and environmental responsibility are becoming increasingly important. How does Neumann integrate sustainability into its business practices?

"At Neumann, durability and longevity are embedded in our DNA. We develop products that get handed on from generation to generation. That’s why Neumann’s service knows no expiration date: We offer maintenance and repair for all our microphones, loudspeakers and headphones made since 1947, using original spare parts wherever possible. Neumann products are thus a lifetime investment that – with proper care – may even increase in value."

"For customers who nevertheless wish to part with their Neumann product, we offer to take it back free of cost, starting in 2023. In cases of sought-after vintage microphones, we may even offer to buy them back for refurbishment or extraction of original spare parts, giving yet another generation the chance to enjoy a legendary Neumann product."

"For new products, we are constantly striving to further reduce our ecological footprint. We foster the utilization of environmentally friendly materials such as recycled metals and paper packaging. We also care about energy efficiency in use, e.g. by implementing auto-standby in our new studio monitors.

Neumann not only stands for absolute precision and dedication – we take responsibility for our past, present and future."

We love both the NDH 20 closed back studio headphones as well as the NDH 30 open back studio headphones!  Are these specific to recording studios or can consumers use it to enjoy their music as well? 

"The NDH line of headphones was developed for studio use. They give you a balanced response similar to that of a set of Neumann loudspeakers in a perfect listening environment – or in your own room, using Neumann’s MA 1 room correction solution. But if you like an “honest” sound image without artificial embellishments, the NDH line will let you experience your favorite tracks the way the musicians and producers heard them in the studio."

About Jonathan Ruest

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