Nady Systems, Inc.

Nady Systems, Inc. is a professional consumer audio product manufacturer founded in 1976 by John Nady. It was formerly based in Emeryville, California. Nady Systems went on to develop and manufacture numerous wireless products using wireless microphone technology. Nady originally marketed electronic audio gear for the entertainment industry; however over the years the focus has broadened to other markets including houses of worship, schools and universities. Nady also sells other audio equipment such as mixers, amplifiers, rack units, portable sound systems, speakers, headphones, hard-wired microphones and digital sound processors.

Company History

John Nady, CEO of Nady Systems, developed and patented a companding process for wireless which significantly improved sound quality / dynamic range in the early 1970s, and offered this product for sale in wireless microphones in 1976. Based on his developments, Nady is widely recognized as the “father of the modern wireless microphone”.

Nady’s original marketing was focused strictly on the entertainment industries and by 1985, more than 80% of the world’s tops performing acts were using Nady Wireless.^[1] Nady introduced the concept of wireless technology to many of the biggest name headliners at that time including Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Styx, Neil Young and the Rolling Stones. Nady also entered the television/broadcasting market, with the fledgling wireless used on the Golden Globe Awards Show, Grammy Awards Show and the Lawrence Welk Show, among others. In 1987, Nady introduced the first high performance/ affordable wireless microphone - the 101/201 Series which helped make wireless microphone technology a universal phenomenon. Nady is also widely credited with the first In-Ear Monitor System (1978), the first PLL Synthesized UHF Frequency agile wireless (1991), the first ultra light wireless head microphone for professional stage performance (1982), the first wireless guitar and bass with built-in transmitter (1985), the first studio condenser microphone and rack gear under $100 (early 2000’s), and the first affordable studio ribbon microphones (2005).^[2]

Timeline

1968: John Nady develops Nasty Cordless prototype for world’s first plug-in guitar transmitter.

1976: John Nady establishes Nasty Cordless, Inc, developing and marketing the first wireless systems under the Nasty Cordless name/logo.

1977: Nasty Cordless quickly garners support from the music industry and receives testimonials from Aerosmith, Van Halen, Styx, Neil Young and many other top bands.

1978: As the company grows, the name is changed to Nady Systems.

1979: Nady introduces the first wireless handheld microphone transmitter with internal hidden antenna.

1981: Mick Jagger takes his Nady wireless on the road and the Stones use a complete wireless stage setup of 12 simultaneous channels encompassing all microphones and instruments for the first time in touring history.

1982: Nady becomes the first American Pro Audio/MI company to shift its production to Hong Kong and China, resulting in increased affordability.

1983: Nady introduces new line of telephone headsets and motorcycle electronic accessories to auxiliary markets.

1983: Nady is included in Inc. Magazine’s Top 500 (#23 of America’s 500 fastest growing private companies).

1984: Nady introduces the HM-1 Headmic, the first ultra-light head mic designed for professional stage performance.

1986: 85% of Billboard’s Top 100 Acts are using Nady wireless systems.

1986: Nady introduces the Lightning and Thunder wireless guitar and bass with the first built-in transmitters.

1987: Nady introduces the 101/201 systems, the first pro wireless under $200.

1991: Nady introduces the UHF-950, the first UHF PLL frequency agile wireless.

1996: Nady receives Emmy Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for “Outstanding Technical Achievement in Pioneering Wireless Microphone Technology.”

1999: Nady expands product line to include a broad range of affordable pro audio gear for live performance and studio use (NadyAudio).

2001: Nady is first to introduce studio condenser microphones and rack gear priced below $100.

2004: Nady introduces the first affordable studio ribbon microphones.

2005: Guitar Player Magazine chooses Nady’s wireless innovation as one of the top 101 greatest, pivotal moments in guitar history.

2009: Nady introduces CenterStage, a new line of consumer audio products.

2012: Nady wireless featured in “Rock of Ages”—the Warner Brothers/New Line musical extravaganza starring Tom Cruise. Nady microphones used to convey the “authentic” wireless of the period (‘80’s rock scene).

2013: Nady partners with Realta Entertainment Group in development of music video game—Nady helped develop all hardware accessories for the game, BandFuse: Rock Legends, and also was exclusive distributor in the MI/Pro Audio market.

Awards

In 1996, Nady Systems was recognized by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences with an Emmy for Outstanding Technical Achievement in pioneering wireless microphone technology.

References

External links

• Company's Website
• John Nady NAMM Oral History Interview (2010)