From Ecler Electronica to Neec Audio

The professional audio and video brand Ecler celebrates its 60th anniversary. In 1965, four electronics
and hi-fi enthusiasts, led by Ramon Arús Masramón, founded Ecler Electronica in a small workplace in the upper area of Barcelona. This is the origin of the two 'e e' that have accompanied the brand name for years. The name “Ecler” comes from the French word “éclair,” meaning flash or lightning, reflecting its connection to electronics.

In its early days, Ecler entered the world of high fidelity (Hi-Fi), manufacturing turntables and amplifiers and distributing cartridges and needles. In 1971, Ecler identified a market need and designed its first mixer, the A4, intended for sound in Super 8 films. This simple 4-channel mixer, with two RIAA (phono) inputs, one for microphone, and one for line, opened the doors to the emerging nightclub market.

During the 1970s, Ecler launched products specifically for the “disco” market, such as the legendary AC4 mixer, designed by Enric Casimiro Gibert, a young engineer who joined the company in 1969 and later became CEO alongside three new shareholders. Mr. Casimiro, as he was always called, held the CEO position until 2010. During this period, Ecler also created psychedelic light organs, the first manufactured in Spain. The brand products began to be recognized for their high-quality finish and robustness.

By the late 1970s, during the “disco fever,” Ecler began expanding across Europe. These were the years of “reto a la importación” (challenge to imports) in Spain, a slogan the company used until the 1980s. By then, Ecler already had a complete range that included equalizers, amplifiers, and a flagship mixer, the SCLAT 10, created by Josep Maria Sans, also responsible for the MAC mixer line.
With the SCLAT and its later generations, the brand entered the most “ big room clubs” in 1985 and played a key role in creating several “MegaMix” records. 

the brand consolidated its position in Europe with sales growth that its limited production facilities on Verdi Street in Barcelona could not handle. Therefore, in 1987, production moved to a four-story  building in the upper area of Barcelona. 

There, engineers Angel Sanuy and Domingo Melé developed the SPM amplifier line, recognized and awarded worldwide. Ecler patented this technology, which has been maintained through five generations of amplifiers, many of which, after more than 30 years, continue to provide reliable service and are practically indestructible.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, with products like the SMAC, HAK, and later NUO and EVO mixers, Ecler achieved worldwide recognition as a manufacturer of high-performance mixers for demanding DJs. With innovative patented components such as the ETERNAL crossfader and supported by the Ecler Pro Team, these mixers are globally appreciated, and their users become the brand’s best ambassadors.

During this same period, and especially with its amplifier line, the brand began to be used in commercial audio applications, a market that seeks products that can be installed and forgotten about. 

Ecler saw the opportunity and launched its first multichannel amplifier, giving birth to the MPA
series.

In 2005, the first DSP processor and its associated software, AMIC, were introduced to the market. Since then, the importance of dedicated software for audio installations has grown within the company, becoming a cornerstone of its immediate future.

During the late-2000s economic crisis and with the shift in DJ usage models due to the rise of digital music controllers, Ecler made the visionary decision to dedicate its limited resources to the Commercial Audio market and stopped investing in DJ product development, although it never ceased manufacturing its most successful models.

Thus, with engineers David Loza, Jesús Villena, and Domingo Melé, EclerNet Manager and an entire generation of EclerNet products, such as the MIMO series, were born to be used through this successful platform, which, after 15 years, still has loyal users.
In parallel, Ecler identified great opportunities in the retail, gym, and hospitality markets. Once again, by listening to its partners and customers, it began designing a series of products specifically for these applications.

This led to the creation of speaker series such as AMBIT, AUDEO (in collaboration with industrial designer Giugiaro Design), eMOTUS, and ARQIS. The company’s proactive listening approach led it to design products for major retail brands that consider audio an essential element of the customer shopping experience.

In 2014, Ecler was acquired by the Fordahl Capital group. Under the leadership of Tom Bouman, the company has continued to grow its product range and revenue, multiplying its business sixfold since then.
Today, Ecler has a consolidated distribution network in more than 80 countries and is led by Jan Pagès.

Headquartered in Barcelona, with two production centers, a second commercial office, and logistics  platforms in Barcelona and China, Ecler is firmly committed to leading the European market in the coming years with innovative software-based products such as EclerPLEX and EclerCLOUD.
Ecler will continue manufacturing environmentally friendly products with sustainability and ethical commitment to its partners, customers, and employees.