HARMAN opens first European Consumer Audio Engineering Lab in Denmark

The global audio giant expands its Danish footprint to innovate headphones of the future  

Copenhagen, 28^th May 2024 – Harman International Industries, the company behind global audio giants JBL and Harman Kardon, has opened an Audio Engineering Lab in the Danish North Zealand town of Kvistgaard, where engineers will research and develop audio technologies for the world. HARMAN's newest audio lab, dedicated to hearables development, is the first and only one of its kind in Europe.

For decades, Denmark has been recognized as one of the world's leading countries in audio technology. For example, more than 50% of all hearing aid sales in the world come from Danish manufacturers, and there are more than 60 bachelor's and master's degree programs at Danish universities and colleges where sound is an essential part of the educational program.

“As a Danish engineer who spent my whole career in the audio business, the opening of our new audio engineering lab in Denmark marks a very proud moment for me,” said Carsten Olesen, President of Consumer Audio at HARMAN.  “By expanding the footprint of our Danish headquarters in Kvistgaard we are building infrastructure and cultivating a space for innovation, collaboration, and pioneering breakthroughs that will propel the audio industry forward. Sound technology is one of Denmark’s strongest tech areas, and we are thrilled to create a place for innovation at our Danish headquarters.”

The Kvistgaard Audio Lab includes a workshop where engineers will research and develop innovative technologies, and a Diffuse Sound Chamber to design and test sound performance according to the “HARMAN Listening Curve,” a global benchmark for measuring audio quality.   

Local and national collaborations create the future of sound

The Audio Engineering Lab in Kvistgaard will employ engineers from all over the world, and a collaboration with Danish universities such as DTU (Technical University of Denmark), will provide opportunities to work with local, young engineering talent.

HARMAN has also joined Danish Sound Cluster, a national organization that represents Denmark's sound industry, driving sustainable growth and world class innovation. Members of the Danish Sound Cluster are diverse, yet they all focus on improving people’s lives through innovative sound solutions in hearing, acoustics, noise, sound production, and experiences.

"Today, sound technology is one of Denmark's strongest tech areas. To maintain and expand this position, the industry's players must work even more closely together. We are pleased that HARMAN, one of the world's largest audio manufacturers, has chosen to join. It gives us and our members the opportunity to work together in multiple ways," said Torben Vilsgaard, CEO of Danish Sound Cluster.

“To innovate, it is important to inspire and challenge each other,” continued Carsten Olesen.

"We need to collaborate with the best players and young talents in the industry. Leveraging the deep and rich history of audio innovation in Denmark, we look forward to collaborating with DTU and other Danish universities, and DSC to continue to drive audio innovation."