Electro-Voice (commonly referred to as EV) is an American manufacturer of audio equipment, including microphones, amplifiers, and loudspeakers, aimed at pro audio and recently car audio as well. As a subdivision of Telex Communications Inc. since February 1998, Electro-Voice markets its products for use in small or large concert venues, broadcasting, houses of worship, and in retail situations.
On September 1, 1927, Lou Burroughs and Albert R. Kahn began a small business servicing radio receivers in South Bend, Indiana. As a result of the Great Depression, the two found themselves insolvent to the extent of $5,000. They decided to move their business to audio products, and on June 1, 1930, they incorporated under the name "Electro-Voice".
That year, the company designed a PA system for Knute Rockne, the famous coach of the Notre Dame football team at the time. Knute called his new system his "Electric Voice", which insipired the name of the company.
Burroughs and Kahn perceived an opportunity to capitalize on what they perceived as the generally poor quality and high prices of existing microphones. They purchased a lathe and a drill and started producing about one microphone a week. Soon after, Burroughs withdrew from the business, leaving complete ownership to Kahn. By 1933, the previous business debts were completely paid off, and Electro-Voice began hiring employees to help in the production of the products. In 1936, twenty people were hired, and Lou Burroughs returned as chief engineer.
During World War II, EV had developed the differential noise-canceling technique, many may recognize in headphones today. Noise cancelling microphones were instrumental to fighter and bomber airplane, tank, battleship and ground troop radio communications. EV licensed the patent to the government for free to be applied by other manufacturers to produce what was needed for the war supply.