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From 1967 to 2001

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1967

First Orban product sold to customer: a stereo synthesizer sold to WOR-FM, New York.

1968

Bob Orban graduated from Stanford University with Master's degree in Electrical Engineering and founded Orban Associates.

1969

Bob Orban teams up with Paul Beaver and Bernie Krause of Parasound, Inc. to market Orban products under the Orban/Parasound trade name.

1972

Bob Orban's first of 24 patents issues (U.S. #3,670,106, "Stereo Synthesizer").

1973

First popularly priced parametric EQ introduced: the Orban/Parasound 621.

1974

First recording studio-oriented de-esser introduced: Orban/Parasound 516EC.

1975

OPTIMOD 8000 audio processor introduced for the new FM format. Bob Orban and partner, John Delantoni, set up Orban Associates as privately held company.

1978

OPTIMOD-AM 9000A offers AM stations a more "FM-like" sound quality and reduced interference. In modified form, the receiver equalizer and low-pass filter ideas form the basis for the NRSC-1 standard issued in 1987.

1980

The multiband OPTIMOD-FM 8100A was introduced, later to become the most popular FM audio processor/stereo generator ever made. The 8100A is the first Orban FM product to use the patented distortion-cancelling clipper.

1981

OPTIMOD-TV 8180A brings smooth, natural-sounding processing to television audio.

1982

OPTIMOD-AM Model 9100A introduced.

1983

OPTIMOD-TV Model 8182A introduced. Adds Hilbert-Transform clippers and a CBS Loudness Controller to the original 8180A.

1984

The 8100A/XT 6-Band Accessory Chassis allowed 8100 owners to upgrade to 6-band processing with a multiband distortion-canceling clipper. Underwent several updates and improvements over the years, eventually becoming the popular 8100A/XT2.

1985

Orban BTSC Stereo Television system introduced. 8182A/SG stereo generator mates optimally with the 8182A OPTIMOD-TV audio processor.

1986

275A Automatic Stereo Synthesizer introduced with automatic detection and recognition of stereo and mono programs, and automatic stereo synthesis.

1987

Second-generation 8185A BTSC Stereo Generator introduced to significantly improve separation over first-generation 8182A/SG unit.

 

Orban's first product using microprocessor technology is introduced. The 787A Programmable Mic Processor incorporates equalization, compression, and de-essing in a digitally-controlled analog signal path.

1988

222A Stereo Spatial Enhancer introduced. Designed for use in FM stereo transmission, it widens the stereo image while enhancing detail and transient impact.

OPTIMOD-HF 9105 introduced to meet the needs of international shortwave broadcasters around the globe. A highly-modified 9100 OPTIMOD-AM, the 9105 adds Hilbert-Transform clipping, two processing presets, eight high-frequency transmitter equalizer settings, and modified "tuning."

1989

Orban Associates purchased by AKG Acoustics.

1991

Orban leads the transition to digital with the first successful DSP-based FM audio processor, OPTIMOD-FM 8200. Thousands on air around the world.

1993

Bob Orban shares Scientific and Engineering Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences with Dolby engineering team.

The first all digital audio processor for television introduced, OPTIMOD-TV 8282.

Orban becomes a Harman International Company.

1994

DSE 7000 digital audio work station, the only DAW designed specifically for radio, is re-branded an Orban product. US-based product engineering lead by Orban creates the most productive tool for radio production.

1995

Bob Orban awarded NAB's Radio Engineering Achievement Award.

1996

First low-priced, all digital processor for FM introduced, OPTIMOD-FM 2200.

The DSE 7000FX introduced with new DSP engine offering on-board effects like reverb, equalization and compression.

1997

Orban introduces the digital OPTIMOD-AM 9200.

Audicy is launched as the second-generation digital audio workstation.

1998

Audicy networking launched with multiple workstations linked to a central server set up at Jacor, San Diego (KGB, KKLQ, KIOZ) and Radio Free Asia.

1999

OPTIMOD-DAB 6200 ships, the first digital processor designed exclusively for digital transmission including DTV, DAB and webcasting.

2000

OPTIMOD-FM 8400 is introduced at NAB, Las Vegas.

2001

Orban introduces OPTICODEC line of Codec processors at NAB, Las Vegas.

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