Ariel Sound Ltd.
57, Lancaster Mews, London W2 (1953)

Ariel Sound Ltd. offered professional recording expertise, public address equipment, and electronic design/repair in London.
By 1954, they were known for custom tape recorder design and repair, catering to both professionals and hobbyists. Their innovative 8/WB/1 (1955) bridged the gap between home and professional recorders with features like separate record/playback channels and optional microphone mixer.
​The company deregistered by 1973, leaving the reasons for their decline unclear. Despite the limited information, Ariel Sound stands as a testament to the early audio equipment industry's innovative spirit.

History of Ariel Sound Ltd. (1950s - 1973)

Early Days (Circa Early 1950s):

Ariel Sound Ltd., located at 57 Lancaster Mews, London W2, emerged in the early 1950s as a multifaceted company catering to the burgeoning audio equipment market. Their expertise encompassed three key areas:

• Professional Recording Engineering: Boasting membership in the Association of Professional Recording Studios, Ariel Sound offered valuable services to clients. This included advice and support on all aspects of sound recording and reproduction, a critical asset for studios and recording professionals.
• Public Address Equipment: The company catered to the need for high-quality public address systems, likely for use in venues, events, or commercial spaces.
• Electronic Design, Manufacture & Repair: Ariel Sound possessed a skilled team capable of designing, manufacturing, and repairing electronic equipment. This expertise extended to custom solutions and catering to both trade and amateur customers. Notably, they offered a 48-hour service for autochanger maintenance and repair.[1]

Innovation and Specialization (1954-1955):

A 1954 advertisement sheds light on Ariel Sound's commitment to innovation and specialization:

• Tape Recorder Expertise: The company emphasized their design capabilities for tape equipment, potentially catering to niche applications not met by readily available consumer or professional models.
• Quick Repair and Modification: They highlighted their prompt service for electronic equipment repair and modification, addressing a crucial need in the rapidly evolving audio technology landscape.
• Comprehensive Service: Ariel Sound positioned themselves as a one-stop shop, offering design, manufacture, and repair services for electronic equipment, catering to both small and large projects for trade and amateur customers alike.

The Ariel Sound 8/WB/1 (1955):

In 1955, Ariel Sound unveiled a significant innovation – the 8/WB/1 Portable Professional Tape Recorder. This innovative design addressed a gap in the market by offering features that bridged the divide between home recorders and professional equipment. Key aspects of the 8/WB/1 included:

• Modular Design: The recorder featured separate units for the tape transport mechanism and the electronic equipment, potentially allowing for easier maintenance and customization.
• Dual Channels: Separate record and playback channels provided greater flexibility and control for recording professionals.
• Program Monitoring: The ability to monitor the program before and after recording was a valuable feature for ensuring audio quality.
• Optional Microphone Mixer: A four-channel microphone mixer could be added as an accessory, further enhancing the capabilities of the recorder for multi-microphone recording situations. [2]
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Later Years and Uncertain Demise (1950s-1973):

Unfortunately, information about Ariel Sound Ltd. after 1955 is scarce. While they demonstrably made strides in the field of professional tape recorders, their overall impact and product range remains unclear.

The company's official deregistration in 1973 suggests their operations ceased sometime before that date. [3] The reasons for their decline are unknown, but factors like competition, technological advancements shifting market demands, or internal challenges could have played a role.

Conclusion:

Despite the limited information available, Ariel Sound Ltd. stands as a testament to the dynamic and innovative spirit of the early audio equipment industry. Their focus on professional recording services, public address equipment, and custom electronic solutions suggests a company attuned to diverse audio needs in the mid-20th century. The development of the 8/WB/1 further highlights their commitment to pushing boundaries and bridging gaps in the market. While their story remains incomplete, Ariel Sound Ltd. deserves recognition for their contribution to the evolving landscape of audio technology.

[1] Wireless World Sep 1954, Page 161.
[2] Wireless World Apr 1956, Page 118.
[3] London Gazette Apr 12, 1973, Page 4716