The beginning of a revolution

The year is 1915. Two men – Danish engineer Peter Laurits Jensen and American Edwin Pridham – stand in a California workshop with a dream that seems almost impossible: to make the human voice stronger than ever before. It’s not just an invention – it’s a mission to bring the power of sound to the masses.

On December 10, 1915, they present their invention: the first practical electrodynamic loudspeaker, called Magnavox – Latin for “great voice.” The technology is based on a coil moving a diaphragm using electromagnetism. This simple principle would become the foundation for all modern loudspeakers.

From workshop to world stage

The invention quickly becomes a sensation. For the first time, sound can be amplified for an entire crowd. Jensen, born on the Danish island of Falster and a former collaborator of Valdemar Poulsen, left a Danish fingerprint on a technology that would soon change everything.

The President’s speech – A moment that made history

On September 19, 1919, the loudspeaker truly becomes world-famous. At City Stadium in California, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson stands before a crowd of 50,000 people.

Wilson speaks into two large horns, which channel his voice to microphones connected to a Magnavox loudspeaker system. For the first time in history, a president can address tens of thousands – and everyone hears every word. It’s not just a technical achievement; it’s a revolution in public communication. From that day, sound becomes a political force.

Everyone grew up with sound

It’s almost unbelievable: only about 100 people in the world are older than the loudspeaker. For the rest of humanity, it has been a faithful companion from birth. From the first tones of early radio to today’s advanced surround systems, the loudspeaker has been the gateway to music, news, entertainment, and community.

Historic highlights include:

• Radio’s golden age in the 1930s, when families gathered around the loudspeaker for news and drama.
• The Moon landing in 1969, when humanity’s greatest achievement was broadcast through loudspeakers in living rooms worldwide.
• Woodstock Festival in 1969, where sound systems allowed hundreds of thousands to share music and culture in an epic celebration of freedom.
• Live Aid in 1985, where audio technology brought music and charity to billions.
• Steve Jobs’ presentation of the first iPhone in 2007, which put the world’s music in the hands of millions and changed our relationship with sound forever.
• Today’s streaming and gaming, where loudspeakers are an integral part of everyday life.

Today, the loudspeaker is not just technology; it’s part of our life rhythm. It wakes us in the morning, entertains us on the go, and creates atmosphere at home. It’s with us in almost every moment – a silent witness to human history and an active center of our culture.

And there’s something universal about the magic of sound: everyone has a favorite song! We love different bands and genres, and our tastes change throughout life – from childhood tunes to teenage soundtracks and the melodies that follow us into adulthood. The loudspeaker delivers these experiences, a faithful messenger of emotions, memories, and dreams.

Silverback – The future of music systems

The loudspeaker’s journey doesn’t stop here. System Audio has taken the next step with its Silverback music systems. These are not just loudspeakers – they are a modernization of the entire music system. Using advanced digital technology, they improve sound quality in ways previously impossible. They use fewer resources and materials, and they are upgradeable – a technological revolution that means users don’t have to throw them away to get the latest features.

The Silverback family proves that the loudspeaker’s ability to bring people together is far from outdated. On the contrary: it evolves, becomes smarter and more sustainable – and continues to be the heart of our musical experiences.

Explore our different Silverback systems, and feel free to contact our support if you have any questions.

A legacy that lives on

Although Jensen never patented his invention, his work laid the foundation for an industry that today generates billions and shapes our daily lives. From the early days of radio to modern Hi-Fi, streaming, and intelligent music systems – it all began with a Danish engineer, an American partner, and an idea stronger than silence.

The new luxury

Paradoxically, silence has become a scarce commodity. We live in a world where sound is everywhere – from traffic noise to constant music streaming and notifications. The loudspeaker, once a symbol of progress, is now part of a noisy reality. More than ever, we need to choose carefully how we use our ears and our time for high-quality experiences. Sound is not just background – it shapes our thoughts, feelings, and understanding of the world.

As the famous composer Claude Debussy once said: “Music is the silence between the notes.”

A reminder that even in a world filled with sound, silence – and awareness of what we listen to – is an art in itself.

Denmark – A global sound nation

Denmark’s audio and acoustics industry is one of the country’s most dynamic tech sectors. It includes about 1,100 companies and employs around 62,000 people, making audio technology one of Denmark’s strongest tech areas.

Economically, the sector is impressive: annual revenue of approx. Euro 11,4 billion and exports worth over Euro 9,1 billion, about 4% of Denmark’s total exports. The industry is also among the most innovative, with high patent activity and internationally recognized research.

About 90% of companies operate in four main areas:

• Hearing and health – including hearing aids and medical audio technology.
• Professional audio – equipment for studio, live, and broadcast.
• Consumer audio products – loudspeakers, headsets, and more.
• Acoustics and environment – solutions for noise reduction and sound optimization in buildings.

Denmark not only has a proud audio history – but also a present and future where audio technology is a global strength.