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From 1967 to 2001
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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