About Funky Sound Studio

Transcription

1 PRESS KIT

2 About Funky Sound Studio Created by Arnaud Perret, a young visionary entrepreneur addicted to beautiful sound and new technologies, Funky Sound Studio is a French startup with a mission to serve the music and its artists by creating smart and beautiful listening objects adapted to the modern world. Streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music have changed the way people have consumed music. As libraries continue to grow, technical issues such has loading time, playing or connection quality have impaired music enthusiasts and audiophiles from a perfect listening experience. Perret noticed this critical quality gap because of outdated audio products that lacked mobile freedom when listening, imperfect sound, and a disconnection between what the artists intended their listeners to hear. The solution became Funky Sound Studio s audio line under the Debussy brand with the introduction of the Debussy s headphones, the first Smart Headphone. Positioned in the luxury sector, Debussy combines innovation and quality as a high-end multifunctional pair of intelligent, autonomous wireless headphones that can also integrate communication systems including mobile phone, Internet access, and an operating system capable of running downloaded apps to provide a smooth and uncompromising listening experience to users. Funky Sound Studio has raised 3 million euros in funding and seed round, and is supported by a strong board of investors from the French Industry, two successful serials entrepreneurs, a skillful engineering team and high-level partners. The music-tech startup will reveal their first headphone products under the Debussy line for the first time at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) conference at Las Vegas in January 2018, including a pre-order campaign through Funky Sound Studio s website. Debussy is developed and assembled in France, with flawless sound, technology and aesthetic giving users musical perfection.

3 Our brand I love music passionately. And because I love it, I try to free it from barren traditions that stifle it Claude Debussy The Debussy name is a tribute to the French composer Claude Debussy. Funky Sound Studio was inspired by his work and his personality as Debussy was an innovator in his field. He revolutionized the musical language of his time. Claude Debussy s obsession was to capture all the poetry of the night and the day, of the earth and the sky, to rebuild their atmosphere and to rhythm their immense palpitation.» The brand Debussy wants to honor his obsession by creating the perfect connection space to the authenticity of the artists music, wherever and whenever users want via the Debussy listening objects. In a nutshell, Debussy offers people the ability to freely listen to music everywhere through embedded music in audiophile mode. «DEBUSSY, it s a passion for sound and freedom. It s an obsession to transmit as close as possible to the sound experience created by the artist. Listening will never be the same again. Our products are dedicated to the passion for music, refinement, excitement and pleasure. DEBUSSY s smart listening objects empower its user wherever they go. DEBUSSY enables people to let go of the outside world, release their everyday stresses and escape to one of emotion through music and sharing.» Arnaud Perret - CEO Funky Sound Studio

4 Brand DNA & Values FREEDOM CREATIVITY SHARING Funky Sound Studio s Debussy provides the perfect connection space to music, an escape to harmony, and to a place of freedom and selfrealization by emulating the sound experience created by the artist everywhere you go. Arnaud PERRET CEO and Founder of Funky Sound Studio Perfect UX serving our customers Love of beauty our DNA Constant Technological Innovation Made in France

5 About Debussy s Headphones Our First Smart Listening Object Funky Sound Studio s first creations are Hi-Fi headphones that are fully autonomous and intelligent. All Debussy s headphones will not need users to use their phone or any other source to listen to music. Everything, from music to apps, will be integrated into the headphone. Thanks to the integrated touch screen, the headphones are a concentration of technologies at the service of the user for a perfect sound experience. With Nathaniel, Clair de Lune and Prelude models, Debussy wants to offer the perfect and infinite immersive experience to music passionates who want to perfect their Soundscape. Each headphone was created by renowned designer Xavier Houy to be noteworthy, emotional and portable. Other features Debussy s headphones will Include: Exceptional sound quality, including Funky Sound Studio s sound revolution Accurate Neutral Sound technology and Debussy Signature Technology A live listening mode for sharing on platforms (i.e. Facebook Live) Listening to music easily from any platform or service online Ability to capture, record, mix and share sound The integration of IoT technologies (connectivity by voice control, smart home integration, personal assistant, sensors and more)

6 The New Generation

7 IRIS Stellar Smart Sound System Debussy believes in the power of modern technology to amplify the magic of music. We combine the newest technologies with quality hardware and craftsmanship to make headphones you ll never want to stop listening to. With Iris, we imagine a smart sound system that makes musical lives better.

8 Zoom Inside Iris The 4 major functions offered by Iris in all Debussy Headphones will include: Master, Record, Broadcast, Connect Listening Innovation, Master your Audio Ideal So far, no headphone or speaker has been perfect for all types of music and for everyone. Each speaker or headphone driver has its own voicing depending on the design and physical features, just as every human voice sounds different. Even the most expensive headphones need to have the audio tweaked in some way to sound warmer or brighter. At Debussy, we prefer to hear the truth Debussy wants to create the first true neutral reference headphones. Engineers and Designers at Debussy s Sound Lab have decided to marry the finest qualitative hardware with a specific powerful technology to deliver pristine audio. By using very high-end components (DAC, Amplifiers circuitry, chips, and drivers from the best manufacturers). Debussy ensures top notch performance and the purest sound quality. By applying the Debussy s Accurate Neutral Sound Technology (ANST), a layer of innovative software capable of enhancing the performances of the headphones up to an extreme neutral level By connecting each Debussy s headphones directly to the source; the signal path is optimized to a bare minimum, thus the music is delivered with the best possible quality. At Debussy, we let our listener choose their ideal audio To go further in the process of improving Debussy s headphones in audio capabilities and quality, Debussy s sound and software engineers collaborated to create the Debussy Sound Signature Technology (SST): a processing technology that give the sound its color, tone and character. Listeners can give their headphones the flavour they like. There are currently no products offering these features on the market.

9 Zoom Inside Iris Record Innovation, Record Your Sound Wonders Our smart listening devices benefit from outstanding recording and sharing features. Our 3D Recording software mixes binaural stereo recording to allow the most authentic transcript of live listening experiences. Binaural recording is a sound specialization technique that is closest to natural listening. The brain interprets sound as three-dimensional and the Debussy headphones give an extremely realistic sound sensation. This recording technique also opens new horizons in the creative field. The binaural creates the perception of a three-dimensional recording for total immersion in the sound environment. Simply Share, Broadcast your Soundscape This function will offer the opportunity to share the sounds recorded with the headphone. Debussy s headphones also offer a live broadcast of the experience via Facebook s live function. When the user is recording their environment, they will have the ability to stream at the same time and on Facebook Live, allowing relatives and friends from any device to listen and share their experience. Connect, Permanent Connection to Music but not only Debusy s headphones offer a constant connection to the headphone s embarked music whether with high quality connection directly to music streaming platforms or live streaming concerts via 4G, Wi-Fi or the ability to listen to the Hi-Fi music library from the internal memory of the headphone (space big enough to keep your favorite songs safe from any Internet breakdowns: 100 High Quality Songs in FLAC quality). Thanks to 4G, Wi-fi, Bluetooth the smart listening objects under Debussy 4G will be connected permanently to the outside world and Internet, allowing our users to make and receive calls, navigate to and from destinations - all while enjoying your favorite musical applications.

10 Zoom Inside Iris Color your Music, integrated Touch Screen The headphone s integrated touch screen provides easy access to functions such as choosing a playlist or configuring the device. Plus, this creative element allows customization of the headphone: the user can decide to display the cover of the album, a custom visualization or a personal message. 3 ways to control Debussy s headphone: voice command, touch screen, gesture recognition Friendly Voice Command and Voice Assistant The headphone allows easy interaction with the user through voice and sound. While very intuitive, the user enjoys an optimal ease of use. With the user s voice, they control the headphone and these features. An assistant is also integrated in the headphone to extend the capabilities of voice commands. The user can therefore ask a simple voice command, like the weather forecast, check for new s, ask directions or inquire about concert dates. We move from a simple music player to a smart device to help the user through their daily life. Easy Going Touch Screen As any other device with a touch screen, our user can control their headphone for specific operations with their fingers. Intuitive Gesture recognition A natural user interface has been created via gesture control on the screen side of the headphone. The headphones can play or pause, forward track or back track, and increase or decrease volume by gestures control.

11 Nathaniel Temptation of Sound Nathaniel, Temptation of Sound (debut at CES Las Vegas) Available January 2019, pre-orders in March 2018 on Price: $ 4990 Created in homage to Nathaniel Baldwin by the inventor of the first improved telephonic earphone, the prestigious model Nathaniel represents the quintessence of luxury and high-tech with no compromise to the materials used to create its exquisite exterior. Design: A Grand Style The Nathaniel was designed by Xavier Houy to be opulent like a piece of luxury. Its Grand Style design and ornaments are beautifully served by high-end materials including Gold and Silver plating, leather and velvet fabric workmanship, and innovative hardware features including 50mm diameter drivers with Hi-Fi electronic components producing a clear sound quality. Nathaniel offers the most elitist experience between sound and beauty. The interior of the headband represents the famous Debussy Suite bergamesque. The Nathaniel is an over the ear headphone with silk velvet and genuine leather. Available in two colors: Red velvet with plated gold, and Blue velvet with stainless steel.

12 Clair de lune Poetry of Sound Clair de lune, Poetry of Sound (Debut at CES Las Vegas) Availability March 2019; pre-order March 2018 on Price range: from $1390 to $2990 The brand Debussy was created in memory of the great French compositeur Claude Debussy. Clair de Lune was one of his best-loved piano pieces that symbolized the harmony and texture of Debussy s creations. Design: Elegant Minimalism The Clair de Lune headphone reflects the ambition to create a perfect multisense user experience with a sensitive elegant design serving intuitive ergonomics. Xavier Houy designed Clair de Lune with an elegant minimalist design, characterized by pure and emotional line shapes. Supported by the attention to details and the quality of materials chosen, Clair de Lune brings clarity, coherence and authenticity erasing technological complexity in favor of an impeccable user experience. Available in circum-aural & supra-aural, 5 colors all with genuine leather and anodized alloy: Shadow, Peach, Snow, Toffee and Gold.

13 Prelude Master of Freedom Prelude, Master of Freedom (Unveiled January 2018) Available March 2019; pre-order March 2018 on Kickstarter.com and Price range: from $590 to $1390 Claude Debussy s Preludes liberated the musical language of his time by creating a new aesthetic movement that never allowed any back tracking. In the same way, Debussy reinvents headphones with its first model Prelude packed with incredible high-tech features, a beautiful wide round touch screen, and a clear design for a perfect experience full of harmony and freedom. Design: Clear Harmony Xavier Houy wanted Prelude to be a stylish, timeless and transportable smart headphone. A plain and simple design to create a direct connection to pure listening pleasure with materials that speak for themselves as an uncluttered form with an optimized ease of operation and true practicality for a nomad s musical life. Coming in two forms: over the ear and on the ear.

14 The Team Arnaud Perret, Founder Arnaud Perret began his carrer in startups at an early age with an acquired knowledge in online marketing, lead acquisition and traffic monetization. Currently he specializes in new technologies to create disruptive products, both useful and attractive. With experience in the market of innovative technological products (Hexo+, IBubble Camera), Perret brings all his expertise in hardware, software and data, to music in order to bring to life an audio brand that combines luxury and high-tech features like hyper connectivity, AI and revolutionary sound Pierre Voreux, Co-Founder, CTO Hardware Pierre Voreux is a skillful engineer and expert in development and industrialization of technological products. He has worked in the hardware industry for over eight years within Silicon Valley in hardware environement. Tuyen Pham, Shareholder, Partner, Music Angel Tuyen is the founder and the CEO of A-Volute a company specializing in 3D audio innovation since its creation in He is an expert in Audio Technologies, technology licensing and connoisseur of the consumer electronics markets.

15 The Team Antoine Chabert, Partner, Music Angel Antoine Chabert is an Audio Mastering engineer with over 10 years of experience. Chabert has worked with many passionate artists who use his expertise in mastering of their album. He won 3 Grammy awards in 2013 including: Record of the Year: Get Lucky Daft Punk; Album of the Year: Random Access Memories Daft Punk; Best Engineered Album nonclassical: Random Access Memories Daft Punk. Xavier Houy, Industrial Designer Xavier Houy is a designer of sensitive objects who is well-known for designing symbolic looking objects, as connected items for the high-tech industry. For his work, Xavier received several international design awards among them: The Platinum A Design, the Red Dot Design, the Green Good Design, few Best Of CES, the Observeur du Design.

16 The Investors Jean-Claude Bontaz, shareholder, is an international automotive parts manufacturer who has developed a network of production plants at competitive costs on several continents. He is also the founder and owner of several organizations, including a self-storage network in Haute-Savoie and a Record Label. Louis Pernat, shareholder, is a French automotive industrial CEO based in Haute Savoie, where he received the 2011 SAP Award of Industrial Excellence. Julien Dussaix shareholder, is a French industrial CEO based in Haute Savoie. Dussaix company, César Vuarchex, supplies pieces and blanks for Swiss watchmakers. In 2010 the company merged with Enricau to become Alpen Tech. The Advisors Sam Hickmann, CEO and founder of JOY, a startup that created a connected watch for children. It has made more than $2 million in presales through crowdfunding campaigns. Antoine Level is CEO and Co-Founder of Squadrone System (which has launched hexo +).

17 The Partners A-Volute develops and provides 3D software solutions. Creator of Nahimic, a technology that improves the audio performance of computers. It provides 7.1 virtual and immersive high quality on stereo equipment standards and many features designed specifically for gamers. S Next final, based in Japan, is one of the best suppliers of quality Audio products. Dolby Laboratories is a US company founded in England by Ray Dolby in 1965, specializing in the reduction of background noise, encodage and audio compression. Sogilis Grenoble is a software company, expert in the creation of zerodefect software reviews, development of complex web applications and rapid prototyping. Whiz Systems, based in the heart of Silicon Valley, they specialize in the engineering, development and industrialization of technological products. It counts among its customers Amazon, Cisco, Intel or Nvidia.

18 Press Contact Arnaud Perret CEO and Founder +33 (0) Funky Sound Studio France Impasse de la Ravoire Epagny - Metz Tessy Funky Sound Studio USA 2415 Third Street Suite 231 San Francisco, CA