In 1954 Gene Czerwinski, then a brilliant young aerospace engineer, founded Cerwin-Vega. Why start a loudspeaker company? First and foremost a music fan, Gene’s goal was to reproduce the live musical experience. His design philosophy was based on high efficiency drivers, durability, and a “value for money products.” This legacy has charged Cerwin-Vega for over four decades. In 1954 Gene started Vega associates, Vega began to grow rapidly from its conception with the introduction of large high efficiency 18” sound systems that could produce 130dB at 30 Hz. This high performance specification established Vega as a company to be reckoned with. In 1957, Vega introduced the world’s first solid state amplifier, rated at 125 RMS it was a power house by the standards of it’s time. The amplifiers circuit was influenced by a 10,000-watt sonar amp Gene designed for Bendix Corp. In the 60’s dynamic popular music enjoyed a spectacular evolution. Cerwin-Vega quickly became a supplier of loudspeakers and system designs to many major manufacturers; including Fender, Acoustic, Sunn and Vox. In 1974 the motion picture “Earthquake” premièred with a dramatic new innovation in motion picture sound known as “Sensurround” For the first time audio was an integrated part of the movie experience through special effects. The concept required large powerful bass cabinets which would provide very low frequencies in order to shake the movie theater, thus simulating a real earthquake. For this purpose the “E” bass horns and woofers were developed. These were 18” Woofers in a folded horn configuration. The internal path length of the horn was 6 feet with a cutoff frequency of 33 Hz. Sensitivity of the system was an Incredible 106 dB at 1 watt / 1 meter. “Sensurround” technology and Cerwin-Vega were honored with an Academy Award for Special Technical Achievement in 1974.
The early seventies also started pro relationships with bands that included The Rolling Stones, Boom Town Rats, David Bowie, Peter Frampton, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Bernie Taupen, (Elton John’s partner) In the late 70’s Cerwin-Vega became the first manufacturer to produce it’s own digital recordings for the evaluation of loud speaker design parameters, digital technology was used in the home line of loudspeakers the “D” series. Over the next decade Cerwin –Vega continued to evolve its loudspeaker designs and engineering excellence resulting in speaker systems that have established the reputation for offering the widest dynamic range, highest efficiency, highest output level and the best bass response in the industry. The company has received numerous Design and engineering awards for its products in the pro, home and mobile audio. When it comes to setting industry standards Cerwin-Vega has taken a clear leadership.
The Cerwin-Vega dynasty continues with the acquisition by “The Stanton Group of companies”. We are looking forward to another 50 years of staying on top in the audio business with products that will be worthy of the Cerwin-Vega heritage. |
