2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of HHB Communications, founded on 1st February 1976 as a local live sound company. Over five decades, HHB has transformed as a company to meet the needs of audio professionals across the United Kingdom. With an eye on the future, HHB continues to provide the latest and most innovate technologies with the highest level of specialist advice and technical support. It is through this dedication to audio excellence that HHB customers include the world’s leading broadcasters, recording studios, post-production facilities, and higher education institutions.
HHB is headquartered in north‑west London and houses technical facilities, a service department, warehousing, demo suites and accounts offices, and is also home to the sales team. Scrub, HHB’s specialist Fitzrovia outpost, continues to serve the needs of the independent post‑production community. Scrub is home to a state-of-the-art Experience Centre where customers can demo an expansive list of audio products, be trained on the latest formats tools, and participate in events to hear from leading audio manufactures.
Founded by Managing Director Ian Jones in 1976 , then manager of the band Half Human Band, adapted the band’s initials—HHB—as his business moniker. Since then, Jones as led the company to pivot as major technical shifts occurred in the industry. Including the introduction of digital multitrack recording, which HHB was a leader in establishing in the UK studio industry. In the 1990s HHB took on the role of manufacture by bringing the world’s highest-performing DAT tape to professionals worldwide. Later in the early 2000s, the HHB Professional Recording Media Range had grown to be one of the most comprehensive selection professional digital audio recording media. During this time HHB would produce the PORTADAT range, CDR range, and the groundbreaking HHB FlashMic, which was the first digital recording microphone. These products played a major role in not only the UK but the global recording and broadcast industry
While no longer manufacturing products HHB continues to take a leading role in providing, educating, and supporting the latest technologies. In 2013 when Avid launched the Pro Tools S6 Console, HHB provided the UK’s exclusive debut of the product and go on to install hundreds across the country. That same year Dolby announced Dolby Atmos for post-production, which HHB spearheaded across the industry. Then in 2019 when Dolby Atmos for music was launched the company outfitted the first UK recording studio and continues to lead provider of Dolby Atmos enabled systems.
HHB supports the broadcast industry by supplying the latest and most trusted audio tools. In 2023 HHB was the first reseller selected by Audinate to provide Dante Connect, which enables cloud-based Audio-over-IP workflows for broadcasters. Then in 2024 Wohler launched MAVRIC which allows broadcasters to monitor broadcast signals from anywhere. HHB supported the launch of DAD Thunder|Core which offers an impressive 256 input and output channels at 48 or 96kHz, and reduced channel count for sample rates up to 384kHz with a direct link to the latest Thunderbolt enabled computers. Helping broadcasters to future proof their studios and systems is a part of the core ethos of HHB.
In 2023, HHB was acquired by Midwich, a leading distributor of technology solutions. HHB continued with its leadership team and founder Ian Jones at the helm. In Midwich HHB found a partner that recognised and supported HHB’s unique culture and ethos. This allows HHB to continue to provide the same level of service and support that our customer rely on.
Today, as HHB celebrates its 50th year, the company remains justifiably proud of its heritage while firmly focused on the future. Jones reflects:
“As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, the group continues to thrive with strong performance across all divisions. This success is built on the dedication of a team widely respected for their expertise and their unwavering willingness to support every aspect of audio production.”