Your Questions, Answered.

NEOS Electroacoustics specializes in advanced audio engineering with a primary focus on sound reproduction. Our core expertise includes:

• Innovative acoustic design for headphones, loudspeakers, and other audio products
• Proprietary 3D audio virtualization technologies
• Custom DSP (Digital Signal Processing) solutions
• Audio system architecture and integration
• Transducer design
• End-to-end product development for audio devices

Our team combines deep theoretical knowledge with practical implementation experience, allowing us to develop cutting-edge solutions that maintain audio fidelity while pushing technological boundaries.

Our clients typically fall into several categories:

• Consumer Electronics Manufacturers - Companies developing headphones, earbuds, speakers, soundbars, and other audio products seeking to differentiate through superior sound quality
• Automotive Companies - Brands looking to enhance their in-car audio experience with spatial audio and acoustic optimization
• Professional Audio Companies - Firms developing recording, mixing, and playback equipment for studios and live sound
• Tech Startups - Innovative companies bringing new audio-related technologies to market that need specialized engineering expertise
• Established Tech Firms - Large companies looking to improve audio capabilities in their devices or leverage our proprietary technologies
• XR/AR/VR Developers - Teams building immersive experiences that require sophisticated spatial audio solutions

We work with companies at various stages, from startups to Fortune 500 corporations, but all our clients share a commitment to delivering exceptional audio experiences in their products.

NEOS operates as both a specialized audio engineering consultancy and a full product development firm, depending on your needs:

• As Consultants: We provide expert guidance, technology assessment, problem-solving, and design reviews for existing audio products or development projects.
• As Product Developers: We can manage the entire product development lifecycle from concept to manufacturing-ready designs, handling everything from acoustic design to electronics, firmware, and integration.

Our flexible engagement model allows clients to leverage our expertise at any stage of product development, whether you need specialized consulting for a specific challenge or comprehensive development services for a new audio product.

We're uniquely positioned in the industry as specialists who combine deep audio engineering expertise with practical product development experience, allowing us to bridge the gap between theoretical audio excellence and manufacturable consumer products.

Our audio engineering expertise is applied across multiple industries:

• Consumer Audio - Headphones, earbuds, speakers, soundbars, and home audio systems
• Professional Audio - Studio monitors, mixing equipment, recording technology
• Automotive - In-car audio systems, spatial audio for navigation, entertainment systems
• Gaming & XR - Immersive audio for virtual reality, augmented reality, and gaming headsets
• Mobile & Computing - Audio solutions for smartphones, tablets, and laptops
• IoT & Smart Devices - Audio interfaces and sound systems for connected devices
• Medical & Assistive Tech - Advanced audio solutions for hearing aids and medical devices

Our cross-industry experience allows us to apply innovative approaches from one sector to challenges in another, often leading to breakthrough solutions that might not be obvious within a single industry's traditional approach.

NEOS ELECTROACOUSTICS differs from general engineering firms in several key ways:

• Audio-Specific Expertise - Unlike generalist firms, our entire focus is on audio engineering and acoustics, giving us unmatched depth in this specialized field
• Proprietary Technologies - We've developed our own patented and patent-pending technologies that can be licensed or integrated into your products
• Research-Driven Approach - Our team continuously conducts research in spatial audio and high-resolution audio, staying at the cutting edge of the field
• End-to-End Capabilities - We bridge science and theoretical concepts with practical product development, taking engineering concepts from theory to manufacturing-ready designs
• Balanced Perspective - We prioritize both audio/acoustic performance and commercial viability, designing solutions that excel technically while meeting market requirements
• Vendor-Neutral - We're not tied to specific component vendors or manufacturing partners, allowing us to recommend truly optimal solutions
• Audio Industry Heritage - Our team includes veterans who helped develop high-resolution audio formats and standards

Our specialized focus allows us to solve audio-related challenges that generalist engineering firms often struggle with, particularly in areas like spatial audio, psychoacoustics, and high-performance transducer design.

While manufacturer ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) services can be convenient, partnering with NEOS offers several significant advantages:

• Your Interests First - Unlike ODMs who prioritize their manufacturing capabilities and component inventory, we design what's best for your product without conflicting interests
• True Innovation - ODMs typically offer variations of existing designs, while we create custom solutions tailored to your specific requirements and market positioning
• Superior Acoustic Performance - Our specialized audio expertise significantly exceeds what's available from typical ODMs, resulting in better-sounding products
• Intellectual Property Protection - Working with us keeps your proprietary designs separate from your manufacturer, reducing IP risks
• Objective Vendor Selection - We can help select the optimal manufacturer for your specific product rather than being limited to one facility's capabilities
• Cost Optimization - Our designs consider manufacturing efficiency while maintaining performance, often resulting in better value than standard ODM offerings
• Competitive Differentiation - ODM products are often similar to competitors' offerings, while our custom designs help your products stand out in the market

Many of our clients use a hybrid approach: engaging NEOS for innovative custom designs, then working with a carefully selected manufacturer for production. This combines our engineering expertise with efficient manufacturing capabilities.

Either; we offer flexible engagement options to meet your specific needs:

• Consulting Services - We regularly provide targeted consulting on specific audio challenges, design reviews, technology assessment, and expert guidance without requiring full product development contracts.
• Hybrid Approaches - Many clients engage us for focused work on the audio-specific portions of their products while handling other aspects internally or with other partners.
• Full Development - For clients who need comprehensive development, we can take ownership of the entire product engineering process.

Common consulting-only engagements include:

• Acoustical design reviews and optimization
• Technology evaluation and recommendations
• Competitive product assessment
• Troubleshooting specific audio issues
• Technology licensing and integration support
• Manufacturing process consultation

We're happy to structure an engagement that precisely matches your requirements, whether that's a brief consulting project or a multi-year development partnership.

We offer several engagement models to accommodate different client needs:

• Project-Based Engagements - A defined scope of work with clear deliverables and milestones, ideal for specific development projects with well-defined requirements. These typically include a detailed statement of work and fixed or estimated pricing.
• Retainer or hourly arrangements - Ongoing access to our expertise for a set number of hours per period or hourly, perfect for companies needing regular consulting support or those working through phased development processes.
• Technology Licensing - Implementation and customization of our proprietary audio technologies in your products, with licensing terms structured to align with your business model and production volumes.
• Hybrid/Custom Models - For many clients, we develop custom engagement structures that combine elements of the above, particularly for long-term partnerships.

Our engagement process typically includes:

1. Initial consultation to understand your needs (no cost)
2. Proposal development with scope, timeline, and pricing
3. Project kickoff and detailed requirements gathering
4. Regular progress updates and milestone reviews
5. Deliverable handoff with thorough documentation
6. Follow-up support as needed

We pride ourselves on transparency in our processes and pricing, with flexible terms that can accommodate startups through enterprise clients.

Yes, NEOS can assemble a dedicated engineering team tailored to your project's specific requirements. Our team-building approach offers several advantages:

• Specialized Expertise - We'll assemble audio specialists with the exact skill sets your project requires, whether that's acoustical engineering, DSP development, analog electronics, or embedded systems
• Scalable Resources - We can scale the team up or down as your project needs evolve, providing flexibility not possible with fixed internal staffing
• Complementary Skills - Our network includes specialists in adjacent fields like mechanical engineering, industrial design, and manufacturing engineering
• Rapid Deployment - We can typically assemble a team and begin work much faster than the traditional hiring process would allow
• Managed Solutions - Our project management ensures efficient coordination and communication

We offer two primary models for team building:

1. NEOS-Managed Teams - We assemble and manage the team, with regular reporting and milestone reviews to ensure alignment with your goals
2. Client-Directed Teams - We provide the resources who work under your direct management, effectively functioning as an extension of your internal team

For longer-term projects, we can also help transition knowledge and capabilities to your internal team over time, combining immediate execution with sustainable in-house capacity building.

Yes, we frequently work as a seamless extension of our clients' existing engineering teams. This collaborative model offers several benefits:

• Specialized Audio Expertise - We complement your team's broader engineering capabilities with our deep audio-specific knowledge
• Flexible Resource Scaling - Add specialized audio engineering capacity without permanent hiring
• Knowledge Transfer - Your team gains insights and capabilities through close collaboration with our specialists
• Seamless Integration - We adapt to your tools, processes, and development methodologies
• Parallel Development - Accelerate development by having our team handle audio subsystems while your team works on other aspects

Our team integration approaches include:

• Participating in your regular development meetings and design reviews
• Working within your preferred project management systems
• Using shared documentation and specification platforms
• Direct collaboration with your electrical (hardware/software), mechanical and ID teams
• Regular knowledge sharing and capability building sessions

We've found this collaborative approach particularly effective for companies that have strong general product engineering capabilities but require specialized audio expertise for specific projects or features.

Our client engagement process typically follows these steps:

1. Initial Consultation - We begin with a no-cost discussion to understand your needs, challenges, and objectives. This helps us determine if we're the right fit for your project.
2. Proposal Development - Based on our initial discussion, we'll prepare a proposal outlining our recommended approach, deliverables, timeline, and pricing.
3. Project Kickoff - Once engaged, we conduct a thorough kickoff to align on detailed requirements, establish communication protocols, and set up project management systems.
4. Research & Concept Development - We explore design approaches, technologies, and trade-offs to develop initial concepts that meet your requirements.
5. Design & Development - Our team iteratively develops the solution, with regular progress updates and review points to ensure alignment with your expectations.
6. Prototyping & Testing - We build and test prototypes to validate the design, making refinements based on performance measurements and user feedback.
7. Production Support - We prepare detailed documentation and specifications for manufacturing, and provide ongoing support during the transition to production.
8. Continued Partnership - Many of our client relationships extend to multiple projects and long-term technical partnerships.

Throughout this process, we emphasize:

• Clear and regular communication
• Transparent decision-making and trade-off analysis
• Rigorous documentation and knowledge transfer
• Flexibility to adapt to changing requirements
• A collaborative approach that respects and enhances your team's capabilities

Yes, we provide comprehensive support in selecting the right contract manufacturer for your audio product. Finding the ideal manufacturing partner is critical for audio products, as it requires specialized capabilities and experience to maintain acoustic performance through the production process.

Our contract manufacturer selection services include:

• Requirements Analysis - We define the specific manufacturing capabilities needed for your product, including acoustic testing, tuning, and quality control processes
• Candidate Identification - We leverage our industry network to identify manufacturers with proven experience in audio products similar to yours
• Capability Assessment - We evaluate potential partners based on technical capabilities, quality systems, capacity, location, and financial stability
• RFQ Development - We help prepare detailed requests for quotation that ensure manufacturers fully understand the critical requirements
• Proposal Evaluation - We assist in analyzing and comparing proposals, with particular attention to factors that impact audio quality
• Factory Audits - We can conduct on-site assessments of shortlisted manufacturers to verify capabilities and processes

Our manufacturer selection approach is vendor-neutral and focused on finding the best match for your specific product, volume requirements, and budget. We can help you navigate options ranging from:

• Specialized audio ODMs in Asia with high-volume capabilities
• Precision manufacturers in Europe or North America for premium products
• Smaller, specialized manufacturers for unique acoustic components
• Vertically integrated partners that can handle everything from PCB assembly to final packaging

Yes, NEOS has expertise and experienced resources to investigate, set up and support either internal or outsourced US-based manufacturing operations.

We provide comprehensive support for certifications commonly required for audio products. Our team has experience guiding products through various certification processes, including:

Regulatory Certifications:

• FCC Certification (United States) - For electromagnetic compatibility and radio frequency devices
• CE Marking (European Union) - Including EMC, Radio Equipment Directive, and Low Voltage Directive compliance
• UL/ETL Safety Certification - For electrical safety standards
• IC Certification (Canada) - For interference-causing equipment
• KC Certification (Korea) - For electrical and electronic products
• SRRC Certification (China) - For radio and wireless devices
• BIS Certification (India) - For electronic products

Wireless & Connectivity Certifications:

• Bluetooth SIG Qualification - For Bluetooth-enabled devices
• Wi-Fi Alliance Certification - For Wi-Fi compatible products
• USB-IF Certification - For USB interface compliance

Environmental & Materials Compliance:

• RoHS Compliance - Restriction of Hazardous Substances
• REACH Compliance - Registration, Evaluation, Authorization of Chemicals
• WEEE Compliance - Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
• California Prop 65 - For products sold in California

Our certification support services include:

• Design guidance to ensure compliance from the start
• Pre-compliance testing and issue remediation
• Test plan development and test lab coordination
• Documentation preparation and submission
• Issue resolution and design modifications if needed

Cost efficiency is integrated throughout our design and development process. We understand that exceptional audio performance must be delivered within commercial constraints, and we employ several strategies to optimize manufacturing costs without compromising quality:

Design for Manufacturing (DFM):

• Component selection based on both performance and availability/cost
• Standardized parts and tolerances where possible
• Assembly simplification to reduce labor costs
• Process optimization for efficient production flow
• Material selection balancing performance and cost

Supply Chain Optimization:

• BOM (Bill of Materials) analysis and cost reduction
• Alternative component evaluation
• Second-source identification for critical components
• Volume pricing strategies
• Vendor consolidation where beneficial

Production Engineering:

• Optimized cell-based production for scalability, efficiency, and quality
• Yield improvement strategies
• Test process optimization
• Fixture and tooling design for efficiency
• Automation identification for high-volume products
• Process validation to minimize rework

Smart Trade-offs:

• Performance/cost balance analysis
• Feature prioritization based on customer value
• Creative acoustic solutions that reduce component costs
• Strategic use of software to reduce hardware complexity
• Identification of areas where premium components truly matter

Yes, we provide comprehensive manufacturing and production support for audio products. While we don't operate manufacturing facilities ourselves, we offer expert guidance and management throughout the production process:

Pre-Production Support:

• Investigation of US-based or foreign manufacturing options
• Detailed planning for US-based production
• Design for Manufacturing (DFM) optimization
• Manufacturing documentation preparation and review
• Bill of Materials (BOM) finalization
• Supplier and component qualification
• Tooling design and validation
• Test plan and fixture development

Production Setup:

• Management and execution of setup for US-based manufacturing operation
• Production process layout and workflow optimization
• Process validation and first article inspection
• Acoustic test stations setup and calibration
• Manufacturing transfer support
• Factory personnel training on critical parameters

Production Management:

• Quality control protocols and oversight
• Production yield monitoring and improvement
• Issue identification and resolution
• Engineering change implementation
• Production scaling support

Our manufacturing support is particularly valuable for audio products, where subtle manufacturing variations can significantly impact sound quality. We help establish robust processes that ensure consistent acoustic performance from unit to unit, including:

• Driver matching and performance validation
• Acoustic seal verification methods
• DSP calibration procedures
• Final audio performance testing
• Quality assurance for subjective sound characteristics

While we strive to be helpful to a wide range of clients, there are certain situations where NEOS might not be the ideal partner:

• Projects with Extremely Limited Budgets - Our specialized expertise requires appropriate investment. Projects looking for the absolute lowest-cost solution without regard for audio quality would be better served by standard ODMs.
• Companies Seeking Only Mechanical or Industrial Design - While we offer these services in the context of audio products, clients looking exclusively for these capabilities without the audio engineering component might find more suitable partners.
• Ultra-High Volume, Low-Margin Consumer Products - Projects targeting the very lowest price tiers where audio performance is a secondary consideration may not benefit fully from our specialized expertise.
• Non-Audio Electronic Products - Our expertise is specifically in audio engineering. For products where audio is not a significant component, a more general electronic engineering firm would be more appropriate.
• Projects Requiring Only Software Development - While we develop DSP algorithms and embedded firmware for audio products, projects seeking only general software development without the acoustic component would be better served by software specialists.

We believe in transparent communication about fit. During initial consultations, we'll honestly assess whether our expertise aligns with your project needs, and if we're not the right partner, we'll try to point you in a better direction.

Our ideal clients value audio quality, are willing to invest appropriately in engineering, and seek a collaborative partnership to create differentiated audio products.

We work with companies of all sizes, from funded startups to global corporations. Our client portfolio is deliberately diverse, and we value the innovation and agility that startups bring to the audio industry.

For Startups, We Offer:

• Scalable engagement models that align with funding stages
• Expertise that would be difficult to build in-house during early stages
• Strategic guidance to maximize limited resources
• Credibility and technical validation that can support fundraising
• Access to our network of manufacturers and suppliers
• Flexible project structures that can grow with your company

For Established Companies, We Provide:

• Specialized expertise that complements existing engineering teams
• Advanced audio technologies to differentiate products
• Capacity for specific projects without permanent headcount increases
• Fresh perspectives and innovative approaches
• Licensing options for proprietary technologies

The ideal startup client for NEOS typically has:

• Secured seed or Series A funding (or equivalent resources)
• A clear product vision where audio quality is a differentiator
• Realistic timelines that allow for proper engineering development
• An understanding of the investment required for quality audio engineering
• Openness to expert guidance on technical feasibility and trade-offs

Project budgets vary considerably based on scope, complexity, and engagement model. Since each project is unique and requires individual assessment, we are flexible with engagement types, with fees for services only or time and materials, with or without prototypes, etc. Our goal is to provide excellent value while ensuring sufficient resources for quality execution.

Factors That Influence Budget Requirements:

• Technical complexity and innovation requirements
• Development timeline (compressed schedules often require more resources)
• Prototyping iterations and specialized testing needs
• Integration complexity with existing systems
• Manufacturing support requirements
• Certification and compliance needs

We work transparently with clients to develop appropriate scopes and budgets, and we're open to creative engagement models including phased approaches, milestone-based payments, and in some cases, equity arrangements for promising startups. Our focus is on establishing sustainable partnerships that deliver value to our clients.

No, we do not charge for initial consultations. We believe in starting relationships with open, no-obligation conversations to understand your needs and determine if we're the right partner for your project.

Our initial consultation process typically includes:

• A 30-60 minute call or video meeting with our technical and business leaders
• Discussion of your project goals, challenges, and requirements
• Exploration of potential approaches and solutions
• Assessment of timeline and budget considerations
• Overview of our relevant experience and capabilities
• Clarification of any questions you may have about working with us

Following the initial consultation, if there appears to be a good fit, we'll typically:

1. Sign a mutual reciprocal non-disclosure agreement (RNDA) if not already in place
2. Request additional technical information as needed
3. Develop and present a proposal with recommended approach, timeline, and pricing
4. Upon acceptance of the proposal, we’ll issue a Consulting Services Framework Agreement and Statement of Work (SOW) for execution

We respect your time and will be straightforward about whether we think we can add significant value to your project. If we don't believe we're the right partner, we'll try to point you toward more suitable resources.

The most effective way to start a conversation with us is through our contact form on this website. This ensures your inquiry is properly routed to the appropriate team members who can best address your needs.

Alternatively, you can reach us at:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +1.845.641.9348 (during business hours, Eastern Time)

When contacting us, it's helpful to include:

• A brief description of your project or challenge
• Your timeline and any key deadlines
• The best way to reach you for follow-up
• Any specific questions you'd like us to address

We aim to respond to all inquiries within one business day. For urgent matters, please indicate the time-sensitive nature of your request in the subject line or message.

While no extensive preparation is required for an initial conversation, having some basic information ready will help us provide more meaningful feedback during our first discussion:

Helpful Information to Prepare:

• A clear description of your product concept or engineering challenge
• Your key objectives, priorities, and any specific performance requirements
• Target market and price positioning for the product
• Your projected development timeline and any fixed deadlines
• Budget range or constraints for the development work
• Any existing designs, prototypes, or reference products relevant to the discussion
• Information about your team's capabilities and where you're seeking external expertise

Don't worry if you don't have all of this information finalized - we're accustomed to engaging at various stages of project definition. For early-stage concepts, even a rough outline of your vision and goals is sufficient to start a productive conversation.

If you have any confidential information you'd like to share, we're happy to sign a mutual reciprical non-disclosure agreement (RNDA) before detailed technical discussions. We can provide our standard RNDA or review yours if you prefer.