In our inaugural post for our Expert Series, we’re kicking off with one of our newest clients, Cambridge-based, dCS.

dCS design and build high-end audio equipment for the discerning audiophile. However, these aren’t your regular consumer systems. Instead, this hardware is considered to be some of the finest in the world. 

Like many tech companies, dCS didn’t start in its current industry. Instead, it began life in the aviation and aerospace industry specialising in digital signal conversion for radar. After working on projects for Britain’s Ministry of Defence, dCS decided to explore how their technologies could be applied in digital audio and professional recording studios, and their journey into the world of music began.

dCS pioneered a number of world-firsts in the field of digital audio and signal conversion. This included the first 24-bit analogue-to-digital converter, the first 24-bit digital-to-analogue converter and the first 24-bit resolution DAC designed for home use. Furthermore, In 1997, the company discovered the upsampling effect, which then became a globally recognised technique years later. 

Over the years, the world-leading technology of dCS has trickled down into consumer-facing products. Today, the company produces a small range of exquisite home audio systems that continue to provide the highest-quality audio conversion. And, they continue to innovate. With the recent launch of the Ring DAC APEX hardware, dCS approached Lambda Films to produce an explainer film to explore the nuances behind the new and improved hardware. 

How we work with dCS

To be an effective video partner for dCS, we wanted to understand the technology, and the process. 

Our team spent a number of days visiting their production facilities in Cambridge. This included a listening experience of the technology, a tour of the different departments and a demonstration of how the units are manually assembled. Furthermore, we visited the various suppliers who produce components, boards and materials for the units. Finally, we saw firsthand how dCS created their iconic designs. This prepared us for producing their suite of professional corporate videos. 

This level of preparation gave us a solid understanding of the filming requirements. From considerations on how to film specific manufacturing machinery, to the macro detail required of the smallest, but vital, electronic components. From this we augmented our production gear with specialist kit such as the Laowa 24mm probe lens, and the Tokina 100mm Macro Lens.

The first film we produced for APEX was led by expert testimonial from the dCS team, who had worked on the new technology. To complement the high-level of knowledge within these interviews, we decided towards a premium, cinematic aesthetic for the cinematography to match the status of the brand.

The final film is a small departure from our regular online content, with a longer running time than usual. However, it is a product of necessity and passion; a deep dive into the expertise of a pioneering company, beloved by their highly-engaged customer base.

We’re excited to partner with new and innovative companies at the top of their game with our full range of video production services in-house.