Coda Audio Deutschland has announced a significant expansion of its domestic sales operations with the appointment of Klaus Küssel as the new Specialist Consultant for Pro-Audio Rental, effective March 1, 2026. Based out of the company’s headquarters in Hannover, Küssel joins the team during a period of sustained growth for the manufacturer, bringing with him several decades of multifaceted experience in the professional audio and media production industries. This strategic hire is designed to bridge the gap between technical innovation and the practical, economic demands of the modern rental market, ensuring that Coda Audio’s expanding portfolio of loudspeaker systems is supported by high-level consultancy and field-tested expertise.
Küssel’s arrival marks a pivotal moment for the German division of the company, as it seeks to deepen its relationships with event service providers and rental houses across the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland). By integrating a veteran with a background that spans both the creative and executive sides of the industry, Coda Audio Deutschland aims to provide its partners with a more nuanced level of support that accounts for the complexities of large-scale live sound reinforcement and television production.
A Career Defined by Technical and Operational Depth
The appointment of Klaus Küssel is notable not only for his technical proficiency but for the breadth of his professional trajectory. Throughout his career, Küssel has occupied nearly every critical role within the pro-audio ecosystem, providing him with a 360-degree view of the industry. He began his journey on the front lines of live sound, working extensively as a system technician and Front of House (FOH) engineer. This hands-on experience in managing complex acoustic environments and high-pressure live events forms the foundation of his technical authority.
Beyond the live stage, Küssel transitioned into the broadcast sector, serving as an assistant director and production manager for several prominent German television networks, including ZDF and Phoenix. His work in broadcast required a meticulous understanding of signal chains, synchronization, and the stringent audio standards required for national television. This period of his career sharpened his ability to manage large-scale logistics and multidisciplinary teams, skills that are essential in the modern touring and rental landscape.
Perhaps most importantly for his new role at Coda Audio, Küssel spent a significant portion of his career in senior management. Serving as an authorized signatory (Prokurist) and Managing Director of a major rental company, he gained direct insight into the financial and operational challenges faced by event service providers. He understands the importance of return on investment (ROI), equipment longevity, and the logistical advantages of compact, high-performance audio systems—factors that are central to Coda Audio’s value proposition.
Strategic Alignment and Executive Vision
Michael Schwarzer, Managing Director of Coda Audio Deutschland, emphasized that Küssel’s diverse background was the primary driver behind the recruitment. According to Schwarzer, the current market requires more than just product knowledge; it requires an advocate who understands the "pain points" of the customer.
"Klaus brings all the necessary requirements to the table," Schwarzer stated regarding the appointment. "He knows the market, the market participants, and the market needs very precisely. Our customers will greatly appreciate his expertise, particularly his ability to translate technical specifications into practical business advantages."
The hiring of Küssel is part of a broader initiative by Coda Audio to strengthen its "boots on the ground" presence in Germany. As the pro-audio industry continues to evolve toward more integrated, software-driven solutions, the role of a specialist consultant has become more critical. Küssel will be responsible for not only driving sales but also providing technical demonstrations, assisting with system design for rental partners, and acting as a feedback loop between the German market and Coda’s R&D department.
A Long-Standing Affinity for Innovation
Küssel’s move to Coda Audio is the culmination of a relationship with the brand that dates back more than two decades. He first encountered Coda Audio systems in the early 2000s, a period when the company was beginning to disrupt the market with its proprietary driver technologies and unique approach to loudspeaker design.
"Even back then, it was clear to me that Coda Audio was at the forefront in terms of sound and was one of the most innovative companies on the market," Küssel remarked. Having followed the company’s trajectory from a niche innovator to a global contender, he expressed a high level of motivation for his new responsibilities. "I am convinced that Coda Audio systems have enormous potential. The combination of excellent performance, compact designs, and innovative technical solutions offers huge possibilities for a wide variety of applications. I look forward to helping shape the company’s course of success."
Küssel specifically highlighted Coda’s ability to deliver high output from smaller enclosures, a trend that has become increasingly important as transportation costs and "truck space" become deciding factors for rental companies. The integration of patented technologies, such as the Dual Diaphragm Planar Wave Driver (DDP) and sensor-controlled subwoofers, allows Coda to offer systems that are often lighter and more efficient than traditional alternatives without sacrificing acoustic pressure or clarity.
The Evolution of the Pro-Audio Rental Market in 2026
To understand the significance of this hire, one must look at the state of the professional audio industry in the mid-2020s. The rental market has undergone a significant transformation, moving away from "box-shifting" toward a service-oriented model where technical support and system optimization are paramount.
Rental companies in 2026 are facing a landscape defined by several key factors:
- Sustainability and Efficiency: There is a growing demand for systems that require less power and fewer transport resources. Coda Audio’s focus on lightweight neodymium drivers and high-efficiency amplification aligns with these green mandates.
- Immersive Audio: The rise of spatial and immersive audio formats for live concerts and corporate events requires sophisticated system design and processing.
- Personnel Shortages: The industry continues to grapple with a shortage of highly skilled system engineers. By providing a specialist consultant like Küssel, Coda Audio can offer a "knowledge bridge" to rental companies that may be expanding their technical capabilities.
- Economic Volatility: With fluctuating interest rates and equipment costs, rental houses are looking for long-term partnerships with manufacturers who provide robust after-sales support and stable resale value.
By positioning Küssel as a specialist consultant, Coda Audio Deutschland is addressing these market realities. His ability to speak the language of both the sound engineer and the business owner allows for a more holistic approach to sales and support.
Coda Audio’s Technological Edge
Coda Audio, headquartered in Hannover, has built its reputation on a foundation of "in-house" innovation. Unlike many manufacturers who source components from third-party suppliers, Coda designs and manufactures its own drivers, cabinets, and electronics. This vertical integration is a key part of the message Küssel will be taking to the rental market.
Central to the product line that Küssel will be representing are the AiRAY, ViRAY, and N-RAY line array systems. These systems utilize Coda’s patented ring diaphragm technology, which aims to eliminate the high-frequency distortion often associated with traditional compression drivers. For the rental market, these systems offer a "unified family" approach, where different-sized arrays can be seamlessly integrated into a single ecosystem with shared rigging and amplification platforms.
Furthermore, Coda’s sensor-controlled subwoofer technology remains a unique selling point in the rental sector. By using a closed-loop feedback system to monitor the movement of the driver in real-time, these subwoofers can achieve extremely low distortion and precise transient response, even at maximum output. For high-end touring and demanding electronic music festivals, this technology provides a measurable performance advantage.
Chronology of Expansion and Future Outlook
The addition of Klaus Küssel is the latest in a series of strategic moves by Coda Audio Deutschland to solidify its market position. Over the last three years, the company has expanded its Hannover facility, increased its training programs for "Coda Audio Certified" engineers, and bolstered its logistics network to ensure faster delivery times within Europe.
The timeline of Coda’s recent growth reflects a steady upward trajectory:
- 2023-2024: Launch of the SPACE Hub immersive processor, marking the company’s entry into spatial audio.
- 2025: Expansion of the N-Series and the introduction of new software tools for predictive acoustic modeling.
- Early 2026: Restructuring of the sales and consultancy department to include specialized roles for the rental and installation sectors.
Looking ahead, the company plans to further integrate AI-driven system optimization tools into its LINUS amplification platform. Küssel’s role will be instrumental in educating the market on these new technologies, ensuring that rental partners can maximize the performance of their inventory.
Impact on the German Pro-Audio Community
The industry reaction to Küssel’s appointment has been largely positive, with many seeing it as a sign of Coda Audio’s commitment to the "German Engineering" ethos. By hiring a local expert with deep roots in the domestic scene, Coda is reinforcing its identity as a brand that is both globally relevant and locally accessible.
For existing Coda Audio users, Küssel provides a new point of contact for high-level technical queries and fleet expansion planning. For prospective customers, he offers a credible, experience-based perspective on why the brand’s technology is worth the investment.
Klaus Küssel can be reached for consultation regarding Pro-Audio Rental solutions via his mobile at +49(0)160 2222 414 or via email at [email protected]. His office is located at the Coda Audio Deutschland headquarters in Hannover, where he will be conducting regular product demonstrations and training sessions throughout the 2026 season.
As the industry prepares for a busy summer season of festivals and tours, the reinforcement of the Coda Audio Deutschland team suggests that the company is prepared to not only maintain its current market share but to aggressively pursue new opportunities in the high-end rental sector. With Küssel’s expertise now integrated into their sales strategy, Coda Audio is well-positioned to continue its role as a primary innovator in the professional loudspeaker market.