As a teenager in the 70’s Stephen Ambrose was recording a song next door to Johnny Cash. He had the chance to hear Johnny’s voice through headphones and was so impressed with that sound he decided to try to re-create it. By modifying swimmer’s earplugs with tiny speakers and clay he had the beginnings of his in-ear monitor. This technology represented the first time that high fidelity sound was delivered to a sealed ear Canal. After the design was perfected Stephen toured with many performers such as Stevie Wonder who depend on in-ear to hear their own voice over the crowd and other musicians and also prevent hearing loss.

For the past 4 years Asius has benefited from NSF and NIH research grants that have provided the R&D funds for Mr. Ambrose to make important discoveries initially applied to earbuds, hearing aids and hearing protection. He has several patents including a pioneer patent. He was voted Autodesk inventor of the year for 2013 and is credited with enabling the Walkman technology.