AV Interview: Phil Muffet, Jands
Phil Muffet is CEO and Managing Director of Jands. At Integrate Expo, AV.technology’s Christopher Holder caught up with him on the stand to talk about Shure’s evolution, L-Acoustics’ diversification, and where he sees Jands’ future growth.
15 September 2025
AV.technology: What are the stresses like leading up to a tradeshow such as Integrate?
Phil Muffet: The build itself is always a big job – getting as much product on the stand as possible, and making sure it’s what people want to see. Everyone wants a look at the latest gear but it’s not just about showing a microphone or a loudspeaker anymore; the industry’s evolving, and integrators want to see how the same product can work in four or five different scenarios. That’s the creative challenge: to demonstrate the solutions, not just the kit.
SOLUTIONS & POST-SALE SUPPORT
AV.technology: Australia used to pride itself on mixing and matching ‘best of breed’ products from different suppliers then weaving it together. But those days are on the way out. What’s driving that in your opinion?
Phil Muffet: Partly it’s time pressure. But a big part is post-sale support. When something goes wrong, end users don’t want to chase five different suppliers. If the microphones, DSP and loudspeakers are from the same family, it’s one throat to choke, so to speak. It makes service more efficient and gives integrators better scale on the back end.
Margins are tighter, everything costs more, and efficiency matters. If you can service a system quickly and reliably, that’s a major advantage.
SHURE’S EVOLUTION
AV.technology: When you joined Jands in 2018 did you have a sense that Shure was going to become much more than a source of SM58 cashflow?
Phil Muffet: Absolutely. Shure had already made it clear where they were heading. The board knew the next wave was going to be software-driven, IT-integrated, and technology-focused. We’ve set up Jands to support that. The SM58s are still strong – we sell more today than ever – but the bigger part of the business is now solutions. And that’s only going to expand.
AV.technology: As an outsider, it feels like Shure is still just getting started.
Phil Muffet: The focus is always on the end user. With Teams, Zoom and UC platforms dominating, Shure keeps expanding into those spaces. Automation is another big driver – book a room, use a room, let the tech disappear.
Better audio capture means better results. If an AI assistant is taking your meeting notes, you want the microphone to be as accurate as possible. That’s where Shure’s headed, feeding into that future.
FIRST TO AURACAST
AV.technology: Let’s talk Auracast. How excited are you?
Phil Muffet: Very. It’s a fantastic technology, and Ampetronic and Listen Tech’s solution is one of the most complete in the market. It’s not just about being first; it’s about being comprehensive.
The real benefit is inclusivity. Auracast opens up access for more people. Legislation here respects that requirement, which helps. And for us, the cause is a wholesome one: making experiences better for everyone.
AV.technology: How big a feather in the cap is the Sydney Opera House for Ampetronic Auri?
Phil Muffet: The Opera House has always been a leader. It’s not just about having the best shows, but the best way to experience them. It makes sense they were early adopters.
WHERE NEXT FOR JANDS?
AV.technology: Looking ahead two to five years, where’s growth coming from?
Phil Muffet: We split the business into three: Production and entertainment – theatres, venues, hospitality. Great growth there. Retail, with brands like AlphaTheta, Pioneer DJ, Shure’s consumer lines. That’s all still strong. And finally, meeting rooms, which just keep growing.
When I joined Jands, UC was emerging. Now it’s mainstream. Decision makers are IT managers who know the problem but not the solution. That’s why an expo like Integrate is so valuable, it’s a chance to show them what’s possible.
AV.technology: And you’re seeing more of those IT managers at Integrate every year?
Phil Muffet: Absolutely. There’ll always be two speeds: people who just want plug-and-play, and specialists solving complex problems. Our job is to support both.
RESPONSES