Audio Chip Leader Cirrus Logic, Music Instrument Pioneer Gibson Team to Develop Digital Networking Products

Business Wire, Jan 16, 2004

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

NAMM Trade Show

ANAHEIM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 16, 2004

Two of the world's leading names in audio, chipmaker Cirrus Logic Inc. (Nasdaq:CRUS) and music instrument pioneer Gibson Guitar Corp., have announced that they are teaming to pioneer a new age of digital networking products for use in musical instrument, professional audio and consumer electronics markets.

Gibson announced that they intend to use Cirrus Logic chips and technology for the development of digital networking products, such as next-generation gigabit Ethernet-based products designed to provide high-bandwidth, ultra-low-latency audio and video transport. Such technologies could enable improved distribution and management of high-fidelity audio content for use in such fields as recording and live music distribution.

"As a pioneer in the field of music instruments, Gibson has set the standard for leading-edge instrument designs that have continued to advance the digital age of professional music," said David D. French, president and CEO, Cirrus Logic. "We're pleased that Gibson has chosen to work with Cirrus, whose CobraNet(tm) technology is the professional audio industry's leading technology for distributing uncompressed, real-time, digital audio over Ethernet networks."

"Cirrus Logic's advances in digital technology fit perfectly with Gibson's cutting-edge digital initiatives," said Henry Juszkiewicz, chairman and CEO of Gibson. "Cirrus will be a fantastic supplier of technology to carry a wide array of new Gibson products into the future."

Cirrus Logic Inc.

Cirrus Logic is a premier supplier of high-performance analog, mixed-signal and digital processing solutions for consumer entertainment electronics, automotive entertainment and industrial product applications. Building on its global market leadership in audio ICs and its rich mixed-signal patent portfolio, Cirrus Logic targets audio, video and precision mixed-signal applications in these growing markets. The company operates from headquarters in Austin, Texas, with offices in California, Colorado, Europe, Japan and Asia. More information about Cirrus Logic is available at www.cirrus.com.

Gibson

Gibson is known worldwide for producing classic models in every major style of fretted instrument, including acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins and banjos. Gibson's digital guitar, introduced in 2002, represents the biggest advance in electric guitar design in over 70 years. Founded in 1894 in Kalamazoo, Mich., and headquartered in Nashville since 1984, Gibson Guitar Corp.'s family of brands now includes Epiphone, Dobro, Valley Arts, Kramer, Steinberger, Tobias, Slingerland, Maestro, Baldwin, Hamilton, Chickering and Wurlitzer. Visit Gibson's Web site at www.gibson.com.

Cirrus Logic, Cirrus, and CobraNet are trademarks of Cirrus Logic Inc. All other product names noted herein are trademarks of Gibson/Baldwin.