A UK professional audio manufacturer whose products were used by major pop stars and touring artists has collapsed into administration. Cosmic Ears Ltd specialises in custom in-ear monitors (IEMs) and formally entered administration on February 3. The appointment of joint administrators was confirmed on 12 February following proceedings in the High Court of Justice, Business and Property Court in Manchester, according to The Gazette’s Data Service.
The business was founded by Philip Gartell, who launched the first official Cosmic Ears IEM in 2015 while living in Sweden. With a background in avionics engineering, Gartell applied expertise in signal processing and electronics to the design of custom monitors, developing what the company described as its signature “British Sound”.
The company offers “Dual Performance” IEMs, designed to perform both in loud live environments and in detailed studio settings, with extensive customisation options including more than one million colour and design combinations.
Cosmic Ears has built a strong reputation within the live music industry and counts numerous pop and mainstream artists among its clients.
The company also supplied monitors to established performers such as Bernard Sumner of New Order, alongside engineers and production crews working on arena and stadium tours.
Among its flagship products was the C8A model, which was voted “Best CIEM of 2025” by Headfonia, underlining the brand’s standing within the audiophile and professional monitoring community.
Reacting to the award in a post on social media, the company wrote: « It goes without saying we are super proud of our now flagship model, which is also our best selling in-ear monitor (followed very closely by our C6A and C6R models).
« Head over to Headfonia.com to read the full article, link in the comments…
« And thank you to all our wonderful customers for the support you show us! »
Companies House filings show the company faced a number of compulsory strike-off notices between 2019 and 2024, although these were suspended or discontinued on each occasion. Annual confirmation statements and accounts were submitted during that period.
Under the Insolvency Act 1986, the administrators will now assess the company’s financial affairs and consider options including restructuring, a potential sale of the business or its assets, or realisation of assets for the benefit of creditors.
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