From the crushing depths of the ocean to the vast expanse of space, MISCO’s military and aerospace-grade speakers ensure clear communication in the most demanding conditions. The company specializes in designing ruggedized audio systems that meet stringent military standards, endure extreme environmental stressors, and deliver unmatched reliability. No matter the mission, MISCO delivers with precision, durability, and innovation.
MISCO has made significant contributions to military and defense technology. This piece examines how it became the only U.S. manufacturer to design and build specialized audio systems for defense applications. From the company’s relentless pursuit of excellence to its commitment to U.S.-based manufacturing, this article is an in-depth exploration of MISCO’s role in pushing the limits of what is possible in audio engineering.
Loud and Clear: The Science of Military-Grade Audio
MISCO understands that defense-grade speakers need to perform flawlessly in environments where failure could result in catastrophe. This has led to the design of speakers for use cases such as:
- Submarines with resistance to saltwater corrosion and pressure fluctuations
- Cockpit audio systems for fighter jets that cut through engine noise
- Alarm systems for military bases requiring fail-safe operation
- Headsets with noise-canceling precision for ground troops
- Two-way and armored vehicle intercoms to ensure commands are heard over engine roar and battlefield chaos
In 2017, MISCO deepened its commitment to the aerospace, military, marine, and security sectors with the acquisition of Oaktron, bringing over six decades of expertise in military and aerospace audio solutions to the company. Founded in 1954 as Oaktron Industries, the Wisconsin-based manufacturer built its reputation as a key supplier to the U.S. radio and television OEM market. Over time, Oaktron expanded its focus to meet the unique demands of military and aerospace applications, developing specialized capabilities such as electromagnetic shielding, EMP resistance, and lightweight designs tailored for high-performance environments. Even today, these innovations complement MISCO’s existing strengths in transducer technology, enabling the combined entity to offer a comprehensive range of ruggedized audio solutions for defense and aerospace clients.
Oaktron’s contributions to military audio systems are particularly remarkable for their robustness and adaptability. The company has developed speakers that can withstand extreme stressors, such as high shock loads, temperature fluctuations, and corrosive environments—all of which are critical for military vehicles, aircraft, and naval systems. In aerospace applications, Oaktron’s lightweight speaker designs excel in intelligibility without sacrificing durability or performance under stringent environmental standards. This collaboration between Oaktron’s legacy expertise and MISCO’s advanced manufacturing capabilities has reinforced MISCO’s status as a leader in defense audio technology.
Heard Across Land, Sea, and Space
Through innovative engineering and a steadfast commitment to quality, MISCO has positioned itself as a dependable partner for military and space exploration projects. From naval operations to space missions, the company's expertise in robust audio solutions is unmistakable.
For demanding environments faced by submarines, fighter jets, armored vehicles, and ground troops, MISCO provides a comprehensive range of hardened, tailored audio solutions. For instance, MISCO's submarine speakers are designed to resist saltwater corrosion and pressure fluctuations, while cockpit audio systems for fighter jets are optimized to cut through deafening engine noise to ensure clear communication. Meanwhile, these systems are carefully crafted to meet stringent standards such as MIL-STD-810 for environmental durability and MIL-STD-461 for electromagnetic compatibility, guaranteeing that the equipment can withstand the rigors of military operations without compromising performance.
MISCO’s reach extends beyond Earth's atmosphere into the realm of space exploration. Through its Oaktron division, MISCO has provided specialized audio components for the ISS, designed to function in the unique acoustic environment of an orbiting laboratory. This experience proved invaluable, allowing MISCO to refine its expertise in designing audio systems for the extreme conditions of space.
In 2017, building on its success with the ISS, MISCO embarked on a groundbreaking project with NASA's Orion spacecraft program and has been responsible for developing loudspeakers that can withstand the extreme conditions of deep-space missions. These speakers are designed to function reliably in zero gravity, fluctuating air pressures, and temperatures ranging from -40°C to +85°C. MISCO also incorporated dual transducers into the design to ensure redundancy—a vital feature for missions where repairs are impossible. Each component has undergone rigorous testing protocols, including pyroshock simulations and pressure chamber evaluations, to validate its reliability under the harshest conditions. This commitment to excellence ensures that astronauts can depend on clear communication during critical phases of the mission.
Manufactured in America: A Tactical Advantage
MISCO’s commitment to American assembly and production extends to its physical infrastructure. Established in 2019, the company’s 70,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Energy Park facility brings every facet of speaker design and production under one roof. By maintaining complete control over the supply chain and manufacturing processes within the United States, MISCO provides defense clients a level of security and transparency that offshore manufacturers can't match.
Located in St. Paul, Minnesota, the Energy Park facility is a collaborative ecosystem designed for rapid innovation. With dedicated spaces for engineering, R&D, testing, manufacturing, and customer engagement, this facility promotes seamless communication and speeds up the development cycle from initial concept to final testing. MISCO's investment in advanced technology, including five 3D printers and on-site CNC metal and wood fabrication, enables MISCO engineers to create working prototypes in days, not months. This rapid prototyping capability is essential for defense projects, where quick adaptation and problem-solving are critical.
One of MISCO's most significant assets is its comprehensive test and measurement capabilities. Housing North America's most advanced Klippel acoustical testing laboratory allows engineers to examine every aspect of speaker performance. From laser scanning vibrometry to micro-speaker measurement, no detail is too small to analyze. This deep level of analysis enables MISCO to accurately measure the real-world performance of its speakers—even in an auditorium or vehicle—and use that data to tailor solutions for highly specific customer needs while ensuring exceptional product quality. Because that commitment extends beyond loudspeakers to encompass complete audio systems, MISCO can also offer custom-designed enclosures and amplifiers.
MISCO’s dedication is also woven into its processes and certifications. By adhering to lean manufacturing principles such as Kanban, Poka-Yoke, Kaizen, and 6S, the company consistently strives for efficiency and waste reduction. This commitment to quality is further validated by the ISO 9001-2015 certification, ensuring that every speaker meets rigorous international standards.
Whether optimizing an existing speaker system or designing a new solution from scratch, MISCO's integrated approach and domestic presence make it a trusted and reliable partner for military and defense applications. Intellectual property is protected, communication is streamlined, and projects can be executed with increased speed and agility.
A Sound Legacy, Amplified
MISCO’s journey to becoming a defense audio specialist highlights the power of curiosity combined with discipline. The company’s roadmap is clear as it continues to push the boundaries of materials science, leverage its unmatched testing infrastructure, and strengthen partnerships with all branches of the U.S. military. In an era where global tensions emphasize the need for dependable defense technology, MISCO’s U.S.-built, battle-tested audio solutions represent more than just a competitive edge — they’re a national imperative.
