R2Sonic was founded in February 2006 by three veteran underwater acoustical engineers; Jens R. Steenstrup, Mark Chun and Kirk Hobart; with the mission to utilize their experience to bring high quality, leading edge underwater acoustic products to the private and public sectors, with focus on customer needs. A "blue ocean" analysis of dozens of product ideas concluded that the fifth generation multibeam sonars would bring the best value to the market that the founders are very familiar with from a previous venture.

Jens R. Steenstrup founded Reson, Inc. in 1984, and was joined a few years later by Mark Chun and Kirk Hobart. Together they conceived, designed, and brought to production the groundbreaking SeaBat™ 9001, 8101, and 8125 multibeam echosounders. In the years up to their departure from Reson in 2005, they were the system architects behind 20 different sonar models over four product generations and propelled Reson from newcomer to a leading market position. The combination of innovation, a dedicated team, and focus on the customer made that success possible. R2Sonic brings these pioneering values back to the industry. With the launch of the Sonic 2024 at Oceanology 2008 in London, R2Sonic has redefined the multibeam market with unparalleled performance and value to the customer.

The facilities are located on the west side of Santa Barbara's high technology area with University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Airport and the ocean within walking distance. The laboratories are well equipped with modern instrumentation and software tools necessary for the efficient modeling, development and test of underwater acoustical equipment. R2Sonic has set out to be among the most progressive companies in the field of personnel policies; offering an in house video library, golf putting facilities, self managed flexible work schedules, complimentary food and beverage service, and genuine Persian rugs in the office area!