Audio Agent Newsreel

October 16, 2008 – Audio Agent LLC has been has been appointed the exclusive representatives for Mojave Audio in the Northeast United States. The premium studio microphone brand, which was originally created in 1985 by David Royer, was re-launched in 2005 to bring Royer's innovative condenser microphone designs to market. Audio Agent is the first independent representative to be engaged by the company.

Mojave Audio President, Dusty Wakeman, commented, "Audio Agent has already proven themselves with our sister company, Royer Labs. Now, we're asking them to create a more extensive dealer network for Mojave Audio. We're extremely pleased with our progress so far, and this is a move to maintain strong growth without significantly increasing costs."

"Mojave microphones are unbeatable, especially considering their very reasonable pricing," exclaimed Blue Wilding, Audio Agent Eastern US Manager. “The three existing models, the MA-201fet, MA-200 and the MA-100 have an open quality and great mid-range character that’s simply unheard of for under $1000US. This brand is already a top pick among the elite recording community; now we're going to make sure the word gets out to the rest of the world too."

October 14, 2008 – Audio Agent LLC, west coast representatives for Blue Sky International, are pleased to announce Key Code Media's installation of identical Sky System One 5.1 surround monitoring systems in both audio mixing studios at the American Film Institute’s (AFI) Sony Digital Arts Center. The speaker systems will be the primary audio monitors used for student film projects at the legendary Hollywood film school.

“At the Conservatory, every AFI fellow will utilize these sound mixing studios.” explained AFI instructor Matt Doyle. “We wanted to be sure to provide the most accurate, coherent surround monitoring system we could find. That’s why we choose Blue Sky.”

Key Code Media’s Audio Supervisor, Reid Mason added, “The Sky System One translates exceptionally well from the mixing studio to the big screen. AFI’s primary concern is that their fellows get the sound quality they expect when screening their project. AFI takes great care to ensure the technology they choose allows their fellows to achieve the most exciting, encouraging results possible.”

October 9, 2008 – Recent dramatic sales increases of Antelope Audio products in both New York and Los Angeles have followed the appointment of Audio Agent LLC as the brand's representative in those key markets. The brainchild of renowned engineer Igor Levin, Antelope Audio manufactures next-generation master digital clocks that bring significantly improved stability and sonic clarity to digital recording systems. Audio Agent has been working with the brand in recent weeks to build grass roots excitement with key recording professionals on both coasts, and the products are already finding a very hungry market.

"Antelope Audio products provide a strong foundation for any serious studio," explained Audio Agent president, Dave Christenson. "Professionals spend thousands of dollars on their digital workstations and recording equipment. But without the very best sync source, their studio's output is compromised." Audio Agent’s Blue Wilding added, "When I demonstrate the difference this single piece of equipment can make, it’s not subtle; top professionals are instantly converted. Many express regret at not having discovered Antelope gear sooner."

"The buzz in the US is building very quickly now," explained Antelope VP Sales Marcel James. "We've never appointed a US rep before, so we wanted to try Audio Agent a while before committing further. I can tell you we're extremely happy with the results. These guys are passionate about high-end sonic performance, and can translate that excitement into sales."

August 14, 2008 – Audio Agent LLC has been has been appointed as the exclusive West Coast representative for Fairlight's Pyxis product line. Pyxis is a group of non-linear video player/recorders used in a wide range of professional audio and video post-production and film dubbing applications. The product is already popular with top video and film facilities worldwide, and with a stable of Hollywood installations including 20^th Century Fox, Universal, and Sony Pictures, is also finding a strong market in the US.

“Pyxis is the digital video component from Fairlight’s high-end audio workstation systems. It’s now available as a powerful, cost-effective, stand-alone product,” explained Jeremy Stappard, Audio Agent VP of Sales (pictured center-right). “We’re excited to be working alongside the legendary team at Fairlight US to make this technology available to the post production industry.”

Pyxis can be used with any audio editing/mixing system to provide HD video playback and recording while saving tremendous amounts of time. Pyxis-equipped facilities can download a digital file and start working on a project, in any format or resolution, immediately. Slow video transfer and lay-back processes are eliminated, while additional features for ADR cueing and Foley recording increase workflow tempo even further.

President of Fairlight US, Steve Rance (pictured center-left), added, “Over the coming months, we plan to work with Audio Agent to establish a network of West Coast professional audio and video dealers. Pyxis will be available nationwide, but we’ll be focusing our promotional efforts on one region of the country at a time. The product has such a positive effect on the productivity of post production facilities that we’re already making fast progress.”

July 10, 2008 – Audio Agent has been named exclusive sales representatives for the northeastern US by Royer Labs. The industry-leading ribbon microphone manufacturer appointed Audio Agent to increase contact with its current dealer network and expand further into the live sound market.

“I’ve been a strong advocate of Royer mics ever since I started selling them in New York 10 years ago,” exclaimed Blue Wilding, Audio Agent’s Eastern US Sales Manager. “Royer mics are indispensable when recording instruments or room ambience, giving you an undeniably clear, natural, punchy sound. And with Royer’s stellar reputation in the industry, it’s a privilege to be representing products of this caliber.”

Royer mics have become legendary throughout the high-end recording community and are universally praised for their sound and craftsmanship by the industry’s top professionals. With the recent release of the even more durable Live Series ribbons (live versions of their R-121, R-122 and SF-24 models), Royer is bringing its trademark clarity to the live sound market.

“The new opportunities in live sound were a large factor in our decision to go with an independent rep firm,” explained John Jennings, Royer VP Sales and Marketing. “We didn’t make this decision lightly, but knew we had to be proactive as possible to launch these new products. We feel Audio Agent understands our company and shares our passion for recording. They’ll get the word out.”

July 1, 2008 – Audio Agent LLC has been appointed as US national sales management and NE sales representatives for industry-leading instructional DVD creators Secrets of the Pros, Inc. Founded by musician / engineer Ken Walden in 2004, Secrets of the Pros reveals expert audio production, music recording and performance techniques in a series of best-selling DVDs.

“There are dozens of instructional videos on the market for aspiring engineers and producers, but none of them are as comprehensive and helpful as the Secrets of the Pros series DVDs,” offered Tom Menrath, Audio Agent’s VP of Brand Management. “I’ve known and respected (Secrets of the Pros founder) Ken Walden for years, and he’s taken great care to distill his accumulated knowledge into these ‘best-in-class’ videos.”

“Like never before, the tools required to make well-produced recordings are available to just about anyone,” explained Walden. “However, most people have a limited knowledge of the tried-and-true techniques used by most top engineers. With Secrets of the Pros, we explain these fundamentals in ways that our viewers understand. Now, Audio Agent will help us take the next step, raising awareness for our videos and helping them reach a wider audience.”

The first Secrets of the Pros DVD title, Modern Recording and Mixing, was released in 2004 to universal acclaim. The subsequent Pro Tools DVDs Volume 1, 2 & 3 offer quick, affordable ways to learn to use Pro Tools like a pro. The most recent release, Master Drummer: featuring Dennis Chambers, takes viewers into a world-class studio with one of the most talented drummer / bass players alive. It’s a title that any musician should watch.

April 22, 2008 – Audio Agent LLC is pleased to announce the appointment of industry veteran Tom Menrath as Vice President of Brand Management. The former director of Business Development for Guitar Center, Menrath will provide Audio Agent’s new and existing clients with proven national sales and marketing management expertise.

“Beyond the role of a traditional consultant, who merely makes suggestions, Tom's new group at Audio Agent will actually do the work to help clients grow,” explained Audio Agent President Dave Christenson. “In simple terms, Tom will act as an ‘outsourced’ sales and marketing manager for interested clients. He’ll provide them with a high degree of brand management expertise, and coordinate with the ‘boots on the ground’ to get the job done.”

Before joining Audio Agent, Menrath was most recently Director of Business Development at Guitar Center and principal architect of GC Pro. Prior to that, Menrath served at both Mesa/Boogie and Monster Cable, Inc. in Director of Sales and Marketing roles.

“I’ve been watching Audio Agent grow since they first appeared in late 2006,” commented Menrath. “I immediately saw the value in their integrated approach to sales and marketing. Now, with Brand Management in the mix, we can really ‘turbo-charge’ a small- to medium-sized Pro Audio or MI brand, increasing their leverage dramatically.”

Menrath’s new Brand Management group will complement Audio Agent’s existing Los Angeles-based Sales Representative services, headed by Jeremy Stappard, and their Seattle-based Creative Services team, directed by Erik Hanson.

March 20, 2008 – Audio Agent LLC has been appointed exclusive Northeastern and Southwestern US distributor for the revolutionary new N-Tune™ onboard guitar tuning products. In this role, Audio Agent is working closely with the manufacturer, Zero Crossing, Inc., to launch the brand and product range through traditional brick-and-mortar, online and catalog retailers.

“N-Tune is the first really unique, value-added after-market guitar accessory to come along since the release of the Floyd Rose tremolo 25 years ago,” exclaimed Dave Christenson, Audio Agent president. “We’re already seeing tremendous interest from high-end guitar shops in Los Angeles and New York, and we’re expecting demand to grow quickly now that we’re shipping N-Tune in quantities.”

N-Tune is unique in that it can be installed into almost any electric guitar — providing fast, accurate tuning at a guitarist’s fingertips — without the need to permanently modify the instrument. The unit replaces the guitar’s original volume potentiometer and is activated when the knob is pulled up. When inactive, the tuner is in true bypass mode with no affect on the guitar’s sound.

Not only is N-Tune a great add-on sale for new or used guitars, but retailers have found that installing it into their existing (or slower-selling) guitar inventory can quickly boost guitar sales.

Sam Sudore, CEO and president of Zero Crossing, Inc., added, “We’re happy to have Audio Agent onboard as a domestic distribution partner. Not only are we very pleased with the interest they’ve helped generate for N-Tune, but we appreciate their passion for the product and its possibilities.”

Effective immediately, musical instrument dealers in the Southwestern and Northeastern United States are encouraged to inquire about N-Tune products directly through Audio Agent Los Angeles at sales@audio-agent.com or (818) 985-0980.

October 5, 2007 – Audio Agent LLC is pleased to announce its appointment as exclusive manufacturer’s representatives for Blue Sky International in select East Coast and West Coast territories — including the New York Tri-State Region, Southern California, Southern Nevada and Hawaii.

Blue Sky International designs and markets a complete range of audio monitoring solutions for both professionals and enthusiasts. The Blue Sky range has recently grown to include the desktop EXO 2.1 System, which includes a remote gain/sub control and audio connection hub, the flagship Big Blue monitor system, and the I/ON in-wall, on-wall passive studio monitor system.

“We’ve selected Audio Agent for these key territories because they clearly ‘get it’”, exclaimed Chris Fichera, VP Sales & Marketing for Blue Sky. “Our design philosophy is unique, so our products need to be explained and presented properly if all their benefits are to be realized. Audio Agent’s representatives have both the sales and the hands-on application background to accomplish this.”

“Ever since first hearing the Sky System One during a shoot-out several years ago, we’ve been enormous Blue Sky fans,” raved Dave Christenson, Audio Agent president. “We loved the way the original design sounded, but didn’t know how mixes done on a 2.1 system would translate to ‘typical’ speaker systems. Thankfully, Blue Sky’s ‘true full range’ approach lets mixes translate to conventional 2-way and 3-way systems very well. We’re extremely proud to be involved with the brand today.”

Effective immediately, professional audio dealers in the New York Tri State Region, Southern California, Southern Nevada, and Hawaii are encouraged to inquire about Blue Sky products directly through Audio Agent Los Angeles at sales@audio-agent.com or (818) 985-0980.

August 2, 2007 – Audio Agent LLC is pleased to announce it has been named exclusive manufacturer’s representatives for the full range of PMI Audio Group’s professional audio brands for select East Coast and West Coast territories, including the New York Tri-State Region, Southern California, Southern Nevada and Hawaii. These brands, which include the legendary Toft Audio Designs, Studio Projects and Joe Meek lines of professional studio microphones, preamps, equalizers, compressors and consoles, join Audio Agent’s suite of complementary products, including AMS Neve recording equipment, Blue Sky monitoring systems and Symetrix audio and broadcast products.

“We’re immensely pleased with PMI’s decision to partner with Audio Agent for their exciting range of studio recording gear,” commented Jeremy Stappard, Vice President of Distribution Sales for Audio Agent. “Our network of committed dealers and expert sales and marketing support will undoubtedly contribute to their already impressive growth in recent years.”

PMI Audio Group’s popular brand portfolio includes the revered Toft Audio Designs (studio mic preamps, equalizers, compressors and the popular new ATB Console); Joe Meek (compressors, mic preamps, equalizers and microphones); and Studio Projects (high-end microphones and mic preamps). These products are found at the nation’s top pro audio equipment dealers, as well as in professional and project studios and broadcast facilities the world over.

“Jeremy Stappard and Audio Agent are the perfect fit for what we are doing at PMI,” commented Alan Hyatt, founder and president of PMI Audio Group. “I’ve known the principals at Audio Agent for decades, and I couldn’t think of a better firm to represent us with diligence and strong customer service in these important territories.”

Effective immediately, professional audio dealers in the New York Tri State Region, Southern California, Southern Nevada, and Hawaii are encouraged to inquire about Toft Audio Designs, Studio Projects and Joe Meek products directly through Audio Agent at sales@audio-agent.com or (818) 985-0980.

February 26, 2007 -- Symetrix, Inc., a leading provider of signal processing technology for the installed sound, broadcast, and recording markets through its Symetrix, SymNet, AirTools, and Lucid brands, has appointed Audio Agent, located in Bellevue, Washington, as their representative to build and manage its sales network in Latin America.

Together, Audio Agent's four principals have over 60 years of experience representing professional audio products around the world through both direct sales and distributor/dealer channel management. With a focus on the recording industry, post-production, installed sound, sound reinforcement, and broadcast applications, Audio Agent is committed to providing their clients with a suite of services designed to meet their current needs, while providing the opportunity to expand the range of those services at any time.

When asked about the new appointment, Audio Agent principal Dave Christenson commented, "Symetrix, SymNet, Lucid and AirTools offer a unique range of products ideally suited for the Latin American market. They provide great value by outperforming more expensive competition. We believe that an aggressive expansion of the sales network, combined with increased industry awareness will yield significant results in the region."

"We're very happy to have Audio Agent on our team," remarked Paul Roberts, director of sales for Symetrix. "They are a savvy group and view everything through the lens of a marketer, meaning that in addition to increased sales in Latin America, we can look forward to growth and greater brand awareness."

February 23, 2007 -- A group of industry veterans--Dave Christenson, Erik Hanson, John Hart, Jeremy Stappard and Justin Marx--have come together to form Audio Agent LLC, an integrated sales and marketing agency. According to the group, Audio Agent has "capabilities extending far beyond traditional distributors," and will support clients ranging from AMS Neve (Burnley, UK), Symetrix (Lynnwood, Wash), Brainyard/Fender Musical Instruments (Corona, CA) and LOUD Technologies/Mackie (Woodinville, Wash.). Audio Agent is headquartered near Seattle, WA, with offices in Los Angeles and New York.

"We started Audio Agent because we saw a need to 'raise the game' in terms of integrating sales management and marketing saavy," commented David Christenson, Audio Agent president and founder. "Within the first few months, we've secured sales/distribution clients including AMS Neve and Symetrix, as well as marketing clients including Mackie and Brainyard/Fender, so we've been encouraged by our early success."

David Christenson has held senior sales positions at LOUD Technologies/Mackie, SSL, Sony and Euphonix; Erik Hanson is the former creative director and marketing guru for brands including Mackie, Ampeg, Alvarez and Roland; John Hart is the former president of AMS Neve Inc.; Justin Marx is the former art director and web developer for LOUD Technologies, Guidance Solutions, and Barrington Communications; and Jeremy Stappard is a 14-year veteran of Sony Broadcast and former president of Cal AV Trading Company.

Each of Audio Agent's principals brings a unique skill set to the company, be it international sales management (Dave Christenson), direct-to-studio and professional sales (John Hart), retail outboard gear sales (Jeremy Stappard) and integrated advertising and marketing (Erik Hanson, Justin Marx). By combining these various talents, the whole of Audio Agent is much greater than the sum of its parts.

"More often than not, companies are pleased with aspects of their sales and marketing organizations, but need help in specific areas-like retail sales or boosting international distribution, for example," commented Christenson. "Other times, they simply need a really good ad campaign or website, designed by a company with specific knowledge of audio and music products. That's why we offer our sales and marketing services both as a comprehensive package and 'a la carte'."