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Dealer Focus: Pro Audio Design

Refurbing an SSL at Pro Audio Design
During a recent whirlwind tour of our dealers, the intrepid Universal Audio sales team learned some interesting things;

1. People from California should NOT be allowed to drive around the East Coast during the winter (especially in a really huge SUV), and

2. We have some really cool dealers who are doing really cool things.

One of the coolest is Pro Audio Design in Rockland, Massachusetts, about 20 minutes south of Boston. To say that the entrance to PAD’s offices is inauspicious would be a 96-input understatement. Once through their doors, you’re greeted with an impressive, fully functioning showroom of new gear and a giant warehouse space so filled with coveted vintage audio gear it could be a museum.

PAD’s specialty is buying, restoring and selling SSL consoles. They maintain a stunning inventory of SSL parts, which allows them, in many cases, to custom configure used SSL consoles. You want a 48-frame 6000G with 8 stereo and 24 mono inputs? More than likely, PAD can head back to their kitchen and whip one up for you. They will also be only too happy to add some Universal Audio mic pres and compressors to your order—after all, man can not live by vintage SSL mic pres and compressors alone. We sat down in PAD president Dave Malekpour’s beautiful wood-paneled office, which he told us had been where the original occupant had directed his shoe empire, to chat about some of the cool things PAD has been up to lately.
"We recently installed an SSL 4064G Plus into Skyline Studios," Dave told us. Skyline is a brand new two-room facility designed by Andy Monroe slated to open in Boston at the end of April. We rebuilt their console literally from the ground up, module by module, and they are thrilled with the result. Skyline also picked up a couple of UA 1176LN and LA-2A compressors and a 2-610 mic pre."

"We also just worked on a room for Timbaland (noted hip-hop producer who’s worked with Aaliyah, Missy Elliot and many others). John Storyk of the Walters-Storyk Design group designed that room in Virginia Beach. Tim picked up four 1176LNs and four LA-2As for his effects rack."

"In fact," Dave went on to say, I can’t think of a room we’ve done over the last three years that didn’t include a rack full of UA gear.

The caliber of customer we deal with see LA-2As and 1176s as a default choice for their studios."

Aw shucks Dave, thanks!

"I can’t think of a room we’ve done over the last three years that didn’t include a rack full of UA gear."

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