For Immediate Release
audioEngine Continues Recession Expansion: Two Luxe Mixing Rooms Go Online in Union Square

DIFONDI’S CABIN IN THE SKY & MARTELL’S FRENCH QUARTER READY TO RECEIVE CLIENTS

New York City — audioEngine (aE), the leading audio post production studio in Manhattan and Phoenix, is pleased to announce the completion of two newly-constructed, high-end mixing studios at its Union Square flagship facility. The studios, which were designed by Walters-Storyk Design Group architect/acoustician John Storyk (Jazz At Lincoln Center, Electric Lady Studios, Le Poisson Rouge), are part of aE’s ongoing expansion, which includes the addition of highly-credentialed mixer Rob DiFondi and Operations Manager Jennifer Hunt last fall.

All four partners of audioEngine agreed that despite the current economy, a first class expansion was the only way to go. “Our clients are extremely discriminating and knowledgeable,” says Giammarco, who heads up audioEngine West in Phoenix. “We knew from the outset that if we were committed to the company’s continued growth, in addition to adding new business operations infrastructure we needed these new studios to be genuine showplaces. Luckily, our partner/ Director of Technical Operations Brian Wick, is extremely well qualified to pilot the project. We look forward to welcoming new clients as well as familiar faces into the new rooms.”

The new studios, F and E, also known as Cabin in the Sky and The French Quarter, join aE’s simpatico neighbor, sound design shop Henry Boy, on the seventh floor at 817 Broadway. The impetus for the expansion, according to partner / co-founder Rex Recker, was to accommodate the steady growth aE has enjoyed since opening in Manhattan in 2001, and create personalized and permanent homes for star mixers Rob DiFondi and Hillary Kew Martell, both of whom mixed spots for the acclaimed Liberty Mutual “Responsibility Project” campaign in their new digs (Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos).

“We’re fortunate to be expanding in the current economic climate,” says Recker. “Last year, when we attracted top-flight commercial audio mixer Rob DiFondi to our ranks, we promised to build him the room of his dreams. Cabin in the Sky with its lodge-like setting has totally fulfilled Rob’s workplace fantasy. We’re drawing rave reviews from Rob’s clients, both for his mixing skills and for the spectacular accommodations.”

Martell’s dream workspace, The French Quarter, tastefully combines two distinct aesthetics: the velvet-flocked wallpaper and a crystal chandelier adorning the client work area evoke the joie de vivre and glamour of New Orleans, while the actual studio space exudes a tranquil and elegant spa-like setting in which local and commuter clients can relax and focus. Martell recently mixed “Start ‘Er Up”and “Aftermath” for NASCAR through Weiden+Kennedy, and “Happy Birthday” for Pampers through Saatchi/ NYC, in the new room.

“A lot of creative thinking and collaboration goes on inside these rooms between our clients and mixers,” explains aE co-founder and CFO, Bob Giammarco. “To facilitate the work and make the mixing process more pleasurable than ever, we’ve designed the new spaces to reflect the unique personalities of Hillary and Rob, but also to be technically-sophisticated, ultra modern and comfortable—a sort of right brain oasis where the last make-or-break stage in the post production process--mixing sound to picture--becomes an enjoyable experience.”

Company principals decided to go to extremes on technical sophistication as well as creature comforts when planning the build out. The Cabin (Studio F) is a luxuriously rustic Adirondacks-style log cabin environment featuring a handset s and rough-hewn wooden floors. Value-added personal touches added by DiFondi include a “tree branch” rocking chair, which DiFondi swears exudes a wondrously calming effect upon clients. Recent projects mixed in the Cabin while finishing touches were put on the room include the Spring TV Campaign for Cadillac through Modernista! / Boston, and “Pop Up Book” and “Flip Book” for Starbucks through BBDO / NYC.

For more information, please contact Roberta Lawrence Media at 212.627.0297 or rolawr@verizon.net.

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About audioEngine – Since opening its flagship facility in New York City in 2001, followed by audioEngine West in Phoenix in 2004, audioEngine has earned its reputation as a leader in the audio postproduction market. The magic formula for this success – the ability to deliver a full range of superlative creative services to the advertising, broadcast, and film industries. Featuring eight show place mixing rooms, and an all-star roster of award-winning mixers, sound designers, and composers, audioEngine prides itself on delivering topnotch creative audio in a relaxed and efficient client-centric atmosphere. The flagship facility at 817 Broadway in New York City spans two floors totaling a generous12,000 square feet of studio space and six studios. Capabilities include mixing for all Dolby formats, complete radio production, custom music, and sound design. audioEngine is led by partners Bob Giammarco, Tom Goldblatt, Rex Recker, and Brian Wick. The roster of senior mixer/sound designers features Rob DiFondi, Kelly Harnett, Carl Mandelbaum, Hillary Kew-Martell, and composer Jason Camiolo.

About Hillary Kew Martell: From observing her mastery on the mixing board, you would never guess Hillary is a small town girl from Utah where the biggest show was the annual "Onion Days" parade. You would also never guess that she is a phenomenal cellist. It was while studying to become a classical cellist at Johns Hopkins University Peabody Conservatory of Music that fate intervened and she discovered the recording arts department. To her, pushing buttons was as creative as plucking strings so she decided to double major, subsequently earning a degree in cello performance and recording arts. Hillary has been a mixer at audioEngine since 2002.

About Rob DiFondi: Born in the beautiful valleys of central New York, Rob discovered his passion for music at an early age. By 12, he was playing drums and guitar, both of which he continues to play today. After earning his B.S. in Sound Recording Technology from the State University of New York in 1999, Rob was hired by Sound Lounge, NYC, where he remained until joining audioEngine in October 2008. Rob has worked with many major brands and some of the best advertising agencies in the business. His client list includes Cadillac and Hummer through Modernista!, Burger King and Amex for Crispin Porter Bogusky, and Chevron through McGarry Bowen. With his great knowledge of music and savvy navigation around a mixing board, Rob continues to amass his loyal following of agency and broadcast producers. When not at work, Rob spends time with his family, plays golf, skis, and travels. He lives on Long Island with his wife Tara, daughter Taylor and dog George.