Founded by Andrew Roberts in 1997 after his work repairing high-end studio equipment in Manhattan, Purple Audio designs and manufactures recording equipment for professional, touring, and home studios. Now based in a restored historic fire company building beside Jim Thorpe’s Mauch Chunk Opera House, the Pennsylvania shop is known for the MC77 FET limiter and a broader line of analog studio gear. Live performances next door are also recorded through Purple Audio equipment for release as live albums.
Automated Processes, Inc. (API Audio)Since its founding in 1969 by engineers and musicians, Automated Processes, Inc. has built its reputation around the warm analog sound associated with American recording studios. The Maryland company makes professional audio equipment for recording and production, with its consoles still in use at more than 600 studios worldwide and vintage units continuing to work decades after production.JESSUP, MD
Abell AudioFounded by touring audio engineer Dan “Doc” Abell in 1984, Abell Audio repairs professional audio equipment, electronic musical instruments, and high-end stereo gear in Columbus, Ohio. The shop is particularly known for restoring vintage and analog equipment in a way that preserves its distinctive sound, with five test and repair benches supporting roughly 3,000 repairs each year. Abell also makes custom cables in Columbus, extending its repair technicians’ hands-on work into production.COLUMBUS, OH
Benchmark Media Systems, IncFrom a Syracuse, New York facility, Benchmark Media Systems designs and manufactures transparent audio equipment for recording studios and home listening systems. Founded in 1983 as a garage operation serving television broadcasters, the company still designs, assembles, and tests its products in Syracuse more than 40 years later. Its audio-enthusiast staff build equipment around a clear aim: keeping noise and distortion below the threshold of hearing so the electronics stay out of the music.SYRACUSE, NY
Rogue Audio, IncFrom its factory in Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania, Rogue Audio designs and hand-builds vacuum-tube amplifiers and related high-end audio equipment. Founded on the idea that serious amplifier performance should remain affordable, the company develops its electronics in-house and hand assembles and tests each product in the United States. Its lineup includes the long-running Cronus and Sphinx integrated amplifiers alongside phono and headphone components.BRODHEADSVILLE, PA