Where else can you find, try and buy a huge range of pro audio equipment?
Factory Sound has become a bit of an institution, their storefront in York Street, South Melbourne being to go-to place for everything pro audio and audio visual. With a huge range in-store, and an even bigger catalogue of specifics available for order, Factory Sound has been serving Melbourne’s creative community for decades and now, it’s your turn Sydney!
Last week saw the opening of Factory Sound’s Sydney store on Church Street, North Parramatta. Combining a love for audio, visual and music, we had the chance to chat to Factory Sound about their legacy, and the business moving forward!
Can you explain a little bit about how and where Factory Sound began in the 90s?
Factory Sound began in 1992 as rehearsal rooms and studio space in South Melbourne, and by 1994 had set aside a moderate amount of space to display microphones for sale, along with a big range of Neutrik connectors. As more customers came for essential bits and pieces, we realised that there was an increasing demand for professional audio equipment, which is handy because that’s what we’re passionate about. The last rehearsal room closed in 2000, to make space for larger demo spaces.
Where do you think Factory Sound sits within the larger music retail space?
We are full nerds, and we love any talk about professional audio. To be able to provide a space for like-minded people, where they don’t need to muscle past guitars to find connectors and cable, serious PA speakers, digital mixing systems and a no-fuss approach to wireless microphone and in ear systems – be it single or multi-channel – has always been a priority for us. It’s also handy to be able to sit and talk more seriously about the varied needs of a customer, without having to ever invoke the “no Stairway” rule.
View this post on Instagram
Why is a physical store important as opposed to just buying online?
Aside from the obvious advantages of being able to audition a range of PA speakers, studio monitors and microphones, which is impossible when just shopping online, another reason for choosing a physical store is “the questions you don’t know you need to ask.”
Online shopping can lead you down many paths, and it’s easy to find supporting articles and reviews to help talk yourself into an option that may not be the best fit for your actual needs. Experienced staff in a bricks-and-mortar store know how to drill down to find out what you actually need, and what are the best solutions. Building relationships with like-minded people definitely helps guide through the journey of building the right gear as you grow. Of course, the ability to grab an extra microphone stand or some smoke fluid on the way to your next gig is also a bonus.
What can customers expect from Factory Sound that they haven’t experienced elsewhere?
Factory Sound in Parramatta really is an experiential centre. With a speaker and lighting demonstration space that is second-to-none, you get to step inside a space where speakers can be auditioned in full flight. Nexo, RCF, d&b audiotechnik, L’Acoustics, QSC, Yamaha are all hooked up and ready to go.
There are digital mixing solutions ready to go too, from DiGiCo, Avid, Allen & Heath and Yamaha – the big four for touring live sound, or installed venue use. The only other space that comes close is Factory Sound in South Melbourne. There is nowhere in Australia that has as many genuine Neutrik connectors on the wall, ready for action. From a concert-level mixer or speaker system, down to component level and important accessories, people in-the-know have been saying it for years – “go to Factory Sound, you’ll get looked after”.
What do you hope to accomplish in Sydney?
We want to create a hub, where people can feel comfortable to ask, learn, experience and grow with us. The Factory Sound Sydney Experiential Centre will not only be a space to audition and buy the latest and most trusted gear for your project, but will also provide education for those who want to learn more about the technology used in our industry. There is a genuine hunger for information and guidance, and we understand the importance of helping create a safe space for not only learning, but also sharing information to help foster the audio community.
Who does your range cater to?
Every user of professional audio equipment. Beginner, enthusiast, student, musician, DJ, producer, professional live sound engineer, home studio, commercial studio, corporate audiovisual service providers, production companies, houses of worship, schools, government, really everyone. We specialise in professional audio, so it makes sense to go to the experts to get the best experience.
View this post on Instagram
Will the install service be available in Sydney?
Our Projects Team already has a presence in Sydney. By having an extra home base in Parramatta, logistics are made even easier for future projects. Factory Sound has been able to provide truly world-class solutions for both education and performing arts centres in Melbourne. We have already attended to a number of hospitality projects and corporate/commercial multi-room facilities recently in Sydney. We think that this will flow on to the other core parts of our projects team, which include fitness centres, houses of worship and local council applications.
Keep reading, shop the online range or find more info about the new Sydney store here.
