Auralex Acoustics, a manufacturer of acoustical treatments, is celebrating its 40th anniversary throughout 2017. As part of the celebrations, Auralex will be offering special limited-edition commemorative products, exclusive value-added rebates, and other surprises for its dealers and end users. 

Eric Smith, founder and president of Auralex, started the company back in 1977, and he says the company grew out of the need for better sound in the radio business.

“I was 17 years old, and I applied for a job at the number-one FM radio station in Indiana, a powerhouse 50,000-Watt operation. I became acutely aware of how poor the acoustics in the control room were, just as they were in other radio facilities I found myself in subsequently,” Smith recalls.  

“At the same time, I had a mobile and nightclub DJ business, where I was designing DJ systems. I was using a well-known acoustical treatment for these DJ rigs, but it would crumble, falling onto the records as they were spinning,” adds Smith. “I was looking for a better product that was affordable, had longevity, and would stand up to the rigors of the road. That’s when I began to focus on developing practical, real-world, cost-effective solutions, and the roots of the Auralex brand were born.” 

Over the years Smith says he has tried to maintain a realistic, everyday man's approach to the development of products.

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“Our staff will tell you that we consistently remind each other to think like the man on the street, which helps us keep our product innovations well-grounded and appropriate for a wide demographic,” he says. 

Through some rough economic times the company emphasizes that its dealer network has always been a priority to Auralex, and it notes customer service has always been important part of its philosophy.

“I don’t think it’s boastful to point out that at least half of the people on our staff have Master’s degrees, and a lot of them have shared the stage with chart-topping artists from around the world. These are experienced specialists, and it is our goal to serve dealers, contractors and end users with efficiency and expertise. Our philosophy is driven by the golden rule: To treat our customers with respect.” 

Smith adds that he anticipates Auralex will continue its recent strategic expansions, which has seen it grow exponentially around the globe.

“We have strongly attacked a number of channels and have laid significant groundwork that will pay dividends for many years to come,” he says. “Bad sound is everywhere, and we are eager to provide solutions far and wide – studios, home theaters, houses of worship, corporate and commercial spaces, and far beyond.” 

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