285. IEM Start-Up Dark Matter Audio Labs

In Episode 285, the hosts are joined by Tal Kocen and Dave Friesema, founders of brand-new in-ear monitor maker Dark Matter Audio Labs. Sean and Andy were impressed with their IEMs when the company launched at NAMM a couple weeks ago, and knew they had to have the duo on to tell their story. This episode is sponsored by Allen & Heath and RCF.

Tal and Dave detail their history in the live audio and IEM manufacturing worlds, and the journey that led to them branching off on their own to start Dark Matter Audio Labs. They also dig deep into the design and mechanics of IEMs, explaining a lot of what goes into making objectively and subjectively good IEMs, the surprisingly tricky task of making generic-fit demo models of custom IEMs, why the frequency response of IEMs might surprise you, and so much more!

As a special bonus for listeners, Tal and Dave are offering a 10 percent discount off any of their in-ears to listeners…just use the discount code “SignalToNoise” when you check out! Also, if any listeners or their artists are interested in joining the DMA Labs artist program, reach out to Rachelle, their artist relations human, at rachelle@darkmatteraudiolabs.com, and tell her you heard about them on Signal to Noise!

Episode Links:
Dark Matter Audio Labs Website
Dark Matter Audio Labs On ProSoundWeb
Episode 285 Transcript

Connect with the community on the Signal To Noise Facebook Group and Discord Server. Both are spaces for listeners to create to generate conversations around the people and topics covered in the podcast — we want your questions and comments!

Also please check out and support The Roadie Clinic, Their mission is simple. “We exist to empower & heal roadies and their families by providing resources & services tailored to the struggles of the touring lifestyle.”

The Signal To Noise Podcast on ProSoundWeb is co-hosted by pro audio veterans Andy Leviss and Sean Walker.

Want to be a part of the show? If you have a quick tip to share, or a question for the hosts, past or future guests, or listeners at home, we’d love to include it in a future episode. You can send it to us one of two ways:

1) If you want to send it in as text and have us read it, or record your own short audio file, send it to signal2noise@prosoundweb.com with the subject “Tips” or “Questions”

2) If you want a quick easy way to do a short (90s or less) audio recording, go to https://www.speakpipe.com/S2N and leave us a voicemail there