Meyer Sound is excited to announce the acquisition of Audio Rhapsody, a nascent startup founded by acclaimed sound designer Jonathan Deans. With the acquisition, Meyer Sound strengthens its position at the forefront of theater sound solutions, utilizing Deans’ expertise to develop software solutions to expand the company’s portfolio of integrated digital systems.
This landmark partnership is the latest milestone in Meyer Sound’s legacy of innovation in theater sound. From collaborating with legendary sound designer Abe Jacob in 1980 to bring the iconic UPA loudspeaker to Broadway to developing the new NADIA™ network-based digital audio platform, the company has continually pushed the envelope to create solutions that empower creators to deliver the ultimate sonic experience.
Deans, one of the world’s preeminent sound designers, is renowned for his pioneering work in immersive sound and his commitment to advancing the artistry of the craft. With multiple Tony and Drama Desk award nominations to his name, he has contributed to hundreds of productions spanning Broadway, the West End, and beyond and crafted soundscapes for 15 Cirque du Soleil productions. His relationship with Meyer Sound goes back to 1978 when he met founders John and Helen Meyer while working on a production of Evita using a Meyer-designed JM-3 loudspeaker. Meyer Sound acquired Deans’ company Level Control Systems in 2005, leading to an expansion of the company’s digital solutions.
“Jonathan is a recognized leader in the world of theater sound,” says John McMahon, Senior Vice President of Meyer Sound. “We’re excited to join forces with him and his team as we continue to build upon our successes and expand our investments in the sector. My relationship with Jonathan goes back decades — to my LCS days — and I’m delighted to welcome a longtime friend into the fold,” says McMahon.
“Meyer Sound has been there throughout my career, always providing support and always with an aligned focus on the audience experience, first and foremost,” says Deans, who assumes the role of Meyer Sound’s Senior Specialist, Theatrical Production Systems. “I founded Audio Rhapsody to build tools that remove the silos and barriers to creativity that are inherent in theatrical sound design systems and processes, and I’m so thrilled to complete that journey with a team of people who share the same passion.”
A talented team of Audio Rhapsody partners joins Meyer Sound. GRAMMY and Thea Award winner Jason Rauhoff, a former Meyer Sound employee, joins as Product Manager, Theatrical Production Systems. Rob Mele, also previously with Meyer Sound, assumes the role of Application Architect, Theatrical Production Systems, contributing to the software development team. Michael Kroll joins as Visual Designer, Theatrical Production Systems. (Audio Rhapsody’s Mike Tracey will remain an independent advisor.)
The team will focus on developing the next generation of audio show control software for the NADIA platform, bringing fresh innovation to applications both large and small with a bold and intuitive approach.
“Helping people stay connected with platforms that are usable not by the few, but by the many, is really important to me,” says Deans. “This isn’t just about the generation of ‘now,’ it’s the generation that’s coming; the sound people who will be doing things that we haven’t even thought about. Being able to aid them in their creative paths is a rewarding part of this journey, and integrating Audio Rhapsody’s software approach with the excellence of Meyer Sound technologies is a realization of that vision,” says Deans.
“We’ve always admired Jonathan’s unique and exceptional vision, so this new chapter holds immense value for us,” says Helen Meyer. “Jonathan isn’t just a new employee; he’s a dear friend. We’re thrilled to welcome him into the Meyer Sound family, and we are eager to embark on this journey together.”