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Turn Up the Volume at Audioengine West

The tapping of shoes on a floor, an unseen narrator’s voice, music rising to a crescendo as the plot reaches a crucial point — the use of sound in multimedia plays a crucial role in reaching an audience. It draws a viewer in, it makes them care. And whether it’s a commercial or putting the final touches on a Hollywood blockbuster, post-production audio company audioEngine has been crafting these sounds since opening shop in Phoenix in 2004.

Originally started in New York City in 2001, co-founder Bob Giammarco headed west a few years later to open a second branch in an effort to expand the business. The move has paid off as the western outpost work in the advertising, broadcast and film industries. “It comes down to experience,” says Giammarco. “I’ve spent 25 years in a large market and that has given me a lot of chances to do a variety of things.” In addition to Giammarco, the team at audioEngine West consists of award-winning mixers, sound designers, producers and composers. The layout of the studio makes it possible for multiple projects to be developed at any given time with a room used for composing, another that has been dedicated for recording and a larger mixing room that accommodates bigger groups.

While the NYC office continues work with brands such as Travelocity and Yves Saint Laurent, audioEngine West sees a cross-section of work not available back east. Giammarco says since his move to Phoenix, he has been involved in projects that never would have happened had he stayed in New York. “The move to Phoenix has proven to be a good thing for us,” says Giammarco. “We have made great strides in this market and we get a nice variety of work here.” Recently audioEngine has worked on Spider-Man 3, numerous episodes of Lost, Law and Order, programs for the History Channel, as well as other projects.

In addition to multinational brands, audioEngine works closely on Arizona-based films. The documentary, Blood Into Wine — which follows TOOL frontman Maynard James Keenan as he attempts to garner respect for his Arizona winery — was mixed by audioEngine West and has seen strong success since its release in February. Originally a smaller project, the film has since been screened in more than 15 states and internationally. Giammarco and team also recently worked on the locally produced film Deadfall Trail, a thriller set in the Kaibab National Forest, which had its world premiere in April at the Phoenix Film Festival.

Giammarco says although the economy took a toll on audioEngine in both Phoenix and New York City, he says he is seeing a turnaround is hopeful for future — one where an audience’s emotions can rise and fall with the slightest sound.

Hear it all at audioengine.net