For a small company, Professional Audio Design has quite a reputation. They are known throughout the recording industry as a reputable company that offers equipment sales, design and technical services. The company, which is better known as Pro Audio Design, is located in Rockland, MA, but it does business all over the world. In fact, they are the exclusive factory authorized dealer of pre-owned SSL consoles in the United States. Aside from selling new, used classic and vintage equipment, Pro Audio Design offers complete solutions for those who are building or upgrading a recording facility.

David Malekpour is the founder and President of Pro Audio Design. His love of music is what prompted him to begin working in the recording industry years ago. The successful company has been in existence for almost a decade and it continues to grow. A relationship has been established between The New England Institute of Art and Pro Audio Design. Malekpour continues to be impressed with our Audio Production program and the caliber of the program's graduates. A number of our students have completed internships at Pro Audio Design, many of whom go on to seek full time employment upon graduation. Malekpour currently has four Ai New England alumni working for him at Pro Audio Design.

Jeff O'Hara and Nathan Crandell, both 2001 graduates of The New England Institute of Art are Service Technicians at Pro Audio Design. Service Technicians perform a variety of functions including custom wiring systems, refurbishment and restoration, custom electronics, installation and integration as well as acoustic design and implementation. Jeff started out at Pro Audio Design as an intern and was happy to accept a full time job as a Service Technician when the opportunity arose. "Not only am I working in the recording industry, but I get to work with unbelievable equipment every day." Service Technicians spend the majority of their time working on gear in the shop, however travel is definitely a part of their lives as well. Sometimes they need to transport equipment or a system to a client's studio. "Long hours on the road can be difficult at times but traveling does have its benefits", admits Jeff. Whether the trip is to New York City or to Wisconsin, the trips are always unique. Transporting and installing equipment in high-end studios across the country is a great way to get your name known in the industry. Jeff attributes much of his success to his studies at Ai New England. " Not only did I learn how to use the equipment while I was in college, but the instructors also taught us how the equipment works and what makes it run". It is that kind of thorough understanding that allowed Jeff to land a technical career at Pro Audio Design. Jeff urges current Ai New England students to pay attention, work hard and find a good internship.

The Information Technology Manager at Pro Audio Design is also an alumnus of Ai New England. Pedro Garcia graduated from the Audio Production Program in May of 2000. His responsibilities include making sure that the company's web site is up and running and keeping up-to-date on the emerging computer technologies. Pedro admits that his job can be stressful at times but he truly enjoys his career at Pro Audio Design. "I am able to combine my two interests every day at work: computers and music." He also started out as an intern at Pro Audio Design and believes that a strong internship can often lead to a career. Pedro urges The New England Institute of Art students to get involved in clubs and activities. While a student, Pedro was involved with the college's record label, Naked Ear, which proved to be very rewarding for him. He sites both Barry Marshall and Pete Peloquin as the instructors who most inspired him and he believes that it is important for students to keep in touch with their mentors after leaving The New England Institute of Art.

Having so many alumni working for such an esteemed company is quite an honor. David Malekpour looks for graduates who demonstrate maturity, responsibility and a love for the business. People like working for him because while Pro Audio Design is a successful company with clients all over the world, it is also small enough to offer a close-knit work environment. The New England Institute of Art plans to continue its on going relationship with Pro Audio Design and will work with the company on internships and job opportunities for the College's graduates.