Radial Engineering completes new R&D facility and test studio
Published: ASIA
WORLD: Vancouver-based manufacturer Radial Engineering has opened a new R&D facility, moving its team into a larger space to accommodate growing numbers. Among the improvements is a new test studio named Studio Eh! in honour of the company’s Canadian heritage. It is described by general manager Mike Hill as giving the expanded team ‘some quiet space where they can focus on next-generation products without worrying about interrupting others when they turn up the volume’.
The new department has been divided into three sections. The first houses the manufacturer’s engineering team, encompassing circuit design, PCB layout and metal drafting. The second area comprises a meeting room for sharing new designs, part requirements, and development schedules. Studio Eh! – measuring approximately 3.6m x 5m – makes up the third area, including a wide range of microphones, monitors, guitars, amplifiers, keyboards, a digital workstation and more.
‘We grew to the point where we felt it was time to take over the last 1,524 sq-m in our building that was previously leased out,’ explained Mr Hill. ‘The extra warehouse space not only helps us manage inventory overflow, but this area now houses cable prep, trade show prep, the workbench and old files. We upgraded the office area with a new kitchen, updated washroom, R&D office and of course the studio.’
Radial Engineering president Peter Janis offered more details on the studio and how it improves the company’s workflow: ‘Almost every day starts with a review of what is happening in R&D. I will get on the phone and speak to the design team regarding features that need to be implemented and then will often end my day testing and listening to products that are in some stage of development. Studio Eh! is a fantastic facility for this type of thing.
‘The room is fully treated with Primacoustic Broadway panels and MaxTrap bass traps to eliminate room modes. Thanks to the MaxTraps, it is truly a joy to work in as it does not have the low frequency problems that we had in the previous room. We use a Workhorse with two PowerPres and switch between Dynaudio, Yamaha, Hafler and Focal monitors, depending on what we are doing. We also have an iso-room across the hall that is wired with tie lines to test loud amps.
‘This room is equipped with two Marshall amps, a Mesa Boogie half stack, four Fender combos, a THD half stack, an Ampeg SVT and a collection of electric and acoustic guitars, basses and other knickknacks!’ Mr Janis added. ‘I have the best job in the world! I get to speak with artists, engineers and technicians every day and create solutions. Studio Eh! makes it even easier to get the job done.’