Gearspace is commemorating its 20th year as the go-to place for audio engineers, music producers, audio schools and organizations. What started as a hobby in 2002 by founder Jules Standen has grown to more than 400,000 members, with over one million discussions and 13 million replies. Standen founded the forum to address the analog-to-digital crossover in the early 2000s that inspired enthusiasts to build their own studios.
Gearspace covers all pro audio gear, from inexpensive microphones to half-a-million-dollar mixing consoles. It is a predominantly user-generated content platform and forum for audio engineers and music producers to troubleshoot technical issues, share techniques and ask for (and receive) advice from their peers. Over the past 20 years, the forum has expanded to include reviews, classifieds, interviews, new product alerts, pro audio events and, most recently, feature articles.
Diversifying user base
Standen says his two favorite aspects of the site are the recording studio construction sub-forum and the producer interviews. “Not only are the photo diaries of people building studios inspirational,” says Standen, “but also our Q&A interviews where members can ask hit-makers how they record and mix are both fun and useful. Our next Q&A guest will be Manny Marroquin, who has worked with Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Kanye West, The Rolling Stones, Imagine Dragons, Christina Aguilera and Jay-Z, among many other best-selling artists.”
Gearspace rebranded last year to welcome a more diverse user base across the industries it serves. “It feels great to be moving forward with a progressive and inclusive name,” says Jules, “making it easier for professionals, novices, educators and hobbyists to unite in sharing the latest information on pro audio gear and their experiences in using it.”
“The Gearspace team and I are delighted to be celebrating this anniversary,” says Standen, “and we look forward to continuing to provide the best possible pro audio forum community in the years to come.”