McConnell launches Audio Brands Australia

Audio Brands Australia is a new Sydney based audio distributor focused on the installation and production markets. Headed up by industry veteran, Don McConnell, (who has over 25 years of experience in the Australian commercial and professional audio markets), the goal of Audio Brands Australia is simple; to provide great products and outstanding customer service.

Don spent over twenty years at Audio Telex Communications, and recently had his senior position made redundant as the suits at Hills Industries ordered another round of cost trimming at what is now Hills SVL.

When asked about his motivation for starting his own company, Don replied, “I have been in the audio industry all of my working life and I am still very passionate about the market and the people working in it. The timing is right to break out on my own and I’m pleased to be able to do it representing such a great catalogue of products”.

Importantly, Audio Brands Australia has been appointed the exclusive Australian distributor for the Italian based audio equipment manufacturer FBT. Commenting on this appointment, Don said, “Audio Brands is very pleased to be representing FBT in Australia. FBT is already well known for their range of moulded speakers and we are looking forward to introducing their latest ranges of self-powered products as well as their extensive range of installation speakers”.

Roberto Mataloni, export manager for FBT enthused, “We are delighted to have Audio Brands Australia as our new distributor ‘down under’. We knew that Don was well known and respected in the Australian audio market, so we jumped at the chance to work with him and his new company. We are looking forward to a long and mutually rewarding partnership between our two companies”.

Following a recent visit to the FBT headquarters in Recanati, Italy, Don commented, “The FBT facility is very impressive, as are the people behind the company and its products. Most of their speakers are built entirely in-house using predominantly European components, including B&C drivers in many of their products. Their design techniques, build quality and testing processes are amongst the best I have ever seen”.

The FBT installation range will be a key initial focus for Audio Brands and includes the Project series (for café’s, pubs and the like), the Shadow series of IP rated outdoor speakers (including an outdoor line array), as well as the MLA and DLA digitally steered column speakers. Additionally, the self-powered Mitus and Vertus line arrays offer outstanding performance for their size and should be popular with both installation and production companies. “We are very much looking forward to introducing these great products to our customers” said Don.

To complete the signal chain, Audio Brands is also offering a range of power amplifiers, self-powered speakers, stands, cables and general audio accessories under the Kempton brand. Still more brands will be introduced over the coming months, making Audio Brands a true ‘solutions shop’ for their contracting and pro audio customers.

Audio Brands Australia can be contacted on 0499 828 521, or via email at sales@audiobrands.com.au. Don says dealership inquiries are welcomed.