Acknowledging the lack of emerging young engineering talent in the pro audio industry, Audiotonix has launched its first – and only – Audiotonix-branded product. The STEAM powered DJ mixer kit is part of a new educational initiative designed to inspire the next generation of engineers by developing their skills and knowledge in science, technology, arts and engineering using a kit-based, USB-powered DJ audio mixer that they can build and assemble themselves.
The company, which owns brands like SSL, Calrec, Allen&Heath and DiGiCo, hopes the initiative will help develop STEM and audio engineering and mixing skills.
“With the help of our global partners, schools, youth groups and charities will be able to get kits at a heavily discounted pricing or for free,” says Helen Culleton, COO of Audiotonix. “The aim is that, for all units sold, we reinvest all the monies back into building more kits that will get into the hands of students who wouldn’t normally get access to this opportunity. It’s a start, and our aim is to create further STEM and audio engineering initiatives in the future.”
The STEAM mixer consists of three printed circuit boards with individual through hole components that need to be soldered in place and assembled into supplied metalwork. USB 2.0 powered, it is safe to build and easy to use in any location. With dedicated instructions and video content on how to build and use, students will gain an understanding of how the different technical elements work together to create a product they can use to develop their creative skills too.
“The idea behind STEAM is simple,” adds James Gordon, CEO of Audiotonix. “Our brands, and many of our partners and customers too, are struggling to bring new talent into our industry. If we want continued success then it’s our collective responsibility to help develop the next generation of engineers, starting whilst they are at school.”
