The KRK ROKIT Phenomenon: For a quarter century, KRK has been the professional’s choice for mixing and mastering hits around the globe. KRK’s ROKIT studio monitors have consistently been the #1 selling and most popular choice for the new project studio revolution. What makes the ROKIT line a top seller? “It’s a combination of ingredients, and it’s not too complicated,” states Gibson Pro Audio’s Director of Marking Jimmy R. Landry. “Price isn’t even part of the equation with these monitors, because there are Grammy winning artists that use them simply because they can’t work without them—they don’t care about the price—they just happen to be affordable studio monitors. The price point is just an afterthought with this line. We are excited to be pioneering this revolution of quality major label-sounding tracks being made in basements, garages, bedrooms, attics, hotel rooms, and many other unimaginable places, led by our team of engineers in our state-of-the-art HQ in Chatsworth, CA, who still continue the legacy of R&D that started in a garage in Huntington Beach, CA.”
A Word from Gibson Pro Audio Director of Engineering Craig Hockenberry: “Reference monitor design is all about the accuracy of sound reproduction. Imagine sitting on a chair in a wide-open grassy field where there is nothing to be heard except the musician in front of you playing an instrument pure and unaltered in any way. If this instrument was then recorded using laboratory grade equipment with absolute frequency and phase coherency and played back through a perfect reference monitor, you would not be able to hear a difference between the original instrument and that monitor. This is the end-goal of reference monitor design, absolute coherency with the original source. Although this goal is nearly impossible to reach due to many realistic factors, here at KRK, we strive every day to reach that goal to ensure our customers have the best tool that they can afford.”
Jacquire King: One of many major artists who have created award-winning compositions using the ROKIT line, Jacquire King won a Grammy for Record of the Year using ROKIT 5” Speakers. He is a producer, engineer and mixer who has worked with Kings of Leon, Tom Waits, James Bay, Kaleo, Modest Mouse, Norah Jones, Of Monsters and Men, Cold War Kids, and Dawes to more. His works have received more than 30 Grammy nominations.
KRK Systems Background: KRK Systems was launched in a garage in the mid ‘80s and has taken on a few different life forms. Founded by Keith R. Klawitter––a sound mixer in the American film industry with credits for Brainstorm and The Doors, among others––became frustrated with the limited clarity and accuracy of existing monitor speakers, and so he began designing and building his own. These designs were so successful he went into business manufacturing them, and so started KRK. One of the hallmarks of the company is its attention to detail, both in the design and manufacture of its products. For example, the company’s 5.1 surround systems employ speakers that are matched to within 0.05dB!
Regarding Gibson: It’s no secret that Gibson has gone through some difficult times recently, but the fact that Gibson Guitars is back at NAMM this year, and “Gibson Pro Audio” (Brands: KRK, Cerwin-Vega, Stanton) will have its own separate booth for the first time ever is a very good indication that the future looks promising. The internal culture at Gibson has changed quickly and tremendously, and the staff believes this will shape many things externally. They are humbled and thankful at the fact that the industry, both end-users and retail partners, have stood by Gibson through this challenging time. KRK and Gibson Pro Audio will be showcasing new items at Booth #17715 at the NAMM show.
Contact Gibson Pro Audio, 1-800-4GIBSON, gibson.com/Products/Pro-Audio.aspx
