Running an Audio Rentals Dept

Explore the inner workings of Blackbird Audio Rentals, where the country’s top engineers, producers, and artists turn for professional audio gear. Rentals can be a critical service within the operation of your studio to keep creative ideas flowing, and a valuable source of additional revenue loaning gear to outside clients. Discover how the rental team ensures impeccable service by meticulously testing and prepping everything from vintage microphones to compressors and instruments; catering to clients like Taylor Swift, SNL, and Post Malone. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how a top rental shop operates to help YOU make music. 

1 episode

Mike Simmons

Mike Simmons

Mike has been in the pro audio rental business since the early 90s as manager and then co-owner of Underground Sound. He came aboard at Blackbird in 2006 and took over as manager of Blackbird Audio Rentals in 2014. A professional guitarist since the 1980s, Mike is also the in-house “guitar guy” at Blackbird, after years of guitar tech experience with artists and producers such as Peter Frampton, Mark Knophler, Dann Huff, Dave Stewart, Jacquire King, Nick Raskulinecz, Seether, Evanescence, and The Fray.