Tree Audio
Tree Audio was a Los Angeles-based designer, manufacturer, and supplier of hand-built analog recording consoles, channel strips, and 500 Series modules, serving professional recording studios, musicians, and record producers worldwide through an authorized global dealer network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2007
- HeadquartersCanoga Park, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Tree Audio does
Tree Audio was a Los Angeles-based designer, manufacturer, and supplier of high-end analog recording equipment, founded in 2007 by Steve Firlotte and Ian Gardiner and headquartered at a hand-build facility in Canoga Park, California. The product portfolio centered on the Roots series of recording consoles (Roots Gen I, Roots Gen II, and Roots 500) offered in 8- and 16-channel configurations, combining pure tube and transformer input channels with discrete Class A solid-state busses and fully regulated vacuum tube and linear power supplies. Around the console platform, Tree Audio built a modular ecosystem of 500 Series modules (Tree Pre, TreeQ 2, TreeQ 4, Tree Comp, BAX EQ, L/C 1), standalone channel strips (Branch II), summing buss units (The Stem), monitor systems (Trunk), console stands, and custom enclosures (the '3 in the Tree'), supported by proprietary discrete amplifier blocks (VF600) used in modules like the TreeQ 2 parametric equalizer.
The business model is one-time hardware sales of consoles, modules, and complementary units, augmented by custom console design and build services for individual clients (historically including projects such as the Dymaxion console for Sixteen Ton Recording Studio in Nashville and bespoke builds for individual artists). Products are sold through an authorized global dealer network spanning the United States, Canada, Australia, China, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Mexico, South Africa, and Sweden, with Vintage King Audio, Westlake Pro Audio, and KMR Audio as principal channel partners; direct sales contact is available for custom and technical inquiries. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, with consoles sold as one-time purchases on what the source describes as multi-year contracts. The customer base targets professional recording studios, independent musicians and producers, and record producers and engineers, with a marquee roster that includes Rick Rubin, Frank Ocean, Flea, Pete Townshend, Billy Corgan, Harry Connick Jr., Manny Marroquin, Emile Haynie, Greg Wells, Barry Gibb, Steve Vai, Ray Lamontagne, and Anthony Gonzalez.
Tree Audio received TEC Award nominations in 2009 and 2012 for innovation in large format console technology and built a global install base described by the founders as thousands of products. The company was founder-owned with no external institutional investors or funding rounds evidenced in the source material. On March 23, 2026, Tree Audio announced it was closing after more than twenty years in business, with co-founders Firlotte and Gardiner committed only to ongoing repairs and support inquiries for the installed base.
Tree Audio firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Tree Audio
- Legal name
- Tree Audio
- Website
- https://treeaudio.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2007
- Operating status
- Closed
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Tree Audio was a Los Angeles-based designer, manufacturer, and supplier of hand-built analog recording consoles, channel strips, and 500 Series modules, serving professional recording studios, musicians, and record producers worldwide through an authorized global dealer network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Tree Audio industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Professional Audio Recording Equipment
- NAICS
- Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (33431)
- SIC
- Radio & Tv Broadcasting & Communications Equipment (3663)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Pro Audio Equipment (Mics, Interfaces, Mixers, Studio Monitors) (MPAIAJAB)
Keywords
Where Tree Audio is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Canoga Park
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Tree Audio business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Analog Recording Console Sales: Sale of hand-built analog recording consoles including The Roots Gen I, Gen II, and Roots 500 series. These are custom-built products with various channel configurations (8 or 16 channel) and hybrid tube/solid-state designs.
- 500 Series Module Sales: Sale of individual 500 series rack modules including Tree Pre, TreeQ 2, TreeQ 4, Tree Comp, L/C 1 Opto Compressor, and Bax EQ modules. These can be purchased individually or in enclosures.
- Channel Strip and Component Sales: Sale of standalone channel strips (Branch II), summing buss units (The Stem), monitor systems (Trunk), and console accessories. These complement the console lineup and serve as entry points or extensions.
- Custom Console Design Services: Design and build custom analog recording consoles tailored to individual client specifications. Historical projects include the Dymaxion console and custom configurations for notable artists.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Custom analog recording consoles |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels3 records
Tree Audio product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Tree Audio designs, hand-builds, and supplies high-end analog recording equipment in Los Angeles, California. The portfolio centers on the Roots series of recording consoles (Roots Gen I, Roots Gen II, Roots 500) in 8- and 16-channel configurations, alongside 500 Series rack modules, channel strips, summing buss units, monitor systems, and bespoke custom console builds. Products combine vacuum tube and solid-state circuitry, and are sold through a global authorized dealer network and direct sales to professional studios, musicians, producers, and engineers.
Product overview
Tree Audio is a manufacturer of high-end analog recording equipment, hand-built in Los Angeles, California. The product portfolio centers on the Roots series of recording consoles (Roots Gen I, Roots Gen II, and Roots 500) available in 8-channel and 16-channel configurations, complemented by a modular ecosystem. This includes 500 Series modules (Tree Pre, TreeQ 2, TreeQ 4, Tree Comp, BAX EQ, L/C 1) that integrate into console slots and standalone enclosures like the '3 in the Tree', channel strips (Branch II), summing solutions (The Stem), monitor systems (Trunk), and custom console design services. The company combines tube and solid-state technologies with vintage aesthetics and modern engineering.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Roots Gen I 8 Channel Console Pure tube and transformer recording console with 8 channels, discrete Class A solid state buss and master section, fully regulated vacuum tube and linear power supplies. Designed for professional recording studios, musicians, and producers.
- Roots Gen I 16 Channel Console Expanded 16-channel version of the Roots Gen I pure tube and transformer recording console with discrete Class A solid state buss and master section. Designed for professional recording studios with higher channel-count requirements.
- Roots Gen II 8 Channel Console Second-generation analog console with 8 channels, all tube and transformer inputs, discrete Class A solid state buss and master section. Designed for professional recording studios.
- Roots Gen II 16 Channel Console Expanded 16-channel version of the second-generation Roots Gen II analog console with tube and transformer inputs. Designed for professional recording studios.
- Roots 500 8 Channel Console 8 or 16 channel tube/hybrid recording console with all tube and transformer input module mic pre/line input/DI, 2-500 slots above each input module, stereo buss, 4 group/buses, 4 aux sends, meter on each channel, and fully regulated tube hi voltage linear power supplies. Designed for professional recording studios.
- Custom Console Design Service Bespoke analog recording consoles designed and built to client specifications, including the Dymaxion console and various custom configurations for notable artists and studios. Designed for professional recording studios, producers, and artists with unique requirements.
- Tree Pre 500 Series microphone preamplifier module designed for use in Tree Audio consoles, standalone enclosures, or third-party 500 Series racks. Targeted at professional recording studios and engineers.
- TreeQ 2 Parametric Equalizer 2-Band Parametric Equalizer module for 500 Series with low band frequency range 35Hz to 1KHz, high band frequency range 560Hz to 16KHz, maximum boost/cut +/- 20dB, VF600 discrete amp blocks, and differential balance input. Designed for professional recording studios and engineers.
- TreeQ 4 Parametric Equalizer 500 Series parametric equalizer module designed for use in Tree Audio consoles, standalone enclosures, or third-party 500 Series racks. Targeted at professional recording studios and engineers.
- Tree Comp Compressor 500 Series compressor module designed for use in Tree Audio consoles, standalone enclosures, or third-party 500 Series racks. Targeted at professional recording studios and engineers.
- BAX EQ Module 500 Series equalizer module designed for use in Tree Audio consoles, standalone enclosures, or third-party 500 Series racks. Targeted at professional recording studios and engineers.
- L/C 1 Opto Compressor 500 Series module featuring optocoupler-based compression. Designed for use in Tree Audio consoles, standalone enclosures, or third-party 500 Series racks. Targeted at professional recording studios and engineers.
- Branch II Channel Strip Channel strip module providing complete input chain with microphone preamplifier, equalization, and compression in a single unit. Designed for professional recording studios, project studios, and engineers.
- The Stem Summing Buss Analog summing buss for mixing applications, providing the final mixing bus with vintage-inspired circuitry. Designed for professional recording studios, mix engineers, and producers.
- Trunk Monitor System Monitor system providing studio monitoring and talkback capabilities. Designed for professional recording studios, project studios, and engineers.
Companies that use Tree Audio
Customer profileNamed customers13 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Tree Audio technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Tree Audio partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Vintage King AudiocorePrimary US dealer network partner with locations in Los Angeles, Detroit, New York, and Nashville. Stocks and sells Tree Audio consoles, channel strips, and modules.
- Westlake Pro AudiocoreLos Angeles-based professional audio dealer offering Tree Audio products to customers in the southern California region.
- Snowman Music (Australia)minorAustralian dealer for Tree Audio products including The Roots tube hybrid console.
- Studio Economik (Canada)minorCanadian dealer for Tree Audio equipment.
- KMR Audio (UK/Germany)minorUK and Germany-based pro audio distributor for Tree Audio products covering England, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, and Austria.
- Inward ConnectionscoreCo-founder Steve Firlotte previously ran Inward Connections, which produced recording equipment including the all-tube 820 mic-pre/comp/EQ. The company has historical ties to Inward Connections products and designs.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Tree Audio competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- API Audio: API manufactures the 1608, 1608-II, and AXS analog recording consoles as well as the dominant 500-series module format that Tree Audio's Roots 500 and Tree Pre/TreeQ modules specifically target. Direct competitor in both consoles and 500-series modules.
- Rupert Neve Designs: Founded by the namesake console designer, RND manufactures premium hand-built analog recording equipment including the 5088 console, Shelford series, and 500-series modules. Closest peer to Tree Audio in premium positioning, hand-built build quality, and artist-endorsement-driven marketing.
- AMS Neve: AMS Neve manufactures hand-built large-format analog recording consoles (88R, Genesys, Genesys Black) and outboard processors. Highly comparable to Tree Audio in the boutique custom-analog console segment and the same target customer base of professional studios and Grammy-tier producers.
- Manley Labs: Manley Labs designs and hand-builds tube-based professional audio equipment including preamps, EQs, compressors, and reference monitors in Chino, California. Comparable California-based boutique tube-audio manufacturer with the same premium positioning and professional-studio customer profile as Tree Audio.
- Solid State Logic (SSL): SSL is the leading manufacturer of large-format analog and hybrid analog/digital recording consoles (Duality, Origin, UF8/UF1 controllers with analog summing). Closest large-scale peer to Tree Audio's Roots console line, serving the same professional recording studio and music producer customers.
- Heritage Audio: Heritage Audio manufactures boutique analog recording equipment including 500-series modules (Successor, BritStrip), summing mixers, and analog console-style units. Direct competitor in the 500-series and boutique outboard space with overlapping professional and project-studio customers.
- Chandler Limited: Chandler Limited produces boutique 500-series modules, outboard processors, and the Mini Rack Mixer / TG series consoles. Same boutique analog positioning as Tree Audio with overlapping 500-series module customer base among professional engineers and producers.
- Trident Audio Developments: Trident manufactures hand-built analog recording consoles (A-Range, Series 88, Trimax) and outboard processors. Direct competitor in the boutique custom-analog console segment with similar target customers and premium positioning.
- BAE Audio: BAE Audio manufactures boutique analog outboard equipment and 500-series modules inspired by vintage Neve circuits, with a strong focus on hand-built quality. Direct competitor in the boutique 500-series and analog processor space serving the same professional recording engineer customer base.
Broad incumbents
- Universal Audio: Universal Audio is a much larger pro audio company spanning audio interfaces (Apollo), UAD software plugins, and historically analog hardware. Overlaps with Tree Audio on the analog recording chain but operates at substantially greater scale and across both hardware and software.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Tree Audio social profiles
Digital presenceTree Audio financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Tree Audio leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Tree Audio funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Tree Audio M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Tree Audio
What does Tree Audio do?
Tree Audio designs, hand-builds, and supplies high-end analog recording equipment in Los Angeles, California. The portfolio centers on the Roots series of recording consoles (Roots Gen I, Roots Gen II, Roots 500) in 8- and 16-channel configurations, alongside 500 Series rack modules, channel strips, summing buss units, monitor systems, and bespoke custom console builds. Products combine vacuum tube and solid-state circuitry, and are sold through a global authorized dealer network and direct sales to professional studios, musicians, producers, and engineers.
Is Tree Audio a public or private company?
Tree Audio is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently closed.
When was Tree Audio founded?
Tree Audio was founded in 2007. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Tree Audio based?
Tree Audio is headquartered in Canoga Park, United States, in the North America region.
How does Tree Audio make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Analog Recording Console Sales are the primary driver. The others are 500 Series Module Sales, channel Strip and Component Sales and custom Console Design Services.
Who are Tree Audio's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are API Audio, Rupert Neve Designs, AMS Neve, Manley Labs, Solid State Logic (SSL), Heritage Audio, Chandler Limited, Trident Audio Developments and BAE Audio. Universal Audio is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Tree Audio have an API?
No public API is recorded for Tree Audio.
What industry is Tree Audio in?
Tree Audio's product category is Professional Audio Recording Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAIAJAB, Pro Audio Equipment (Mics, Interfaces, Mixers, Studio Monitors). Its NAICS code is 33431 and its SIC code is 3663.