We make tools for the new generation of music makers
We love that the line between engineers and musicians is becoming increasingly blurry. The rise of affordable home setups means DIY recording is better than ever, and musicians are learning more and more about how to record music themselves. This is prompting pro studios to evolve into immersive creative spaces where musicians are trusted to explore the engineering side - turning knobs, riding faders, and shaping sounds. It's this new intersectional reality that Franklin Audio exists within.
We make tools that empower musicians to explore what was once the domain of industry experts and recording engineers, while also making professional setups more collaborative and intuitive for artists to creatively explore. For us, great recording equipment should inspire creativity, not just function properly. Your gear should be a trusted partner in your creative process, not just a means to an end. Franklin was founded on one basic idea: there's no reason that your humble studio utilities can't be made with love, care, and inspiration and be creatively rewarding to use.
We are always looking for ways to elevate the seemingly mundane tools in your setup, giving them that special Franklin touch to transform technical "problem-solvers" into musical "collaborators."
Function is form
We reject the outdated "function over form" dichotomy in favour of a more holistic view where technical and aesthetic qualities are complementary, not opposing forces. To us, exceptional function is what creates exceptional form. If a tool does its job well, it will be beautiful. We strive to refine each design to be its most essential, elegant self - finding beauty in purposeful utility.
Vintage gear nerds unite
This philosophy of gear design is what bonded our founders, Nick and Pat, when they launched Franklin back in 2019. Nick, a longtime studio engineer, producer, and electronics lecturer, had been modifying common studio tools for over a decade to overcome creative challenges he faced working with artists and bands. Pat, a designer and musician with a deep appreciation for audio equipment's rich design heritage, met Nick during mixing sessions for one of Pat's bands.They soon began collaborating, relaunching Nick's DIY audio experiments into a brand focused on exploring new ideas of "usefulness" for modern recording while solving real workflow and utility needs along the way.
Who we are
Nick Franklin
Founder, Director
Pat Harris
Co-Founder, Creative Director
Oly Marlan
Production Manager
Family values
Since those early days, Franklin Audio has grown into a small and dedicated team focused on sustainable manufacturing practices and high-quality, easily repairable products. Everything is meticulously hand-built with a minimalist, ultra-durable philosophy. Franklin gear is crafted to withstand the rigours of studio and live use for decades.
We are committed to staying small and independent so our business remains sustainable long-term. All profits get reinvested into developing new products and supporting our staff. We proudly avoid old-fashioned distribution networks, choosing instead to sell directly via our website to maintain the close relationship with our customers that is fundamental to our design and innovation process.
Our success is shared by providing flexible work and learning pathways for a diverse group of like-minded creatives from the audio community. The long-term well-being of the extended Franklin family is our number one priority.
Things we care about
Right to repair
We create products that are built to last, with a focus on repairability and sustainable design practices that ensure your gear will stand the test of time. Our repair-friendly designs use easily available parts, tools and techniques to enable repair by local technicians or the solder-curious.
User-centred design
We design with the user front of mind, using intuitive controls and simple interfaces that make it easy for you to focus on what matters most - making music. We test extensively with pro studio and home users to make sure that your Franklin gear feels right at home, whatever the set-up.
Fair pricing
By staying independent and selling directly to you, we can offer professional-grade equipment at prices that are sustainable for both you and us, without compromising on quality. Avoiding distributor margins allows us to price our products cheaper than any other comparable high-end gear.
Sustainability
We are committed to sustainable manufacturing practices and reducing our environmental impact, so you can feel good about using gear that aligns with your values and helps create a better future. We minimise plastic parts in favour of metal for recyclability and use plastic-free, home compostable packaging.