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Better Sound Ltd. was formed in 1962. Initial activities included the manufacture of specialised products for the early documentary film makers in the BBC (for programmes such as "Tonight" and "Panorama"). A sound transfer service was created to copy the synchronised film sound tracks from the magnetic tape of the portable tape recorders onto 16mm film, ready for editing. Better Sound also set up an agency for camera and sound technicians. In 1965 Audio Engineering Ltd. was formed, to take over the manufacturing activities of Better Sound. This was to allow for expansion with each Company concentrating on the different roles of service provider and manufacturer. During the 1960's and 1970's Better Sound and Audio Engineering carried out considerable pioneering work in the development of equipment to meet the requirements of the "new" breed of documentary film makers. Early products included the "Soundseal Blimp" and the "Crystamatic" (later simplified to became the "Minilock"). The Soundseal Blimp was a revolutionary lightweight sound proof case for the (then) noisy film cameras, permitting on-location synchronised sound filming. The Crystamatic was a sophisticated system to accurately control the speed of a film camera and to mark and number the start and end of each "take" automatically. For the first time this enabled a mobile cameraman and sound recordist to move about freely, without a cable linking them together. Better Sound continues as a service provider offering professional sound equipment for "dry hire" (equipment without crew) to customers within the fields of Broadcast, Entertainment and Conferencing.
With 20 members of staff, we aim to offer the best possible service to our customers. We continuously review our procedures in an effort to improve the service we can offer. All equipment is subjected to quality control checks prior to leaving our premises. Better Sound's repair department maintains and services the extensive hire fleet (including in excess of 600 radio microphone channels) to the highest of standards and is able to offer a fast and efficient repair service for customers equipment. On the 26th July 1999, Better Sound vacated Covent Garden, its "home" of 37 years and relocated to more modern and spacious premises (6,860 sq. ft.) in Kentish Town, London NW5. As the distance from our original location is only 2.5 miles, approximately 10 minutes in traffic, we are able to maintain and in some cases improve on our fast response times to meet customers urgent requirements. Our new facilities (formerly a production studio and special effects workshop) also offer generous customer parking in a self contained yard (approx. 4,240 sq. ft.), so please feel free to drop in on us at any time, you will always be welcome.
The new building has allowed us to integrate five separate equipment checking and preparation areas into one sound workshop with direct connection to the hire department and reception. This has greatly increased our efficiency and thereby the quality of service we are able to offer. All hired equipment is backed up by duty cover 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. In the unlikely event of equipment breakdown, unfortunate failure due to damage or if you require technical advice on the operation of a piece of equipment, then telephone our main number. If it is out of hours our answer phone message will provide details of how to page the duty manager, who will be able to offer advice or arrange for replacement equipment to be rushed to your location as necessary. Although our main activity is the hire of professional sound equipment, we are continuing to build our sales department and aim to meet any requirements you may have from spare parts and equipment accessories to complete sound kits. Please contact our sales department for further information. |
