We started making audio gear back in 1993 when there were only a few making outboard equipment for small home studios. Since then, hundreds of small and large manufacturers make gear. Just open the Sweetwater catalog. I like to think we are pioneers in this little industry. A lot of this grew from dissatisfaction with modern audio equipment. More and more people commented that new audio equipment did not sound as good as older equipment. Plus, there were almost no first rate manufacturers offering products to the rapidly growing “Prosumer” market.