(TSC) Al, what is your audio background and how long have you been with Whirlwind?
(Al Keltz) I have been a "weekend warrior" guitarist for over 30 years and an electronics repair tech by day for almost as long. I have also done quite a bit of studio recording and engineering at Dynamic Studios here in Rochester. I've been at Whirlwind for three years.
(TSC) What are your responsibilities Whirlwind?
(Al Keltz) I am the Technical/Customer Support representative and administer the factory's computer system.
(TSC) Can you give a brief history and some of the philosophy behind Whirlwind?
(Al Keltz) Whirlwind started in 1975 and became involved in producing the very first high quality US made guitar cord. From the very first, the philosophy was to build the very best quality product for the pro market and reliability was a top priority.
(TSC) At what point did Whirlwind start making their own products?
(Al Keltz) At first, all the products were assembled from "off the shelf" components. The first product completely unique to Whirlwind was the Leader(R) cable and patented Leader plug invented in 1985.
(TSC) Was this to offer better products than was previously available or enhance profit margins?
(Al Keltz) Whirlwind's focus was and still is on offering better products because we know that sales will follow because of our reputation for good design and quality components. The Leader cord was the very first guitar plug and cable designed specifically for the working musician and remains unsurpassed for reliability and sound quality. It's not unusual to hear from people who still are using their Leader after 10 or more years with no problems.
(TSC) When people hear the name Whirlwind they think quality. Do you feel this is just based on product or does it reflect the people and service at Whirlwind?
(Al Keltz) Both. The product speaks for itself, but Whirlwind's top to bottom emphasis on service, warranty policy, system design help , etc. has to be there too. I'm always amazed when someone calls me and relates a story about how they may have talked to another company and treated like they didn't have the time . . ." Without the people that use and support our products, we don't have a reason for showing up to the factory in the morning.
(TSC) A lot of people may not know that Whirlwind has a custom shop. Could you outline the services available from the custom shop like engraving, silk-screening, etc.
(Al Keltz) We're involved in just about anything involving signal flow - cables, metal, connectors, etc. A couple of years ago, we bought a computerized engraving system that can even accept scans of logos, graphics and the like. It's really helped cut our turnaround time and improved the quality and versatility of what can be done and we just bought a second machine that can do larger panels. One of the things we're known for is short turnaround and the Custom Shop is known for being able to build it right and bring it in on a deadline. We've done systems for stadiums, arenas, studios, universities, major tours, cruise ships, Congress, The White House . . . just about anywhere audio and video is involved.
(TSC) Whirlwind is also a distributor for US Audio products. How did that all come about.
(Al Keltz) U.S. Audio is actually a division of Whirlwind. The founders of Whirlwind came from an electronics manufacturing background (they were employed at MXR in the seventies) and always intended to do electronic products. The first product was produced in 1980, a device that allowed a guitarist to play right along with records (remember those?) in a stereo. However, most of the things produced were OEM projects for other companies. U.S. Audio was officially launched in 1987 and it is located in a wing of the present factory.
(TSC) Do you think US Audio will expand into other products like EQ's, compressors, and fader type mixers?
(Al Keltz) So far, U.S. Audio has concentrated on specialty products and I think there are more of those coming in the future.
(TSC) Its easy to say that Whirlwind is a solution type of company. They really handle every aspect of interfacing audio professionals might encounter. Are there areas of the industry you feel Whirlwind hasn't addressed yet like audio / video houses for example?
(Al Keltz) We are definitely looking more toward emphasis in the video marketplace. Quite a few U.S. Audio products are already used by broadcasters, like the MD-1 and MIX-6.
(TSC) Are there and new Whirlwind products in the works you can tell us about?
(Al Keltz) We have a new U.S. Audio priority mixer that we're excited about, the MPM-1. It's designed for restaurants, health clubs, bars and such where multiple music sources need to be controlled from a single location. It also provides for priority inputs for music and paging. (DeVore party, your table is ready.)
(TSC) What can you tell us about the Whirlwind web site? You have also told me you are working on a new catalog. Will this change the web site or be apart of a new ad campaign .... maybe a new look?
(Al Keltz) We have a website http://www.whirlwindusa.com and there are major changes in the works for the site when the catalog gets finished. An informative website with specs, manuals and up to date product information is becoming expected as more people use the Web. There's definitely more that we want to do in that direction.
(TSC) Al, thanks for taking the time to chat with TSC.
(Al Keltz) It's been my pleasure and thanks for inviting Whirlwind to participate in your forum. Please do not hesitate to call, fax or e-mail if you have any questions or need additional information.
