Richmond Sound Design Ltd. was founded in 1972 as a manufacturer of theatrical sound consoles. Since then, we've originated many sound and theatre industry advancements.

For example, the first Model 816 consoles were matrix-equipped and included our patented AUTO-PAN™ programmable crossfaders - revolutionary features at the time. Our early mixers can often be found on eBay - a testament to their reliability and functionality. In 1977 the company introduced the VCA-4 mixer module for dedicated audio control in complex routing applications. Thousands of VCA-4's are still at work in paging systems at convention centres, hotels, hospitals, airports, and industrial installations worldwide.

In 1986 we created COMMAND/CUE™ , the computerised audio control system. At the same time a router/switcher, automated virtual console, and panoramic sound controller, COMMAND/CUE CONCURRENT, in the opinion of top sound designers, was for many years the world's most capable surround sound tool and many systems are still operating reliably in major theme parks around the world.

In 1991 the company unveiled Stage Manager™ show control software for a whole new level of presentation ability. Stage Manager pioneered the use of MIDI Show Control (MSC) to manage a variety of intelligent media controllers: lighting, sound, lasers, staging and more.

1994 saw the release of MIDIShowCD™ , the world's first software for synchronizing multiple CD drives. MlDlShowCD provided multichannel audio and multi source effects at a fraction of the cost of alternative systems, using common and reliable CD's.

In 1997, the new AudioBox™ Theatre Sound Design & Show Control System from HFI combined an onboard eight channel digital sound source with a flexible 16 X 16 DSP matrix. After years of research, almost any form of sound manipulation could finally be done in real time, completely in the digital domain, with one box. The AudioBox was presented TCI Magazine's prestigious Sound Product of the Year Award for 1998. Software support on all platforms allowed multichannel audio to be equalized, delayed, manipulated and distributed in ways previously only dreamed of.

In 1998 we introduced Loren Wilton's ShowMan™ software for Windows NT [and 2K/XP], providing the power and capability of both Stage Manager and MIDIShowCD on an industry standard platform. ShowMan signifies real compatibility and true live show interaction.

In 1999 we presented Joanne Dow's E-Show™ Control Network. E-Show was the most significant show control concept yet, comprised of industry standard computing hardware and industrial standard interface cards all networked using world standard TCP/IP network protocols. Now any IT department can effectively assemble and support the world's most powerful show control systems. E-Show was presented Entertainment Design Magazine's prestigious 1999 EDDY Award in the Show Control category. The Award states: "Charlie's done it again. The E-Show Network is based on industry-standard Windows NT computers interconnected via a TCP/IP-based network; normally ethernet, but essentially any TCP/IP-compatible network, even the Internet, can be used. The system features RSD's Virtual PLC Hardware, comprised of industry-standard industrial PCI/ISA computer cards, and is driven by ShowMan(TM) software. E-Show also supports direct ethernet connection with ethernet-capable industrial control devices, thereby eliminating the need for host computers at remote terminals. 'This is a great step in the right direction, putting show control on a standard ethernet network,' says one of the judges. 'No more serial lines, MIDI lines, etc.'"

In 2000, we introduced HFI's AudioBox Model AB1616 including 16 digital audio playback channels onboard with automatic input switching between live and playback on the first eight channels. On September 16 in Los Angeles, the Ride Vehicle version of the AudioBox was awarded the prestigious THEA Award 2000 for Outstanding Achievement in the area of 'Breakthrough Technology' by the Themed Entertainment Association. The Award states "Having been judged to represent the highest standards of excellence and creative achievement in the arts and sciences of the Themed Entertainment Industry."

In 2005, we started shipping HFI's AudioBox Model AB64 with up to 64 digital audio playback and recording channels, 64x64 DSP audio matrix, 64 analog and/or CobraNet audio inputs and outputs and, of course, a full function Show Controller onboard - all in a compact, modular format.

In 2007, we introduced Loren Wilton's amazing new SoundMan™-Server Virtual Sound System (VSS) API software for ISVs which essentially makes every conventional commercial and professional sound system obsolete. In August, RSD became an IBM Business Partner and SoundMan-Server a certified IBM Store Integration Framework (SIF) Application Solution And in September 2007, we were proud to release the first commercial product incorporating SoundMan-Server, SM-Designer , software which fully emulates and runs all AudioBox Model AB1616 shows and audio files at a fraction of the cost. Also in September, The Universal Studios Hollywood WaterWorld show was the first to be upgraded to SoundMan-Server, along with the latest versions of ShowMan and E-Show.