About Us

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We design pedal boards and systems for professional and personal projects, from simple patch bays and wiring harnesses to complete system design and installation, including room acoustical treatment.                When you buy a system from us, we guarantee that it will work the way it's supposed to. And we’ll help you understand how to use it.  If you already have the gear, we can help you tweak it for maximum performance.

 Recording Studio SystemsWe have been recording music since the 1960s. Our passion for recording grew out of our desire to write, play, and record original music - on our terms.  We know it’s hard to get clear guidance on what equipment you need and how it functions so that  you can work on  your  terms.  We’ve been there.  Like you, we are musicians first and regard the equipment as an extension of the creative process – essentially like another instrument to master.  Once we understand your musical vision, we can help you select the right system and show you how to use it, thus freeing you to be creative and concentrate on your art.   

      Once we understand your musical vision, we can help you select the right system and show you how to use it, thus freeing you to be creative and concentrate on your art.  As your requirements evolve we’ll be there to guide you and assist you.  We’re interested in helping you sound amazing. We'll discover ways for you to sound better than even you imagined.  We’ve been there.  Like you, we are musicians first and regard the equipment as an extension of the creative process – essentially like another instrument to master.     

    Mario L. Sousa, Jr.

 Mario has a degree in Electronic Engineering Technology from  Hartford State Technical College and studied commercial jazz               arranging and music theory at Berklee College of Music. While studying in Boston, he put his electronics degree to work in the local area recording studio market performing repairs, modifications, installations and design work for major recording and broadcast studios.  (Remember when we cut audio tape with a razor and pasted with plastic tape and splicing blocks?) After his Boston years Mario worked for Kaman Music as theirSenior Technician / Technical Support person for Trace Elliot and Dean Markley. To gain a greater understanding of the high-end               consumer audio market, Mario worked for Madrigal Audio Labs (home of Mark Levinson, Audioaccess multi-room systems) as a senior level repair technician and customer support specialist.  Prior to starting UpScale Music, Mario served as the National Service Manager for Sennheiser and Neumann where he developed a comprehensive  understanding of microphone applications for the recording studio, touring, broadcast and installed sound markets.  While at Sennheiser he also led the technical support teams for Innova Son digital consoles, Turbo-Sound speakers, HHB recorders and Chevin amplification.            Mario has 20 years of industry experience in technical support, management, manufacturing and business administration. He has worked with many major touring acts including Fleetwood Mac, Dave Matthews, Doobie Brothers, Bob Dylan,  Rush, Bob Weir (Rat Dog), Phish, Bela Fleck, Pino Palladino, Tony Levin, Mark Karan, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Alan Holdsworth - and he’s always delivered satisfaction. An avid guitarist, Mario plays most nights - and records with his friends at UpScale Music, ensuring the equipment lines that we represent are the best for the recording musician. Mario is also a past president of the Newington Amateur Radio League in Newington, Connecticut.  KB1DMT.