Vintage King co-founder Mike Nehra may be a businessman, but above all else, he's a musician. After years of playing, recording, and engineering — and falling in love with boutique and vintage gear — Mike founded Vintage King Audio in 1988 with his brother Andrew, taking a "Golden Rule" approach to doing business. Not only would he treat all clients the way he'd want to be treated, he'd also sell only the best audio equipment that he'd feel confident using in his own studio. More than two decades later, the philosophy continues — and so does the music.

Mike's foray into the world of pro audio began long before the company took root, dating back to childhood, when the Nehra brothers built a recording studio in the family's basement. The brothers started with a simple four-track reel and a modest collection of outboard gear. Years later, after graduating from recording school in his hometown of Detroit, Mike teamed up with Andrew and long-time friend/engineer Al Sutton to open The White Room Studio in downtown Detroit. There, the trio engineered and produced a decade's worth of material, ranging from projects with Kid Rock to the Nehras' own notable band, Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise. Through the course of many records and tours, the studio's gear collection continued to grow, right alongside the brothers' interest in classic and boutique items. As luck would have it, a favorable exchange rate in the mid '80s, prompted Mike to visit London and pick up a selection of Neve gear. When he returned, the brothers elected to sell what they weren't using, placing ads in the back of trade magazines. The ads generated surprising interest and in the ensuing months, Vintage King quickly came to life. Today, Mike lives in his hometown of Detroit, where Vintage King is headquartered, with his wife Lindsay.

Hey Mike,
Just wanted to say that I was very happy with Darrin Fendley’s handling of my console sale / purchasing of new setup. It was very complicated and he was great - knowledgable, responsive, smart. You got a good one there. Thanks also for the example you set for running an honest, service oriented business in the midst of this environment of spin, hype, half-truths and deception.

Keep it up brother!
Doug Mcbride/Chicago

Dear Mike,
I just want to thank you for your advises on the:
1. Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor: I can't take it out from my master bus chain, knowing that I bought it to use in my mastering room!!!! Please advise??
2. AEA R88 Microphone: what an amazing mic on strings!!!!
3. Antelope 10 M & Trinity: why spend money on expensive converters when the antelope can do the job, its like Mono/Stereo A-B comparison, GREAT...
4. ELAM 251, No comment... Its my number 1 mic specially on female vocals..
5. Lexicon PCM 96: this is a real Lexicon... Finally
6. Barefoot Sound MM 27: What you hear is what you get.
7. Eventide H-8000: its not easy to use BUT ... Its the FX factory...

Best,
Jean-Marie Riachi
JMR Productions & Publishing
28th Street, Rue des Oliviers, Rabieh, Lebanon
www.jmr-productions.com