Total Sonics, known for its audio enhancement and auto-calibration technologies, is undergoing significant leadership changes that could reshape its future innovations. The company has announced the retirement of its long-serving Director of Engineering, Matt Easley, after an 18-year tenure. Easley’s departure marks the end of an era characterized by numerous patents, products, and processes that have greatly contributed to Total Sonics' success.
At the same time, Total Sonics welcomes Rich Spina, a veteran in the audio engineering industry, to lead its development team. Spina brings with him 30 years of experience in Pro, MI & Consumer audio engineering development and management, having worked with esteemed brands like Crest Audio, D2Audio, and Peavey Electronics. His expertise in providing Class D amplifiers and DSP-based technologies to major companies such as B&W, Harman Kardon, Kenwood, and Polk Audio is expected to bolster Total Sonics' capabilities.
Les Tyler, President of THAT Corporation, the parent company of Total Sonics, expressed his confidence in Spina's ability to lead the team. “I’ve known Rich and respected his work for decades. Leading our engineering team, he will add to our capabilities and development ‘horsepower’,” Tyler stated. Spina began his role two months ago, ensuring a smooth transition by overlapping with Easley.
Easley’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the company, and he will continue to support Total Sonics on a part-time basis. His work has been instrumental in the company’s licensing success and technological advancements, including the development of the patented, cloud-based Total Cal automatic calibration platform, which was recognized with both TWICE Picks Award and CES Innovation Award designations at the 2023 CES show in Las Vegas.
Spina is enthusiastic about building on Easley’s legacy. “Today’s audio, electronics and TV brands invest a lot of time and money to get their sound ‘just right’. Total Sonics empowers design engineers to quickly achieve their target sound with the combination of its high-performance, clever, and efficient DSP solutions and its Total Cal Pro automated professional tuning tool,” Spina commented. His focus will be on enhancing the Total Sonics® suite of audio algorithms, which include Total Bass™, Total Surround®, and Total Volume®, technologies designed to elevate the listening experience even with standard TV and lifestyle speakers.
Total Sonics has also partnered with Psy(x) Research to develop the Total Immersion™ system, a groundbreaking technology that delivers an immersive audio experience from any content source with as few as two output channels. This partnership further underscores the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of audio innovation.
Tim Brault, Total Sonics’ Director of Sales and Marketing, highlighted Spina’s impact on the team. “Rich has great understanding of these technologies as well as the vision and experience to manage the overall process. His excitement for this family of technology and his passion to drive it forward is a welcome addition to the Total Sonics team and mission,” Brault noted.
As Total Sonics continues to evolve, the appointment of Rich Spina as the new Director of Engineering signifies a promising future for the company’s audio enhancement and calibration technologies. With over one billion devices worldwide utilizing Total Sonics’ technology, the leadership transition is poised to bring about new advancements and maintain the company’s position at the forefront of audio innovation.
