Allen & Heath adopts distribution hybrid in Japan

News

Andy Wood Jun 5 2008, 9:00am

New network covers professional, MI and DJ product sectors

UK mixer manufacturer, Allen & Heath, has appointed two new distributors to manage sales, distribution and service of its portfolio in Japan.

“In response to the unique characteristics of the Japanese pro audio market and Allen & Heath's broad catalogue, we have adopted a three pronged approach to making the company’s products more accessible to the key Japanese market segments,” explains Allen & Heath’s Asia regional sales manager, Bardy Hayes.

Comodo Mattina, managed by veteran pro audio manager, Takafumi Asahina (pictured, right, with Hayes) has recently been appointed distributor of Allen & Heath’s professional product line, comprising the successful iLive digital system, iDR DSP installation series, ML VCA pro-touring series, and GL series of multi-purpose consoles.

Korg Import Division, the distribution arm of electronic musical equipment manufacturer, KORG Inc., has been appointed to manage the distribution of Allen & Heath’s MI products, namely the MixWizard range of multi-purpose compact mixers, the PA series of powered and stereo live mixers, and the new ZED Series of entry-level stereo mixers for live, recording and production.

Meanwhile, High Resolution, a top distributor of recording and remix hardware and software, will continue its very successful tenure as the Allen & Heath Xone distributor for the DJ market.

Established in 2001 with headquarters in Tokyo, Comodo Mattina also has regional offices in Kansai and Sapporo. KORG is also based in Tokyo, with offices in Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka. Appointed in 2005, High Resolution manages a country wide network of resellers from its Tokyo sales and marketing centre.

"Allen & Heath has a very diverse portfolio of products, and maximising the potential for each market segment requires a degree of lateral thinking," comments Hayes.

"In the technically advanced Japanese market, we have taken a bold step by appointing distribution partners that are uniquely suited to the Pro, MI and DJ segments, bringing our local distribution much closer to end users.

"As such, Allen & Heath will benefit from the strengths of each of our distribution partners in their specialist market. Comodo Mattina's Takafumi Asahina is a very prominent player in Japan’s audio installation and pro touring market, Korg has an exceptional distribution chain in place for its own products, and High Resolution is plugged right into the higher end DJ/Dance/Remix supply chain."

allen-heath.com