DigiGrid brand ambassador Dan Page takes the hot seat for our latest Getting To Know interview…

How did you get into the industry?
In the early ‘90s I went to Surrey University and was on the Tonmeister course – music (classical in my day) and sound recording. I spent my placement year at HHB in the service department, mostly fixing Sony DAT machines. I realised then that my future lay on the technical side, rather than the creative side, of the industry.

What was your first job?
After graduating I returned to the familiar surroundings of the HHB Service department, and spent another two years fixing and servicing studio kit. Although I can’t remember my own home phone number these days, I still remember the part numbers of the spares we used…

What does your working day look like?
I’m an early riser. I like the quiet hour at the beginning of the day – it’s a good time to look through email and update lists of jobs (I always have lists on the go and like the process of adding things, then getting them ticked off). Then it’s onto the longer term tasks – any project-based work, video-editing, marketing, Teams Calls. I’ll always try and get out for a walk in the middle of the day for some time away from the screen and phone – it helps my productivity in the afternoons.  With lots of different responsibilities, no two days are the same – the lists are constantly changing, which keeps things interesting.

What is your favourite thing about the pro audio industry?
The people – the friends we make all over the world, who all share the passion and belief in what we’re doing.

And your least favourite thing?
Not sure I could actually name a least favourite thing. Maybe doing my expenses after a long trip? No job is perfect, but for the most part I love what I do. I get to travel, meet interesting people, talk about work, and educate. Sure I’ve missed birthdays, or spent my own in hotels having room service (sometimes that’s less sad than a table for one…), but all things considered, they’re small sacrifices to make.

What is the achievement/project you are most proud of?
Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to be part of some great projects, but on a personal level, it’s the launch of the DiGiGrid Desktop Range in 2016. It’s amazing to see ideas come to life – being involved in every step, and being part of the team from concept to launch. It’s product parenting – plenty to be proud of!

What do you like to do outside of work?
Beyond the ‘running to burn calories’ exercise, I love to swim.. and once the lockdown ends, I’ll hopefully do some open water swimming too. I’m a qualified scuba diver and I love to cook. I like to think of it as the necessities of life – food and water (sports)…