Serving Northeast & Central Ohio area Musicians, DJ's and Entertainment since 1971!

pro audio & lighting services:

PA/Live Event Production

Presenting a live performance?

Let us help by coordinating the technical staff & equipment necessary to make it happen! From small conferences to large concerts, our audio experts will make sure your event runs smoothly and sound excellent!

Sound & Lighting Rental

Build Your System - Large or Small
-Powered/Passive Speakers & Subwoofers by EV, Yorkville, Yamaha, HK Audio & Gemini!

-Digital & Analog Mixers by Allen & Heath, Yamaha, Soundcraft & Behringer!

-Power Amplifiers by Crown & QSC!

-Microphones by Shure, Sennheiser & CAD!

-DJ Controllers by Pioneer

-Stage & Effect Lighting by Chauvet & ADJ!

-Trussing by ProX

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A/V Video Display

Add a 4K Projector and Portable Screen to your next event!

Projectors by Viewsonic & Optoma

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Full Service - Delivery/Setup/Pickup

We know your time is valuable!

Let us bring the equipment to you! Our techs will make sure everything is up and running perfectly before your event takes place!

Stage Rental

Custom ProX-StageQ MKII

Stage dimensions ranging from 4'x8' up to 16'x32', we have the perfect stage for you! Stairs, Guard Rails & Skirt available for customization. Stage height ranges from 2' - 4'. Add a stage to your next event!

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Backline Rental

Not traveling with your gear? We have you covered!

-Drum Kits by Pearl, Tama & Yamaha.

-Keyboards by Yamaha & Nord

Guitar/Bass/Keyboard Amps by Fender, Marshall, Roland, Ampeg, Hartke, GK & More!

Pioneer DJ Controllers - Shure Microphones

DJ/Wedding Production

Hosting a special event?

Let us help set the tone for your party! From start to finish, our DJ's will coordinate with you every step of the way!

Commercial Service & Repair

Broken Equipment? No Problem!

With dedicated service departments, we've been servicing amps, speakers, keyboards & more for over 50 years! On-Site or In-House, we'll get your gear sounding great again!

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About Us

Industry Leader Since 1971

Empirical Sound is an industry leader in providing professional sound and lighting solutions since 1971. Based in Cleveland, Ohio (The Rock & Roll Capital of the World) for over 50 years! We have helped thousands of customers find the right equipment for their band, church, school, business, restaurant, and more!

Experienced Technicians

We are proud of our award winning Service Department! Empirical Sound is an Authorized Service Center for most major brands including:

EV, Peavey, Yamaha, JBL, Numark, Roland, Kurzweil, Korg, Mackie, Casio, Yorkville, Pioneer, Vox, G-K, Fender, Marshall, Blackstar and more.

Schedule Your Repair

Our Show Room is open!

We are happy to announce our Show Room is open! Stop in and see what new & used gear we have in stock!

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Our History

Since 1971, Empirical Sound has been dedicated to entertainment support and service in Northeast Ohio and throughout the Midwest. Founder, Mike Frate, began his career as a very capable repair technician, meeting the needs of local entertainers and musicians whose sound and musical instrument equipment was in immediate need of repair in time for the next show. As word spread about his skills and willingness to help, the company grew in size and expanded to offer sales, rentals & production of sound and lighting equipment as well. These days, Mike's son has made a commitment to continuing and building upon the legacy that his father has left since his passing in 2019. Along with an experienced and skilled staff, Empirical Sound and Lighting stands ready to serve all of your live entertainment needs!