About THD Labs
Daniel Benoit, Designer & CEO of THD-Labs
Daniel Benoit, designer and CEO of THD-Labs, is the founder, CEO, and chief engineer of THD-Labs. As a classically trained musician, Daniel developed the Tangerine Automation Interface (TAI) to work with both vintage and modern analog consoles. His interface allows sound engineers to write automation using the console faders and transfer it to Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and Reaper without the need for a mouse or controller, providing an easy technique to simplify creativity.
Born in New Brunswick, Daniel has been fascinated with dismantling electronic and mechanical equipment since a young age to understand how they work. Years later, in the 1980s, with a growing interest in audio and after representing keyboards for Yamaha, Daniel started working at Endel Studios as an assistant engineer. Discovering his preference for audio repair and support, he transitioned to the role of studio maintenance engineer, dividing his time between synthesizer programming and ensuring smooth session operations. His experience as a synthesizer programmer led him to Guillaume Tell Studios in Paris, where he programmed synthesizers for Céline Dion's album "Incognito."
In the early 1990s, while working at Tempo Studios as the chief maintenance engineer, he assisted the studio in transitioning to digital technology in the recording/mixing process. As the music industry evolved, Daniel realized his long-standing ambition to design his own products. His first project was designing and marketing a MIDI interface, followed by an interface for the Mini-Moog. During this time, he further honed his skills by obtaining a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the École de technologie supérieure in Montreal.
In the mid-1990s, Daniel became a professor at Cégep du Vieux Montréal, where he contributed to restructuring the audiovisual electronic engineering program and taught students the skills they would need for a career in the audio field. Daniel enjoyed teaching and still maintains connections with the college.
In 2010, when the college purchased a Solid State Logic SL6000 console without a computer, Daniel couldn't find an SSL automation computer to install with it, so he decided to build his own. He partnered with Jean-Luc Louradour, a renowned acoustician, electronic designer, and SSL specialist, to launch the project. THD-Labs was born. The company name is derived from "Total Harmonic Distortion," one of the characteristics of analog signals. Daniel's insatiable technical knowledge, passion for electronics, and boundless curiosity paved the way for the release of the young company's first product.
In 2014, the Tangerine Automation Interface (TAI) was first introduced at the AES exhibition in Los Angeles. Feedback from top engineers at the event played a crucial role in shaping the future of Tangerine automation. Today, the Tangerine platform offers automation solutions for a range of consoles, including Neve Flying Faders, GML automation (including Focusrite consoles), and Solid State Logic SL4000/6000/8000 and SL9000 series J and K consoles. With the TAI, studio owners can install these iconic consoles in their studios and enjoy modern functionality with DAW integration.
As the sole owner of THD-Labs, Daniel has focused on introducing Tangerine automation to console manufacturers, enabling a majority of creators to access this functionality. The Tangerine Team has grown significantly since its humble beginnings. From their workshop in Montreal, Canada, they proudly design, build, market, and support the Tangerine Automation Interface. The TAI is now shipped worldwide and can be found in over 87 different cities across 24 countries, including some of the world's most renowned and respected studios such as Abbey Road Studios and StrongRoom Studios (UK),
The Tangerine Team has grown substantially since its humble beginnings. From its workshop in Montréal, Canada, they proudly design, build, market and support the Tangerine Automation Interface. The TAI now ships worldwide and can be found in over 87 different cities across 24 countries, including some of the most well-known and respected studios in the world, such as: Abbey Road Studios & StrongRoom Studios (UK), Studio Miraval (France), Bob Clearmountain's Studio & Sunset Sound Studios (LA), Pentavarit (Nashville), Diamond City & Bunker Studios in (NY), Paisley Park Studios (Minesota), The Focusrite Room (Mesa, AZ)
Miss Karen Down, The Support Squad
karen@kydprojects.co.uk