Wrensilva’s new Creator Edition with Manny Marroquin Celebrates the Heritage of Larrabee Studios and the Future of Listening at Home | The Sharp Notes Interview
- ezt
- Aug 20
- 6 min read
It's Fun When Form and Function Meet Hi-Fidelity
The Wrensilva sound company, known for reimagining large wooden stereo consoles as beautiful 21st-century furniture, recently announced a collaboration with Manny Marroquin to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Larrabee Studios, which Marroquin currently owns and operates. This Larrabee Creator Edition ($19,900) is a further development of Wrensilva’s M1 model.
Marroquin is an 18-time GRAMMY Award-winning sound engineer (Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Lizzo, Post Malone, and many more) with interests that extend beyond the recording studio. He is on a mission to bring sound appreciation into public spaces where it might not normally be expected. In addition to his work at the famed Larrabee Studios, Manny also owns the Los Angeles restaurant Verse LA, which focuses on both food and sound. The establishment features 52 speakers, allowing diners to enjoy exceptional audio quality while still being able to carry on a conversation.
Beyond cuisine, Larrabee also encompasses a cluster of studios and residential spaces at Larrabee Suites and Lofts, designed to accommodate visiting musicians and creators.
Marroquin’s edition of Wrensilva’s M1 incorporates aesthetic homages to his Guatemalan heritage, including, “soft leather-lined record pockets in rich mocha, sky blue, and crisp white; sleek anodized black legs with a sky blue accent; and woven gold and silver speaker fabrics that harmonize with modern interiors.”
Further personalizing the sonic experience of Marroquin’s M1 are a few albums on vinyl—all recorded at Larrabee Studios—that come packaged with every unit: Michael Jackson’s Dangerous, Dr. Dre’s 2001, Madonna’s Ray of Light, and more.
Marroquin was kind enough to answer some questions about his career, the role the new Wrensilva console plays in it, and how the music it produces may inspire a new generation of listeners seeking to integrate form and function into their lifestyle.
Evan Toth: How did this collaboration with Wrensilva begin? What, specifically, about their approach to handcrafted HiFi consoles convinced you to get involved?
Manny Marroquin: It all began when my good friend, Thomas Meyer, invited me to explore a project he was involved with called Wrensilva. I wasn't familiar with it at the time, but when I visited their studio on Melrose, they played a couple of records I had worked on, and I was instantly captivated by the design. The sound quality was impressive, especially the ability to play vinyl. As someone who has always preferred analog over digital, it felt like a natural partnership that resonates with my roots in music.
ezt: The Creator Edition celebrates 55 years of Larrabee Studios. As its owner and operator, which parts of that history did you most want to weave into the design and spirit of this console?
mm: Celebrating 55 years is crucial, particularly because there aren’t many commercial studios in LA with such a long history. I wanted to ensure that this milestone was honored. A fantastic way to do that is through a high-quality console. It reminds me of the days spent recording and playing records in the studio.
ezt: Your work with Verse restaurant and the Larrabee Lofts blends music with lifestyle and culture. In your view, what’s the most effective way to merge those worlds—and where do the real challenges arise?
mm: Developing something that hasn’t been done before is inherently challenging. Although hotel rooms, studios, and restaurants exist individually, merging all three concepts in one location under a cohesive vision introduces complexities. The key is to gain community support for this new approach, which demands considerable teamwork and dedication.
Our mission is centered around the client and the community, not personal recognition. We prioritize the front of the jersey over the back, focusing on what truly matters at the end of the day. A great team is essential in building a community where individuals feel safe and inspired creatively. The outcomes we've achieved so far have been amazing.
ezt: What sonic qualities or playback traits were essential for you in this console? Given your appreciation for analog sound—where imperfections can add character—how did that influence the design?
mm: I've never been a fan of high-end speakers that have a super hyped and overly polished sound. While they can be impressive, I’m more accustomed to the raw, authentic sound of studio-quality playback. When I experienced Wrensilva and adjusted a few elements, it reminded me of being in the recording studio.
ezt: Most of your mixing work is digital, yet Wrensilva celebrates vinyl and analog. How do you personally balance those two worlds in your work and your listening habits?
mm: I wouldn't categorize myself as entirely digital. In fact, I feel quite the opposite. As a
mixer, I’m one of the few prominent creators still utilizing an analog console. While I certainly work with digital because we’re all in the box, I process everything through analog equipment. This approach aligns perfectly with what Wrensilva embodies by staying true to its analog roots. And, listening to records has always been a part of my upbringing, so it naturally resonates with me.
ezt: How deeply were you involved in shaping the console—both in its technical specifications and in its visual design?
mm: The visual design of the M1 was already in place. My job was not to screw it up. While
working with Deb (design lead at Wrensilva) my involvement with influencing the design of the console was primarily to preserve its integrity. I had some crazy initial ideas for the design, but ultimately, it was about enhancing rather than altering what was already there. I added personal touches,like the sky blue and white colors that represent the Guatemalan flag, my heritage.
It’s a simple yet meaningful way to pay homage to my roots without disrupting the overall aesthetics. Wrensilva takes a somewhat unique approach to developing products. They bring in creators to help tune their consoles before bringing them to market. In 2023 and 2024, I worked with Scott (head of audio at Wrensilva) and a handful of other sound creators, including Giles Martin, to tune their new collection through a series of listening sessions.
When I first heard the new collection, I thought it was great. Scott and the team made a few minor adjustments based on my studio experience, but the core sound was already strong. My focus was on personalizing it rather than making significant changes. The Larrabee M1 features the same Wrensilva signature sound profile that all M1s offer.
ezt: In mixing, you’re creating how music will be heard; in playback design, you’re building the system that reveals it. How did those two mindsets differ for you?
mm: I find that the mindsets in mixing and playback design are closely aligned. In both cases, you're constantly adjusting to the sound coming from the speakers. I view them as one cohesive process rather than two distinct concepts. My aim is to create a listening experience that feels genuine and inspires people when they enjoy it in their own spaces.
ezt: You’ve described mixing as an emotional craft. Can you explain what you mean, and how you applied that same thinking to this console’s listening experience?
mm: Mixing involves balancing different elements like levels, volumes, and frequency responses, all of which touch each other. Certain frequencies can make a sound feel aggressive or beautiful.
My focus is on how these paintings of frequencies make you feel within the overall mix. Sometimes, a simple frequency adjustment can completely transform the feel of a song.
Recognizing the emotional impact of specific frequencies allows me to elevate the existing material. My job is to amplify the emotions in the music using frequencies and various studio tools. Equalizers, in particular, are the most powerful tool we have in the studio.
ezt: Creating this console means serving many different listeners and genres. How did you account for that range, given your usual focus on tailoring mixes to individual artists?
mm: I try not to think about genres. I concentrate on emotions which naturally spread across a variety of genres. My primary genre is pop music, but I recognize that what’s considered 'popular' changes over time—like how country music is popular now, while R&B and hip-hop were dominant in the past. I approach music as a fan rather than strictly as a creator. I think about how listeners will feel when they experience the music, which allows me to connect with a broader range of styles without being limited by genre.
ezt: What’s a recent addition to your record collection that excites you? And if you were to cue up the very first record on this console, what would it be?
mm: I'm really enjoying Mac Miller's Swimming. It’s fantastic! I was excited to open it up the other night and give it a spin.
As for the first record I’d play on this console, it has to be Thriller. It’s a classic that I grew up with, and I remember thinking it was the best-sounding album ever. So, naturally, that's the first record that comes to mind.
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