EMI Audio about us page. Servicing Pro Audio Video & Lighting customers since 1973

EMI Audio in Historic Downtown Robbinsdale, MN

EMI Audio is a family owned, small business operating in the greater Twin Cities area since 1973. We specialize in rentals, sales, installation & repair of professional grade pro audio, video & lighting.

The Beginning

1970s

EMI Audio was founded in the early 70s as a repair center for amps, guitars and keyboards amongst other electronic instruments. Originally based in a small office space on Central Ave in Northeast Minneapolis. In 1973, EMI Audio's ownership was passed to our current owner Jim Geisler.

1980s

In March of 1983, EMI Audio's location on Central Ave was lost to a fire that began in a neighboring business. The fire took place on Saturday and EMI Audio was back taking phone calls the following Monday (from another location).

After a move to a temporary location, EMI Audio needed a new home. Enter ; Johnson St NE.

The Johnson St NE location was originally a grocery store. The transformation wouldn't be easy, but we were up to the task.

After the remodel of the Johnson St location, business would continue to expand. EMI Audio would not only specialize in repairs but rentals as well.

Bill Labay restoring a vintage Moog synthesizer.

Installation Tech Todd Rood with a custom Lab L-9 covered in a Holstein Pattern!

1990s

1992 EMI Audio Rental Stock Sale

In the 1990s, EMI Audio's rental department and installation department would grow into formidable wings of the company.

The Installation Department would specialize in designing and installing custom tuned audio, video and ligting systems.

The Rental Department would rent instruments, PA systems and lighting systems.

The 90s would also see EMI Audio's first annual Rental Stock Sale, a legend in the making.

2000s

The change of the millenium saw the rise of the DJ. Bringing in an all new generation of EMI Audio faithful. Eventually, Johnson St would no longer be able to contain the vast amount of gear that was needed for our customer base. A change was imminent.

2012 - Today

Thanks to our unique team and loyal customers, our business expanded and we outgrew the Johnson Street location. In 2012, EMI Audio would make the move to Robbinsdale, MN.

EMI Audio now resides in a 30,000 SQ FT building in downtown Robbinsdale, MN.

In early 2019, we decided to open a new branch of the company - online commerce. Now specializing in rentals & sales, installation, repair and e-commerce of everything pro audio, video & lighting.

Since 1973, EMI Audio has always strived to give our customers the absolute best experience possible. We will continue to put customer service at the top of our list as we believe this is the foundation of any great, small business such as ours. We hope you give us the opportunity to serve you and all of your pro AV needs today, tomorrow and into the future.