Symetrix Supports REC Philly’s Mission to Empower Communal Creativity

Creativity often faces societal undervaluation and underfunding, especially as schools and communities struggle to sustain the right kind of infrastructure. Enter REC Philly, a trailblazing creative hub in Philadelphia that encourages individuals to unlock their best creative selves. Through innovative spaces, tools, and a thriving community, REC is redefining how creators build and sustain their creative journeys.

Founded in late 2019 by high school friends, Will Toms and Dave Silver, REC Philly was born out of a desire to address the challenges faced by creatives striving to turn their passions into full-time careers. Silver recalls: “We decided to take control of our own destiny and not hope that opportunities would come our way…we created our own opportunities.” The duo began organizing events, building studio spaces, and ultimately creating an infrastructure to support other creatives. Over time, this vision evolved into what REC Philly is today: a 10,000-square-foot facility designed to foster creativity and empower artists.

Located in the Fashion District in Central Philadelphia, the REC facility includes 12 private production studios for music, podcasting and photography as well as two concert venues: a 100-person venue and a 300-person venue. However, as REC Philly scaled its operations, it needed a technological infrastructure that matched its vision. The space required systems that could adapt to multiple use cases, handle high performance demands and remain user-friendly for a variety of creators- and that’s where Symetrix technology became pivotal.

At the core of the setup is the Radius NX12x8 IP Protocol Digital Sound Processor, which offers exceptional flexibility and power to manage the Dante channels used to meet the diverse audio needs of the facility. Whether hosting a live music performance, recording a podcast, or facilitating a photography session with ambient sound, the processor ensures crystal-clear audio and seamless integration across the various studios and venues delivering the studio quality sound that Symetrix is famous for.

To enhance connectivity and simplify the user experience, REC Philly also installed two Symetrix xIO Bluetooth RCA-3.5 endpoint wall plates, allowing members to effortlessly connect their mobile devices. This feature enables creators to play music, integrate sound effects or connect directly to their projects with minimal setup time.

Additionally, four xIO XLR 2×2 endpoint wall plates were strategically placed in different studios, providing reliable input/output connections for various equipment uses. Control and accessibility were further enhanced with the inclusion of two T-10 touch screen controllers with stands, providing an intuitive interface for managing the audio system.

Symetrix didn’t just supply the technology—the team also provided personalized training for REC Philly’s staff to ensure the systems were fully optimized and easy to use. “Symetrix just wants to make life easier for you,” explains Silver. “The system’s definitely running more smoothly now, and it’s way easier to use with the stuff we already have, which then makes a big difference in the tasks my staff handles every day.”

By equipping the space with tools that are both innovative and approachable, REC can cater to a broad range of creative disciplines. Musicians can record professional-grade tracks in the production studios, podcasters can create polished episodes with reliable audio inputs and performers can captivate audiences in the venues—all supported by the seamless, high-quality infrastructure designed by Symetrix.

“I know folks are deeply appreciative of the opportunities that we create, and to have this kind of space for it all is a real asset to that,” Silver notes. “Whether they are musicians, podcasters, photographers, or performers, this environment ensures that artists have access to the resources they need to flourish, and Symetrix really helped bring that to life.”

At its core, REC Philly’s mission is deeply rooted in its community. The organization provides resources, opportunities, and support to help creators thrive in a challenging world. This mission aligns perfectly with the Symetrix mission of being a force for good in the world. As REC continues to grow, Symetrix remains a valued partner in its mission to support and celebrate creativity, particularly in the communities that need it most. “Every time we get new equipment to make our space better, it improves the experience for our members—and that’s what it’s really about.”