Modern live sound production began with the development of reliable, high power PA amplification, capable of good sound reproduction that could be mass produced and marketed affordably. Back in 1976 a company called RSD (Recording Studio Design) based in England, was among the first to design and build such amplifiers. Not only did they challenge the engineering and performance specifications of the very few available, hugely expensive, imported US designs that could put out no more than a few hundred watts per channel, they were indeed affordable – very affordable. RSD’s goal was to bring the pure sound quality of the recording studio to the concert stage. They developed the RSD 800B, an 800 watts per channel amplifier that they could not build enough of. They were snapped up in huge numbers to power extravagant concept shows and arena tours for mega groups such as Pink Floyd. Then came the explosion of Punk music in the late 1970’s, bringing with it, the gigging revolution, PA hire grew into an industry and all the companies used the RSD 800B. Just as importantly these amplifiers were extremely affordable, meaning that even the smallest bands setting out on their road to stardom could gig with a great sounding PA system that would easily fit in the back of the tour van.