Full Compass Systems

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Overview

Full Compass Systems is a retailer of professional audio, video, lighting equipment, and musical instruments, offering over 100,000 products from 800 manufacturer brands. It operates as a national online and retail dealer with services including computer systems integration, equipment rentals in Wisconsin only, and authorized repairs for major brands. The company ships worldwide from its Madison facility and maintains a physical retail location there.

History

Founded in 1977 by Jonathan and Susan Lipp, Full Compass Systems opened its first retail store in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1979. It expanded product lines to video and theatrical equipment by the late 1980s, moved to a larger 72,000 sq. ft. facility in Middleton in 1995, and built its current 140,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Madison in 2009. The company entered eCommerce via eBay in 2003, Amazon in 2004, and its own site in 2006.

Product Lines

Product Line	Positioning	Price Range
Professional Audio Equipment	Pro audio gear for studios and live sound	$50 - $10,000
Professional Video Equipment	Video production and broadcast tools	$100 - $15,000
Stage Lighting	Lighting fixtures for events and theaters	$200 - $5,000
Musical Instruments	Instruments for performers and educators	$150 - $3,000
Cables & Adapters	Connectivity solutions for AV setups	$5 - $500
AV Integration Systems	Custom computer and AV system builds	$1,000 - $20,000

Manufacturing

Full Compass Systems does not manufacture products; it retails equipment from over 800 brands produced by third-party manufacturers worldwide. The company focuses on distribution, sales, service, and integration from its Madison, Wisconsin facility.

Notable Products

Pro Audio Mixers - Mixing consoles from brands like Yamaha and Soundcraft for live and studio use.
LED Stage Lights - Moving head and PAR lights for professional events and installations.
Video Cameras - Professional camcorders and PTZ cameras for broadcast and production.
Microphones - Dynamic and condenser mics from Shure, Sennheiser, and Audio-Technica.
Speakers - Powered PA speakers from JBL and QSC for live sound reinforcement.

Reputation

Full Compass Systems is regarded by professionals as a reliable source for pro AV and lighting gear due to its extensive catalog and authorized service center status. Customers value its long-term expertise and worldwide shipping, though some note higher pricing compared to direct manufacturer sales. It holds BBB accreditation since 1998 with a solid track record.

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