Matthew Manhire
MAT '11
Matthew Manhire is a musician and maker with a passion for analog electronics and processes. Shortly after learning to solder, Matt began etching circuit boards, repairing gear and making his own amplifiers. After working for Jess Oliver (Ampeg B-15 Inventor), Andy Fuchs (Fuchs Audio Technology and Plush Pedals) and a handful of recording studios, Matt started operating his own tube-amp business using the moniker “Rootbeer Audio”. Since forming, Rootbeer Audio has become the go-to repair and restoration shop for many of Philadelphia’s well-known recording studios, venues, musicians and collectors.
When he’s not repairing/restoring things of the past, Matt can be found creating unique, and often bespoke, tube amplifiers in his Philadelphia workshop utilizing an array of materials and processes. Matt’s work has been featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer and on WHYY, and in 2016, he was awarded a Corzo Incubator Grant for his Philly 20 Watt amplifier circuit.
Matt teaches in both the Music Business, Entrepreneurship & Technology (BS) and Critical Studies programs at UArts.
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