A philosophy rooted in innovation, education, ownership, and the relentless pursuit of better sound.

From a basement in Detroit to designing award-winning studios, pioneering professional audio technologies, winning world championships, and mentoring future industry leaders — the mission has remained the same.

"CREATE. RELAX. CREATE."

It all started in his mother's basement.

Rafael's journey began in 1993, when he founded Soul Asylum Studios in his mother's basement in Detroit, Michigan. In 1995, he relocated the studio to Atlanta, Georgia, laying the foundation for what would become one of the city's longest-operating independent recording studio brands.

In 1999, after designing and constructing his first commercial recording studio, Rafael established SAS Acoustics Design Firm as an acoustical design and studio construction company — specializing in recording studios, critical listening rooms, and acoustic environments for the next two decades.

Three decades, one throughline.

From a basement studio to a manufacturing brand — the key moments behind Soul Asylum Studios Group and SAS Acoustics.

1990
Where It All Began...
Started with a dream at age 14 to open a studio. Built the first full custom show vehicle nationally known as "Motown Souljah" as a dedication to the city of Detroit. It was later nationally known as the Soul Asylum in efforts to get clients.
1993
Soul Asylum Studios Founded
Founded in his mother's basement in Detroit, Michigan.
1995
Relocation to Atlanta
Rebuilt the studio in Atlanta, Georgia — the foundation for one of the city's longest-operating independent studio brands.
1999
SAS Acoustics Design Firm Founded
Established after designing and constructing his first commercial recording studio — an acoustical design and studio construction company.
2000s
SAS Starts Winning Awards
SAS Acoustics becomes known for award-winning show vehicles and nationally recognized custom audio systems, while Soul Asylum Studios evolves into a respected creative lifestyle brand.
2009
The Castle SAS
Designed and built The Castle SAS, a $2.5 million recording studio and multi-use creative campus off Howell Mill Road in Atlanta — host to major sessions and multiple television productions.
2019
SAS Acoustics Enters Manufacturing
Introduced the SA25M — recognized as the world's first active reference monitor designed and manufactured by a Black-owned OBM/ODM professional audio company.
Today
Leading Both Companies
Continues to lead Soul Asylum Studios Group and SAS Acoustics, developing new technologies and mentoring the next generation of engineers.

Career highlights

0130+ Years in Professional Audio
02Founder of Soul Asylum Studios Group (1993)
03Founder of SAS Acoustics Design Firm (1999)
04Three-Time World Champion in Competitive Car Audio
05Designer of the World's First Black-Owned OBM/ODM Active Reference Monitor
06RIAA Gold & Platinum Credits
07Grammy Award-Winning & Grammy-Nominated Projects
08Billboard No. 1 Credits
09Dolby Atmos Studio Designer
10Inventor of ARC90™, ALFM™, Hex Amplification™, DMP™, STN™, and ISX LINK™

Developing the next generation of engineers.

Beyond engineering and product innovation, Mr. Rafael Capone has dedicated much of his career to developing the next generation of audio professionals — creating the Intern to Industry Engineer Program and personally developing its curriculum.

Created the Intern to Industry Engineer Program
Personally developed the curriculum and mentors hands-on inside Soul Asylum Studios
Known as #WhitePoloSkillzGang
Graduates include Grammy-winning, Grammy-nominated, and multi-platinum engineers