Midas | News | In Focus : A Sit Down with Julian Kacperowski

With our “In Focus” articles, we aim to shine a spotlight on exceptional sound engineers worldwide who share our passion for Midas and the art of audio. In this edition, we delve into the journey of Julian Kacperowski, an independent studio mixing engineer and front-of-house operator based in the vibrant city of Hamburg, Germany.

Julian’s foray into the world of music began at the tender age of 15 when he picked up the keyboard and accordion. His early passion for music blossomed into a dynamic career in audio engineering. Julian honed his skills and expertise through years of dedication, eventually launching “Next Chapter,” where he immersed himself in recording and mixing studio productions. Concurrently, he pursued a degree in Audio Engineering, which paved the way for him to establish his own production studio dedicated to the recording, mixing, and mastering of diverse projects.

The global pandemic marked a pivotal shift in Julian’s career, redirecting his focus towards live concerts and touring productions. When asked how technology has transformed the landscape of sound engineering during his career, Julian explains, "The possibility of integrating plug-ins from the studio into my live productions opens up new horizons in terms of creativity and flexibility. I particularly like the option of leaving some of the heavy outboard equipment at home and just bringing my laptop and computer server, especially when travelling." This advancement not only streamlines his setup but also enhances the potential for innovative soundscapes in live performances.

Discussing emerging trends in sound engineering, Julian observes, "I think we can all agree that artificial intelligence will play an increasingly important role in the future of audio production. Whether in mixing or songwriting, every aspect can already be supported by AI. Whether this is a curse, or a blessing is up to you, but in my opinion, the magic of music and the honest stories of the people behind it should not be replaced by bits and bytes." This perspective highlights the potential and challenges of AI integration, emphasising the importance of preserving the human element in music.

When it comes to Julian’s workflow, he states,

Midas products are indispensable. You will almost always find a Midas M32R or an HD96 at the heart of my setup. These compact desks, combined with expansion cards and occasionally external signal processors, allow me to integrate VSTs seamlessly into my mixes in a quick and easy way. The versatility and reliability of these tools are crucial for achieving the high-quality sound that defines my work.

Julian highlights the M32R Live as one of his standout products, noting, "The small form factor and the immense range of functions make this small desk an everyday workhorse for me."

Collaborating with artists and performers to understand their sound preferences and ensure their vision is realised during a recording or performance is a nuanced process that requires both technical expertise and a deep appreciation for their artistic intent. Julian emphasises the importance of this balance in live concerts, stating, "For live sound engineering, it is crucial to capture the main idea of the respective productions without losing the charm of a stage performance. In my opinion, it is the combination of the right equipment and know-how that makes this happen." He adds, "My signal chain is not a filtration system, which is why I focus on keeping it as clean and high quality as possible, starting with the preamps. Therefore, the Midas Pro preamps offer an excellent option for me."

Addressing the challenges in the live audio industry, Julian reflects,

Working with upcoming artists and newcomers with little to no stage experience is always exciting for me. In many cases, I am not just a front-of-house engineer but also a personal therapist, motivational speaker, and mediator. But that's exactly what it's all about for me." He highlights that the most significant challenges are also the most rewarding aspects, noting, "For me, teamwork and trust within a crew are the most challenging but also the most important things in this whole industry.

This perspective underscores the multifaceted role of an audio engineer and the importance of building strong, supportive relationships with both artists and crew members to ensure successful performances.

Reflecting on his career highlights, Julian shares, "More than the countless brilliant moments that I experience behind the mixing desk, I appreciate the incredibly kind-hearted, tolerant, and loving people that I have been able to get to know. There is no other job in the world where you can find such a familiar team atmosphere, whether on stage or in the studio. For me, it is about combining the best people with the best equipment to create unique moments. Thanks to everyone out there, we rock!"

Julian offers valuable advice to aspiring sound engineers, encouraging them to "just start and grow with yourself." He reflects on his own beginnings with cheap analogue desks, two hifi speakers and mics from the flea market to mix school bands, emphasising that a lack of resources, experience, or contacts should not be discouraging. All these things come with time and are not necessary to get a good start in the industry, he assures. Julian also highlights the importance of ensuring artist satisfaction, stating, "You can have the best equipment in the world, but don't forget the basics of audio engineering and signal reinforcement. Push yourself every time and don't close yourself off to new innovations and ideas." This advice encapsulates his dedication to continuous learning, innovation, and maintaining a strong connection with the artists he works with, ensuring their vision is always at the forefront.

Keep up to date with Julian on Instagram