The signal chain at Hamburg’s Duo Mastering has been meticulously chosen to serve the goal of ‘finding sonic truth’, a mission that is achieved through the use of a Maselec MTC-1X mastering console, an ultra-precise Dutch Audio insert switcher and a careful selection of boutique analogue outboard. The final step… the cabling; Van Damme.
Duo Mastering describes itself as a collective of songwriters, producers, mixing and mastering engineers, and a dedicated mental health specialist that is committed not just to sound, but to the soul behind it. The approach taken to production ‘blends musical innovation with emotional intelligencel’.
To date, the team have worked with a variety of influential artists in the German music scene, including CRO, Capital Bra, Mike Singer, Shirin David, and Shindy, while their songwriting has helped shape chart-topping hits like ‘Faith’ by Blasterjaxx, ‘Bist du real’ by KC Rebell and ‘Feuer’ by Laith Al-Deen. They also actively coach aspiring audio engineers, equipping them with the skills, insight and confidence to develop and deliver their own unique sound.
The studio set-up takes a hybrid approach, benefitting from a combination of high-end analogue outboard and precision digital workflows. ‘I searched relentlessly for cables that could match the calibre of my gear,’ says Farzi Rahnavard, engineer and co-founder of Duo Mastering. ‘The wrong cable can choke the detail and depth from even the best gear. After endless trials and comparisons, my journey ended where I should have started – with Van Damme.’
Rahnavard worked with André Freitag from local Van Damme partner Audiosteps to identify the optimum equipment combination for their purpose: ‘Working with Duo Mastering is always a pleasure for us at Audiosteps,’ he says. ‘Our relationship is built not only on a shared enthusiasm for Van Damme cables, but on mutual trust, professional respect and friendship. What truly sets them apart is not just their outstanding engineering skills, but their dedication to sharing deep expertise in a clear and accessible way.’
With Van Damme cabling installed, the result has been something that Rahnavard found instantly noticable. ‘Van Damme cables don’t just connect gear, they preserve the integrity of the audio with stunning clarity and neutrality,’ he states. ‘The first time I patched my outboard chain through Van Damme’s Pro Grade XKE Pro-Patch cables, the difference was immediate – tighter transients, more air in the highs and a sense of depth and focus that wasn’t there before.’
While audio quality is been critical, another aspect that has impressed Rahnavard is the cables’ construction. ‘The build quality is bulletproof – seriously pro-grade,’ he says. ‘Whether it’s balanced lines, patchbays or custom loom builds, Van Damme delivers consistent reliability, session after session. In mastering, consistency isn’t just preferred, it’s mandatory.
‘At Duo Mastering, Van Damme is now an essential part of our sonic DNA,’ Rahnavard reflects. ‘These cables have become the invisible heroes behind every project that leaves our studio. For any mastering engineer who refuses to compromise, Van Damme cables are the endgame.’
More: www.van-damme.com