David Brand founded Reponse Studio in Marin near Neuchâtel, Switzerland, to provide the perfect creative space for artists, brands, and creators. His approach is to establish a sophisticated technical environment that still feels personal and human. To make sure the sonic art created at Reponse Studio translates well into every other listening space, Brand trusts in PSI Audio A25-M with SUB A125-M subwoofers.
Music at its heart: Reponse Studio
David Brand began his path as a sound creator very early. “Since childhood I have been drawn to music, DJing, and the way a track can create an immediate emotional impact,” he explains his motivation. “Over time, I wanted to create a place where I could bring these different worlds together: technical discipline, precision, and reliability on the one side; creativity, emotion, and artistic support on the other. Reponse Studio was born from that vision.” With a background as an engineer in automation and IT, Brand applied his project management skills to his studio endeavour. “For me, a modern studio should not only be a place filled with equipment. It should offer a real working experience for artists and clients. I place a lot of importance on project follow-up, communication, and trust.” To that end, Brand has implemented procedures and structures at Reponse Studio, and even provides a client area and mobile application to follow projects, centralize communication, and keep files in a controlled environment. “Technology is moving very fast, but the role of a studio remains deeply human. Tools are there to serve the music.”
The Ghost of Neuchâtel
Sometimes, a big production makes a producer a household name; and sometimes, it doesn’t. “I have worked a lot in music production, including ghost production projects,” says Brand, referring to productions he worked on, but wouldn’t get credited for. “Some of the tracks I contributed to charted on several occasions, and one of them even became, at one point, one of the most listened-to tracks in the world on streaming platforms.” While Brand didn’t get the fame, he certainly got the experience and took from it what he could. “It is a very particular experience, because in this kind of work, the role often remains discreet. But it gave me a concrete understanding of what it means to create a production capable of reaching a very large audience. The sound has to work emotionally, but also technically, across all listening systems and in every context.” Add to these projects his work in sound design and post production for international films or band projects, and Brand commands a comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of audio production. “These milestone productions are not just references for me; they have shaped the way I work today.”
Analogue sound in a digital world
A part of this way Brand works is his considerable collection of outboard gear. “I really enjoy working with a hybrid chain,” he elaborates on his approach. “Outboard has to bring something concrete to the music, whether it is depth, movement, cohesion, or a specific colour. One of the central pieces in my workflow is the analogue summing mixer. I use it to bring more dimension, width and depth to a mix. It helps move beyond a purely digital approach and brings a more organic feeling, while still keeping a high level of precision.” When it comes to dynamics, Brand enjoys using his selection of pristine equipment. “I may use them to control energy, add density to a vocal, give more stability to a drum bus, or reinforce the cohesion of a mix.” The analogue racks add some lovely shades to the Reponse Studio colour palette.
High-end monitoring: PSI Audio A25-M and SUB A125-M
Another all-analogue part of Reponse Studio is the monitoring setup: a pair of PSI Audio A25-M three-way monitors with two SUB A125-M subwoofers for added clarity in the lows. “All of my equipment only makes sense if the monitoring allows me to make the right decisions,” Brand stresses the importance of his listening setup. “In recording, mixing, or mastering, every decision is based on the trust I have in my monitoring system. If the monitoring is not reliable, it is very easy to correct problems that do not actually exist, or to miss important details. I need a system that shows me the reality of the signal, without artificially flattering the sound.” About ten years ago, Brand first encountered PSI Audio speakers in another studio. “I was immediately struck by their precision, stability, and by the feeling of hearing the signal without any artificial filter.” The producer praises the confidence the PSI Audio speakers inspire, and enjoys their representation of tonal balance, depth, dynamics, vocal placement, low-end, as well as the overall translation of mixes to other systems. “In the studio, I do not need a speaker that flatters me; I need a speaker that tells me the truth.” Which leads David Brand to his final verdict: “Without my PSI Audio A25-M, I would not do anything.”
Find David Brand and Reponse Studio at www.reponse-studio.com