The signal chain at Hamburg’s Duo Mastering has been meticulously chosen to serve one goal, finding the sonic truth. The final step to achieving this was the cabling, and the answer was 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 the soul behind it. The approach they take to production blends musical innovation with emotional intelligence ensuring that the music they work on comes from a place of authenticity and well-being.

The Duo Mastering team has 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. But their approach is not just about music production, they are also passionate about nurturing the next generation of talent. They actively coach aspiring audio engineers, equipping them with the skills, insight and confidence to develop and deliver their own unique sound.

To be successful in both of these areas, the technology the team relies on needs to be right. Duo Mastering has been created with a hybrid setup. It benefits from the combination of high-end analogue outboard and precision digital workflows. The challenge the team faced was to find a cabling solution that could bring out the best in each part of the setup.

“I searched relentlessly for cables that could match the calibre of my gear: a Maselec MTC-1X mastering console, the ultra-precise Dutch Audio insert switcher, and an array of boutique analogue processors,” explains Farzi Rahnavard, engineer and co-founder at 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 select the right solution for the mastering studio. “Working with Duo Mastering is always a pleasure for us at Audiosteps,” says Freitag. “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 has instantly noticed. “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. A sense of depth and focus that wasn’t there before.”

While the audio quality has been critical, another aspect that has impressed Rahnavard is the construction. “The build quality is bulletproof – seriously pro-grade,” he explains. “Whether it's balanced lines, patch bays or custom loom builds, Van Damme delivers consistent reliability, session after session. In mastering, consistency isn’t just preferred, it’s mandatory.”

Reflecting on his completed setup, Rahnavard puts Van Damme at the very heart of what Duo Mastering does. “At Duo Mastering, Van Damme is now an essential part of our sonic DNA. 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.”