Jasper Cremers has happily shared with us how much he – and indeed everyone at Red Bull Studios Amsterdam – enjoys the resident analogue mixing console, an Audient ASP8024. Well, he likes it so much he bought himself an iD22 audio interface and an ASP880 8-channel mic preamplifier – also from Audient. A sensible choice, with the mic pres being exactly the same as those on the desk he’s been using for the last year at his ‘day job’. We asked him what he’s been doing with the two Audient units; whether they’ve been out on location, in his own studio or just in Red Bull Studios?
“I just want to record as soon as possible when I have an idea, and don’t want to worry about the sound later. That is what these babies enable me to do.”
“I use them in every situation, actually. That’s what I like about them, they’re really flexible. Whenever they’re needed in the Red Bull Studios they act as our ‘B’ set up without compromising our quality standards,” says Jasper, who juggles being studio manager at Red Bull Studios Amsterdam, with his work as a music producer.
His private studio is pretty high spec, too. With Dynaudio BM6A MkI monitors “which I absolutely adore”, the iD22 and ASP880 have settled in very nicely, hooked up to some Warm Audios, an Avalon preamp and SSL EQs.”The thing is,” he says somewhat conspiratorially, ”I’m not really an engineer. I just want to record as soon as possible when I have an idea, and don’t want to worry about the sound later. That is what these babies enable me to do.”
iD22: “simple and user-friendly, yet flexible enough to facilitate more complex sessions.”
Time is of the essence for Jasper as he dashes between the two creative spaces, but what has he been working on in his private studio? “Me and my musical partner go by the name of Nelson & Djosa and made several albums for artists such as Giovanca, Esther von Haze Ntjam Rosie, Karsu and recently released an album for jazz flute player Ronald Snijders featuring artists such as Azymuth, Ed Motta, Dwight Trible, Bassekou Kouyate and many more, which we also made a documentary about.”
Quite busy then. Jasper describes it, “…as if I have two full time jobs. I like them both so much it doesn’t feel like working. I mean, hanging around studios and making music is about the greatest thing there is, right?” [You’re preaching to the converted – Audient] And that’s why it’s so great that he’s invested in these latest pieces of Audient kit.
“They’re a real step up from my previous converters, sound and workflow wise,” he adds. When pressed on his favourite features he cites the inserts on the iD22, as well as it being “simple and user-friendly, yet flexible enough to facilitate more complex sessions.” As for the ASP880, “The impedance switch – that’s some clever engineering! I’ve never seen that on other units, and it’s definitely a way to make these units interesting for pro users.”
It sounds like they’ll be staying with him for a while longer, then. “Now that we’ve finally released the documentary and album for Ronald Snijders, we have some time to finish our Night Cry project, with Dave ’Smoota’ Smith as the lead singer,” he explains.
ASP880: “The impedance switch – that’s some clever engineering!”
So, Jasper works every hour god sends in an industry he loves. He describes his girlfriend as “very supportive about this” – indeed some would say he’s ‘made it’. What advice would he give himself just starting out? “Firstly, don’t expect a big paycheck when working in a musical niche in one of the smallest countries in the world. Second, don’t be afraid to fail. Failing is a part of progress.”
Very good points. “You know what?” he adds. “I think I’m a bit too young to give such important life lessons. I’m just learning as I go along.”
Photography: Caterina Gradi