My journey with Catalyst: Life and music lessons in the heart of Berlin
I remember the moment I decided to keep studying this profession. I had just arrived in Spain, and somehow I knew this wasn’t the place where I wanted to do it. The idea of moving to a city with a vibrant music scene like Berlin was calling me, but I didn’t want just any school; I was looking for a place that could offer a level of excellence that would truly help me grow. That’s how I found Catalyst, a unique institute in the historic Funkhaus Berlin, a place that exceeded all my expectations.
This article isn’t just about a course, it’s about a journey. I’m going to tell you how the intensive music mixing and mastering course at Catalyst transformed my perspective, gave me the tools I needed, and immersed me in a world of possibilities. Get ready to discover the place, the team, and the people who changed the way I make and understand music.
Beyond the classroom: The magic of Funkhaus and its studios
When you think of a music school, you picture classrooms with whiteboards and small studios. At Catalyst, the reality is very different. The school is located in Funkhaus Berlin, a former East German radio complex, a historic building with a creative energy you can feel in every corner. Just walking down its long hallways is already a lesson in history and art.
In this very special environment, I had the opportunity to work in world-class studios that made me feel like a professional from day one.
Total immersion in world-class studios
Each studio was a new adventure. In the K3 mixing room, I had the opportunity to work with the iconic Trident 88 console. It sounds like a fantasy, but having so much analog hardware at my disposal allowed me to understand, in a much deeper way, how the different parts of the audio chain interact. The warmth and color that this kind of equipment brings to the sound is something you simply can’t replicate with plugins.
I also spent time in the K4 mixing room, where I got to work with the SSL Origin console, a state-of-the-art piece of gear that taught me the importance of precision and a modern workflow. Being able to compare both consoles gave me a very complete perspective on different approaches to mixing.
And to top it off, the K13 mastering room was a dream. With PSI A25m monitors that reveal every detail of the sound, and high-end gear like the SPL Iron compressor and the Sontec EQ, my understanding of mastering expanded exponentially. Working in such a precise environment with tools of that quality is, without a doubt, an experience that lifts you to another level.
Masters with experience: The guidance behind every lesson
No matter how incredible the facilities are, a school is only as good as its teachers. At Catalyst, I was lucky to learn from highly experienced instructors: professionals who not only mastered the technical side, but also knew how to transmit their passion for sound.
Learning from a legend: My experience with Cem Oral
Among them, I have to highlight Cem Oral. He’s a real legend in the world of electronic and experimental music. Learning from him wasn’t just about taking classes, it was about understanding the philosophy behind music production. His knowledge, his ear, and his way of approaching mixing were a constant source of inspiration that helped me think beyond the rules and find my own voice as a producer.
An arsenal of creativity: Instruments and gear at your fingertips
At Catalyst, creativity was never limited by lack of resources. The school gives you access to an impressive amount of instruments, microphones, and synthesizers. You could grab a vintage microphone for a session, or an analog synth from the 80s to experiment with new sounds.
This freedom of access to gear was key for my development. It allowed me to try things I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise, expand my sound palette, and most importantly, understand that the right tool can be just as inspiring as the musical idea itself.
Conclusion
My time at Catalyst was much more than an intensive mixing and mastering course. It was full immersion in the world of music production, surrounded by a historic environment, top-tier equipment, and teachers who are true masters of their craft. I left not only with new technical skills, but with a new perspective and a sense of inspiration that stays with me to this day.
If you’re passionate about music and production, and you’re looking for a place that challenges and inspires you, seriously consider Catalyst as your next step. Berlin, Funkhaus, and the team of professionals at this institution are ready to help you take your passion to the next level.
If you found this article helpful, share it and tell me in the comments about your own educational experience.
