Studio Caporal

In 2009, Nicolas developed an unstoppable obsession with the world of mixing and recording. He quickly realized that the quality of recorded instruments - whether acoustic, electric or digital - is just the first step in creating the illusion of a sonic world on a disc, vinyl, or cassette. With a drive to further explore this field, he began collecting gear that would aid him in his quest and eventually opened his non-commercial studio, Studio Caporal, in 2016.

Named after his favorite French cigarette brand, Studio Caporal has since recorded, mixed and produced over 100 records - ranging from young singer-songwriters to experimental instrumental albums, and everything in-between. Nicolas' philosophy is centered around the idea that it's not about the genre, but rather the music and the people who create it. In the words of the great Duke Ellington: "There are two kinds of music: good music and bad music."

The studio is equipped with two live rooms and a control room built around a vintage CADAC A series desk 24-10-10-2 filled with Lundahl and Marinair (the same transformers used by Neve). It boasts a wide range of old Neumann tube and solid-state microphones, RCA's, AEA, Beyer (old and new), ALTEC 1519 compressor/preamps, Chandler TG1, Phoenix compressor, Neve 33609, 1176 UREI, 1178 UREI, LA2-A, LA3, LA4, Rhodes Suitcase, Wurlitzer, Moog, and much more.

Nicolas views gear as a means to an end and focuses on creating a comfortable atmosphere for experimentation and exploration. He adapts to the vibe and artist's needs, serving as an engineer, producer, or barista while providing good coffee!

Past bands, projects, and productions

Dez Mona; Stijn Meuris; Guido Belcanto; Winther; Simon Lenski; Lily Moons; Bart Voet en Esmé Bos; Del Vita; The Colorist Orchestra (overdubs for “the Colorist and Emiliana Torini”); Ansatz Der Machine; Stef Kamil Carlens; Matt Watts; Peter Verhelst; Admiral Freebee; Zandland; De Patrick from director Tim Mielants (recording and mixing); Bert Helsen feat. Haftcraft; Geert Hendrickx/Yskan; Jef Mercelis-White Flemish Trash; Anneleen Boehme’s Grand Picture Palace; Mira; Sam De Nef; Jim White; Rombouts&Watts; Jan Verstraeten; Jürgen Augustyns; Howe Gelb/Giant Sand; Neve Nilssen; Bouke Zoete; Ader; Kobe Van Cauwberghe (Braxton project); Rosa Butsi