John Broback

John Broback is an inventor, musician and sound technician living in Berlin. He designs sound systems and installations that are carefully tuned into the complex, bodily and tactile experiences of sound. He studied Physics and Mathematics as well as Jazz at the University of Washington and later worked as a scientific instrument maker. This combination of deep understanding of materials, scientific analysis and precision and structured experimentation, together with the ideas and creativity of free jazz, set him on a path of a life-long apprenticeship in the material mysteries of sound and acoustics. Broback’s main mission in this realm, however, is to make remarkable sonic experiences accessible across class differences, especially to self-organized initiatives, socially engaged projects and innovative DIY spaces.

Among Broback’s most known local work is his original sound systems for the 90mil venue – an impressive and unique PA, including massive mid-range horns of Broback’s own design, crafted over a long collaboration with the venue’s artists to suit its unique acoustic space. Broback has collaborated with Robert Machiri by designing a custom sound system for “Listening at Pungwe”, he supplied the technical work for Yara Mekawei’s “Holy 204” installation that uses small scale motors to turn 3D printed sculptures into sonic objects, and more. He has also composed sound pieces for several artists, including Cassie Thornton’s “White Noise Choir” and Bea Xu’s “Plastic Lattice”.