Use Cases

Internationally acclaimed pianist Andreas Klein is known for his exceptional musicality. With performances at iconic venues such as Carnegie Hall, London’s Wigmore Hall, and the Berliner Philharmonie, Klein has enchanted audiences worldwide. Working as a producer and recording engineer alongside his career as a musician, he uses cutting-edge technology from Merging to preserve the purity of classical music.

Klein’s early career was shaped by the legendary mentor, Claudio Arrau. One of the 20th century's greatest pianists, Arrau imparted a deep philosophical approach to music that Klein continues to uphold today. "For me, it's about being inside the music," Klein explains. This philosophy has led him to work with distinguished ensembles, from the Salzburg Chamber Soloists to the Casals Quartet, and earned him glowing reviews from publications such as The New York Times and Classical Voice North Carolina.

Despite his reputation as a classical purist, Klein was quick to embrace advanced technology from Merging when it came to music production. Across his career, he has created audio recordings of all phases of the 2018 and 2022 International Violin Competition in Indianapolis and received an esteemed Emmy nomination for his work. Additionally, he worked as director of audio production for the Peninsula Music Festival in Wisconsin, recording all orchestral concerts for National Public Radio stations in the USA.

Pianist Andreas Klein (Photo: Marco Borggreve)

He began using Merging’s products in 2006 to aid with his recordings, purchasing his first Pyramix system along with Sphynx AD/DA converters. "I was fascinated by how well their technology allowed me to preserve the natural sound of the instruments," he says. Over the years, he has regularly updated his systems, staying at the forefront of innovation.

Today, Klein relies on Merging’s silent Turnkey Systems – two fanless computers that offer nearly silent operation, crucial when recording in concert halls and other live venues. "The silence of these computers is essential," he notes. "There’s no option to separate the equipment from the listening environment, so minimising noise is crucial."

Klein also uses Merging’s HORUS and HAPI converters, which offer ultra-high-resolution audio formats like DSD and DXD. "Classical music production is about capturing the true, natural sound of the instruments. The HORUS and HAPI converters allow me to do that without any manipulation."

Recording Engineer Andreas Klein

As a classically trained pianist with no formal tech background, Klein appreciates Merging Technologies’ intuitive interfaces and highly customisable features. He especially values the Pyramix software’s ability to handle complex editing tasks without compromising the integrity of the original performance. "The editing possibilities are immense," Klein says. "Other genres might manipulate sounds, but classical music demands purity. With Merging’s tools, I can maintain that level of authenticity."

Though Klein’s performance career remains robust, his passion for recording and producing has grown in parallel. Klein’s commitment to excellence in both fields is what drives him to continuously evolve. "Whatever the project, I want to be inside the music," he reiterates. "That means understanding every note, every pause, and using the best tools available to bring out the true sound."

Merging Technologies has been an indispensable partner in Klein’s journey, helping him bridge the gap between live performance and the recording studio. "For me, Merging is more than just a tool," Klein says. "It’s part of my creative process, allowing me to push the boundaries of what’s possible while remaining true to the essence of classical music."

Recording Engineer Andreas Klein

More info: