Giovanni Maria Vona on SoundBetter

I design custom synth patches, audio processors, and DSP systems for electronic and experimental music projects.

My work focuses on creating tailored sounds, custom instruments, audio effects, and coherent sound palettes, starting from artistic direction, references, or specific technical needs. I place particular emphasis on expressiveness, sonic identity, and real-world usability.

I work with modern virtual instruments, modular systems, and advanced audio environments such as Max/MSP, RNBO, and Faust. My background combines sound design, synthesis, DSP, and audio programming, allowing me to approach sound creation from both a musical and technical perspective.

Alongside my technical work, I have a strong musical background as a keyboard player and drummer, supported by formal conservatory training. This allows me to approach sound design from both a musical and technical perspective.

I also have experience as a mixing engineer, helping me develop sounds that sit naturally and effectively within a mix while maintaining their character and purpose.

I am currently studying Sound Engineering at conservatory level and have professional experience as a freelance sound designer, synth programmer, music producer, and mixing engineer.

I enjoy collaborating closely with artists, producers, and experimental creators to develop distinctive sounds, tools, and workflows.

I also maintain a public GitHub portfolio documenting selected academic and independent projects.

Send me a note through the contact button above.

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Interview with Giovanni Maria Vona

Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Digital, because it allows maximum flexibility, precision, and experimentation. That said, I’m still a passionate analog gear user and often blend both worlds in my work.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I started as a musician and instrumentalist at a young age, then moved into music production around 2017. I began studying mixing techniques in depth around 2019, initially self-taught, and worked as a freelance sound designer and patch programmer in 2021. Since 2024, I’ve been studying Sound Engineering at the Conservatory.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I mostly work on electronic music, ranging from techno and experimental club music to more abstract and contemporary electronic contexts.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My strongest skill is designing and programming sounds from the ground up, especially synthesizers, patches, and custom audio behaviors.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I bring a strong focus on sound identity: textures, movement, and sonic character that support the emotional and conceptual side of the music.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I usually start by understanding the artistic context and technical constraints, then move into prototyping sounds or tools. I iterate closely with the client, refining behavior, tone and usability until the result fits the project precisely.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I work from a dedicated home studio built in a converted garage, acoustically treated and designed for focused listening. My setup includes multiple audio interfaces and ADAT expansion, analog synthesizers, high-quality studio monitors and headphones, all running on a Windows-based system.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I’m inspired by artists and producers who blur the line between composition, sound design and technology, especially in electronic and experimental music contexts.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I mainly work on custom sound design, sound programming, and audio tools for electronic music and experimental projects, often tailoring sounds or systems to very specific creative needs.