Chris Jojo, British sound designer and recording technician specialized in authentic vehicle sounds, has worked on prominent film, simulator, and video game projects.
For the movie Ferrari, directed by Michael Mann and nominated for several sound design awards, Jojo used Sennheiser microphones such as the MD 421-II and the AMBEO VR Mic, along with evolution wireless transmitters and EK 6042 receivers. His goal: to accurately capture the impressive sound of historic Ferraris.
 |
 |
Chris Jojo began his career in 1992 in the video game software industry, working as a composer and sound designer at Software Creations, a Manchester-based startup. However, it was his move to Codemasters in 2009 as a senior sound designer that marked the beginning of his specialization in vehicle recordings.
I attended recording sessions with Mark Knight, audio lead on DiRT3, and I was fascinated by the process. The inherent challenges, like placing microphones on high-capacity engines and handling extreme SPL, were particularly interesting to me, Jojo comments.
 |
 |
Over the years, Jojo has developed a comprehensive approach to capturing authentic vehicle sounds, working closely with private collections, racing teams, and manufacturers. This expertise enabled him to record legendary cars like the Ferrari 250 GTO and the Bugatti T35 for projects such as the audiovisual installation at the Guggenheim Bilbao and eventually for the movie Ferrari.
In the film, which focuses on the pivotal period of Enzo Ferrari before the 1957 Mille Miglia, the sounds of the vehicles play a fundamental role. Jojo used robust microphones like the Sennheiser MD 421-II, ideal for capturing the midrange of engines and the resonance of exhaust systems, as well as the AMBEO VR Mic to capture the in-cabin atmosphere. "The combination of microphones is key. The MD 421-II, with its ability to handle high SPL, was essential for highlighting the 'bite' of the midrange", he explains.
 |
 |
Additionally, Jojo used evolution wireless transmitters and EK 6042 receivers to ensure flawless audio capture in extreme conditions. "These devices have never let me down, even during extended track sessions at high speeds and extreme heat", he highlights. During the recording, he implemented innovative solutions to protect the equipment, such as fireproof casings and custom mounting systems.
Working on this project was a privilege. Capturing the sounds of historic vehicles and seeing how they integrate into a narrative like Ferrari is something that doesn’t happen every day. It’s a unique experience that reflects how technology has revolutionized sound recording, concludes Jojo.
