DAPZ (Dean Pratt)

Audio Engineer • Producer • Mastering & Vinyl Cutting Specialist

Dapz (Dean Pratt) has been immersed in music and audio culture from a young age. He began DJing Drum & Bass at just 13 years old, and by 1997, at the age of 16, had progressed into writing and producing his own music — laying the foundations for a career spanning production, performance, education, mastering, and vinyl cutting.

Foundations, Education & Early Industry Work (1997–2005)

Seeking to deepen his understanding of sound and studio practice, Dapz studied Electronic Music & Recording at Leicester College in 2000, followed by completing a BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Music Technology (2003–2004).

By 2005, Dapz began working closely with legendary MC $pyda, a turning point that accelerated his development in professional studio environments. This period led to collaborations and vocal recordings for artists including Daddy Freddy (Hard Core LP), Benny Page (The Burial), DJ Clipz (Redlight) (Pass It Around), and Futurebound & Matrix (Knight Rider), among others.

Education, Touring & Early Breakthrough (2006–2008)

In 2006, Dapz completed a City & Guilds 7302 Teaching Qualification and went on to work with a Nottingham-based youth organisation, teaching DJing and music production to students aged 13–18 across the Midlands.

By 2007, new music projects took Dapz across the UK and Germany, performing live PA shows with MC $pyda, MC Bomma, and Slipz under the name Strugglaz.

In 2008, Dapz and Slipz began developing a new sound outside of Drum & Bass, producing what became known as 4×4 Bassline. The project gained rapid momentum, receiving major support from DJ Cameo, Ras Kwame, DJ Target, and Kissy Sell Out, with tracks played on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra.
This led to Passenger Records signing the duo to its Basslayerz sub-label, followed by a remix of Tell Me You Love It featuring Blu Rum 13 (US).

Chart Success & International Recognition (2009)

2009 marked a defining year with the release of the hit single “Balaclava” ft MC $pyda. During this period, Dapz also recorded vocals and collaborated on projects with Skepta, DJ Phantasy, Nicky Blackmarket, MC Bassman, Trigga, Juice Man, and Bongo Chilly, while receiving widespread DJ support worldwide.

That same year, Dapz won Track of the Year on Jo Nebula’s Kemet FM Drum & Bass Weekly Show with his acclaimed production “Buck Rodgers.”
Further releases followed on labels including Subsonic Audio, Abstract VIP, Junction 11, and more, cementing his international reputation.

Silent Code, Press Coverage & Label Ownership (2010–2013)

In 2010, Dapz teamed up with DJ Misrepresent to form Silent Code.
Between 2011 and 2012, the duo received strong press and media support from Knowledge Magazine (K Mag), Mixmag, and BBC Introducing, alongside a run of digital and vinyl releases on respected labels including:

Viper Recordings (Engaged)
Physmatics Music (Dutty Gal ft Ragga Twins)
Formation Records (Black Remix)
Dirt, Lies & Audio (6 Million Dolla Man)
Back2You Records (Flatliner Remix)
Easy Records (Box Your Chimp)

As their profile grew, Silent Code were booked extensively to DJ across Europe, both as a duo and individually. Building on this success, they launched Sliced Note Recordings, a digital label created to release their own music while also signing and developing emerging artists.

By 2013, three Silent Code tracks were featured on EA Games’ Need For Speed, a title that sold over 9 million copies worldwide.
That same year, Dapz began formally offering audio post-production services, including mix-down and mastering, to both emerging and established artists.

Major Collaborations & the Birth of Compound Audio (2013–2015)

Due to the consistently high standard of his work, Dapz attracted high-profile clients, including DJ Rap (Proper Talent Records), which led to a remix of the iconic jungle classics “Spiritual Aura” and “Diggable Bass.”

In 2014, Dapz collaborated with Jo Nebula on a remix of “Twisted World,” receiving strong support from A-list DJs worldwide, with further releases planned for Back2You Records.

Later that year, Dapz founded Compound Audio, launching a dedicated mixing and mastering studio that quickly grew into a trusted platform for artists and labels.

Also in 2014, Dapz went fully solo, delivering high-profile productions and remixes with artists including Snoop Dogg (Flip It), Fatman Scoop ft Lady Leshurr (Bass Dunk), alongside collaborations with Paul Rayner, Papa G (Hazardous Muzik), Charlotte Devaney (Calmer Records), Mampi Swift (Charge Recordings), and Jo Nebula.

In 2015, Dapz achieved major chart success with AnnGree – “Give Your Love To Me,” which reached No.1 on the Juno Download and Trackitdown Jungle charts, holding the position for three weeks.
That year also saw the release of “BIG TUNE” with Mampi Swift ft MC Dynamite, receiving heavy support from BBC Radio 1 and BBC 1Xtra, alongside further releases across labels such as Physmatics, Short Circuit, Back2You, Agitated Audio, Hazardous Muzik, Digital101, Rogue Beats, Junction 11, and Charge Recordings.

Full-Time Mastering, Restoration & Studio Expansion (2016–2018)

Between 2016 and 2018, Compound Audio expanded to the point where mixing and mastering became a full-time profession, with music production taking a secondary role.

During this period, Dapz was trusted by labels including Juice Records, Skeleton Records, Brain Records, Proper Talent, and Quayside Records to master new releases and restore classic breakbeat, jungle, and drum & bass recordings from the early 1990s.

He was also commissioned by Dambuster Studios (Nottingham) to mix and master over four hours of audio content for the video game Homefront: The Revolution.

As demand for vinyl services increased, Dapz partnered with cutting engineers Shane “Finyl Tweak” (Heathmans) and Beau (Ten Eight Seven Mastering) to provide a complete service.
Towards the end of 2018, Dapz completed a purpose-built studio, designed precisely around his workflow and sonic vision.

Advanced Mastering, Vinyl & Present Day (2019–Present)

Between 2019 and 2020, Dapz undertook advanced mastering development alongside world-leading engineers Streaky and Marco Galvan, completing an intensive mastering course to remain aligned with modern delivery standards.
Alongside this, he collaborated with Brent (Aquasky) on large-scale re-mastering and restoration projects for the label Vinyl Fanatiks.

From 2020 to the present, Dapz has focused heavily on high-level mixing, mastering, restoration, and vinyl production, working with artists including TNA, Dizzee Rascal, P Money, CAA, and Y-Zer.

He travelled to Germany for specialist training on the T560 VR vinyl cutting lathe, subsequently acquiring two T560 VR lathes, enabling full in-house mastering, restoration, and vinyl cutting at Compound Audio, marking the birth of Compound Dubz.

This capability has led to work with influential labels and artists including Drum & Bass Allstars, Suburban Base Records, Banging Tunes, Proper Talent Records, Kemet Records, Infrared Records, N4 London, and DJ Zinc.

Today, Compound Audio operates as a fully integrated audio facility, offering mixing, mastering, restoration, and vinyl cutting under one roof.
Dapz is recognised for his hybrid analogue and digital mastering approach, Apple Digital Masters certification, and a deep respect for musical translation, longevity, and authenticity — trusted by artists and labels worldwide to deliver sound that truly stands the test of time.