Power Behind the Audio With Nioki Aquino

When it comes to all things audio, many only hear the final output. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself, “How did this all come together?” Every soundtrack goes through several processes—from instrumentals and raw recordings to audio refinement and everything in between. The audio you hear on radio, television, YouTube, and Facebook ads sounds the way it does because of how it’s mastered and refined by an audio engineer.

Here at loudBox Studios, Nioki Aquino has graciously allowed us to pick his brain about his work. Apart from being a huge admirer of the art found in music and film, he also loves his dog, Charlie! Get to know a little more about loudBox Studio’s second lead of the Post Department—his favorite tools, his work, and his wise words.

Ultimate Ear Candy: Nioki’s Approach to Audio

The world of audio is multifaceted and can be overwhelming to those who enjoy it only as a hobby. But from an audio engineer’s perspective, it becomes nothing short of fascinating. When asked to describe his work in three words, Nioki simply replied:

“Ultimate Ear Candy.”

The craft behind audio production relies heavily on the right tools. Nioki shares that some of his go-to applications for post-processing include:

• ProTools Ultimate

• Universal Audio

• Soundtoys

• Speakerphone

These tools help shape everything from subtle textures to full sonic experiences.

Award-Winning Craftsmanship

Nioki has earned numerous awards for his work with loudBox Studios. Recently, his work on “The Rescue”, an ad for Called to Rescue Philippines, was awarded Silver at the 15th Kidlat Awards.

From his impressive collection of industry-recognized and fan-favorite works, Nioki revealed that his personal favorite is “Walang Ka-Paris,” now streaming on Amazon Prime Video—a must-watch if you haven’t seen it yet.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Audio Engineers

Pursuing a passion requires consistent dedication. Nioki’s achievements aren’t solely the result of his love for music and film—they are also a product of the time and effort he continually invests in refining his craft.

When asked for advice for aspiring audio engineers, Nioki shared:

“Never stop learning. Listen to amazing mixes. Master the stock plugins first before you reach for the top-shelf stuff.”

He concluded with a simple but essential reminder:

“Take care of your ears.”

More Than Just Audio

At loudBox Studios, we offer more than just audio to the world—we share the stories, inspirations, and creative discoveries that live within every waveform. Nioki’s journey is just one of the many behind-the-scenes narratives that inspire the work we do every day.