Baetis Audio isn’t your average high-end audio company, and Joe Makkerh isn’t your average CEO. With a background that bridges the world of rigorous scientific research and top-tier audio engineering, the story of Baetis Audio is one that redefines what it means to create truly immersive sound.

The Scientist Behind the Sound

Joe Makkerh’s journey is as unconventional as it is impressive. Growing up in England, Joe studied at Cambridge University, where he started in mathematics and physics before shifting gears to specialize in cell and molecular zoology. His Ph.D. work focused on nuclear localization signals—basically, figuring out how proteins navigate into the cell nucleus. These are not small accomplishments, and they speak to a level of precision and analytical thinking that most of us can only dream of.

But Makkerh wasn’t content staying in one lane. His passion for research took him across Europe, to the EMBL in Heidelberg, where he worked on arthritis and virology, and then to Montreal, where he fell in love with the city and the world of neuroscience. His postdoctoral work at McGill University and the Montreal Neurological Institute revolved around nerve growth factor research, tackling complex problems and developing a knack for troubleshooting puzzles that wouldn’t reveal themselves easily.

This background in meticulous research laid the groundwork for what would become a new chapter in his life: audio. The skills he honed—problem-solving under pressure, navigating uncharted territories, and bringing precision to everything he touched—would come in handy when he pivoted from neuroscience to the business of high-end audio.

Baetis Audio: Where Precision Meets Passion

Founded in Montana, Baetis Audio was already known among audiophiles for its custom-built digital media servers. When Makkerh took the reins in 2017, he brought his scientific rigor and methodical approach to the brand. The result? A product line that continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in digital sound.

Baetis Audio products, like the Prodigy, Revolution, and Reference series, are all about the details. We’re talking about high-wattage linear power supplies, proprietary internal cabling, and noise-reducing technology that allows for crystal-clear audio playback. These aren’t mass-produced boxes with generic components; each unit is carefully constructed in Canada or the USA, tailored to fit seamlessly into a client’s existing setup.

What Makes Baetis Different?

Joe Makkerh’s influence on the company is palpable. Take, for instance, the Revolution X4—a marvel of engineering that borrows tech from the top-tier Reference series, like custom-made audiophile wiring and daughterboards that minimize noise interference. These machines are built to be as versatile as they are powerful, capable of acting as standalone Roon-Core+Endpoint systems or as endpoints that integrate into a larger setup. And, unlike many products in the high-end market, Baetis servers aren’t just flashy on the outside. The performance is a testament to Joe’s scientific background, where every decision in the design process is made to maximize audio fidelity.

The Personal Touch

One of the standout features of Baetis Audio isn’t even about the hardware or software. It’s about the customer experience. Joe and his team are deeply committed to making sure that each client gets the most out of their system. This means offering personalized setup assistance, providing component recommendations tailored to your gear, and even walking you through complex software optimizations. It’s not about making a sale and disappearing; it’s about fostering a community of audiophiles who get to truly savor their music.

This dedication to service is something Joe takes very seriously. Drawing from his years in academic administration at McGill, where he worked to improve the well-being of graduate students, Joe understands that listening is a two-way street—whether it’s in the lab or the world of audio.

The Baetis Audio Experience

Every server Baetis builds is a labor of love, informed by years of research and a passion for sound that borders on the obsessive. From the cell biology labs of Cambridge to the sound studios of audiophiles worldwide, Joe Makkerh’s path is one of continuous discovery. So when you think of Baetis Audio, think of the journey that brought it here; the culmination of a life devoted to excellence, precision, and the pursuit of the ultimate listening experience.

Ready to hear what you’ve been missing? Dive into the world of Baetis Audio and discover sound like never before.

Joe Makkerh
1-888-357-0035
baetisjoe@gmail.com