Sound, Soul, and a Full-Circle Story: Burton Ishmael’s New Chapter with DAS
Before Burton Ishmael officially joined the DAS Audio team, he was already part of its story. A respected front-of-house engineer and a trusted voice in the professional audio industry, Burton has spent years using DAS products in some of the most demanding environments. From high-profile tours to house of worship installs and broadcast productions, he didn’t just believe in the gear. He built with it, sold it, mixed on it, and stood by it. Now, he brings that belief and deep experience into his new role as Senior Market Development Manager, Pro Audio with a focus on the growth of the ARA series.
Burton’s story begins in Jamaica, Queens, where he first started playing music in church at the age of ten. His love for musicianship quickly led to a deeper curiosity about sound. He wanted to know how to make it better, how to make it move people. One defining moment came when he wandered into a sound check at Nassau Coliseum and heard the raw power of a full-scale system for the first time. The experience was overwhelming and unforgettable. It marked the beginning of a journey that would take him around the world.
Today, Burton’s résumé includes some of the biggest names in music. He has mixed for Madonna, Post Malone, NAS, HER, Bryson Tiller, and Lil Baby, among others. He is currently part of the team supporting NBC’s premier late-night programs, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Saturday Night Live. But what makes Burton stand out isn’t just the list of artists. It’s his commitment to the craft, his belief in the power of sound, and his passion for helping others succeed.
Burton first encountered DAS Audio in the mid-2000s. As an independent engineer and business owner, he took a chance on a DAS Audio system and was immediately impressed by its warmth, clarity, and dependability. That first experience led to a long relationship with the brand. He’s been a user, a buyer, an installer, and an advocate. “DAS helped me grow,” he said. “They’ve always been there with support, with tools, and with people who care. It feels like family.”
Now, that relationship comes full circle. In his new position, Burton will focus on building connections with engineers, artists, houses of worship, integrators, and live production teams. His goal is to introduce more people to what DAS Audio system and their new flagship line, the ARA series, can truly do and to help others experience the performance, efficiency, and support that made him a believer years ago.
For DAS Audio, bringing Burton on board represents more than a new hire. “His belief in the ARA Series and what it represents, power, precision, and forward-thinking design, means everything to us,” said Jaime Villegas, General Manager of DAS Audio of America. “Burton has been a longtime supporter of the brand, and having someone of his caliber and passion championing our newest generation of products makes this incredibly special.”
For Burton, this new chapter is about giving back. “This is the moment in my career where I get to share everything I’ve learned,” he said. “Mixing, system design, the science of sound…I get to put it all to work for the next wave of engineers.”
To those just starting out in audio, his advice is simple and heartfelt. Stay sharp. Stay honest. Love what you do. “There is more opportunity in this field than ever before, but it only matters if you bring character and commitment. Do the work. Educate yourself. Find mentors. And when the right gear shows up, be ready to make the most of it.”
Burton Ishmael has always believed that great sound is more than a technical achievement. It is a feeling, a connection, a tool for storytelling. That belief is what led him to DAS. And now, he is ready to help others hear it for themselves.
To learn more about DAS Audio and connect with Burton Ishmael, visit www.dasaudio.com.
