In Pitch Perfect 2, the formidable German a cappella group Das Sound Machine (DSM) is led by two primary stars: Birgitte Hjort Sørensen as the intimidating Kommissar and Flula Borg as her second-in-command, Pieter Krämer. While the group functions as a singular, precision-engineered unit of roughly ten performers, their "stardom" is defined by these two leads alongside five key creative and ensemble forces that crafted their iconic, world-conquering presence on screen.
The Architectural Brilliance of Das Sound Machine
As of 2026, Pitch Perfect 2 remains a benchmark for musical comedy sequels, largely due to the introduction of a legitimate threat to the Barden Bellas: Das Sound Machine. Unlike the Treblemakers from the first film, who were talented but relatable rivals, DSM was designed to be an "a cappella machine." They represented the pinnacle of European EDM-influenced vocal performance, characterized by industrial aesthetics, synchronized choreography, and a sound that felt more like a synthesized club track than a traditional collegiate choir.
The concept of the "7 stars" of DSM can be understood by looking at the cast members who had speaking roles, the professional dancers who provided the group’s physical backbone, and the musical architects who created their intimidating sound. To understand DSM, one must look past the costumes and into the technical precision that made them the most "villainous" group in the franchise.
1. Birgitte Hjort Sørensen: The "Kommissar"
The undisputed leader of Das Sound Machine is the Kommissar, played by Danish actress Birgitte Hjort Sørensen. Before her breakout role in the Pitch Perfect universe, Sørensen was best known for her work in the acclaimed Danish political drama Borgen. Her casting was a stroke of genius by director Elizabeth Banks, as she brought a "high-art" intensity to a comedic role.
The Kommissar is the antithesis of Beca Mitchell. Where Beca is improvisational and messy, the Kommissar is rigid, statuesque, and terrifyingly perfect. Sørensen’s performance is built on a foundation of "alpha" energy; she uses her height and a piercing gaze to belittle the Bellas. In the world of the film, she is the star that provides the group with its cold, efficient identity. Her vocal range, though heavily processed in the film’s soundtrack to match the EDM vibe, showcased a powerful mezzo-soprano capability that held the center of DSM’s complex arrangements.
2. Flula Borg: Pieter Krämer
If the Kommissar is the brain of DSM, Pieter Krämer is its heartbeat. Played by German YouTube personality, DJ, and actor Flula Borg, Pieter provided the comedic foil to Sørensen’s stoicism. Borg was already a viral sensation before the film, known for his eccentric "Autotune" videos and unique linguistic style.
In Pitch Perfect 2, Borg used his genuine German heritage to add authenticity to the group’s "Euro-trash" aesthetic. His chemistry with Sørensen—often finishing her sentences or echoing her insults—created a symbiotic duo that felt truly inseparable. Musically, Borg contributed significantly to the group’s "beatbox" and bass foundations. His real-world experience as a musician allowed him to perform the intricate rhythmic movements required for DSM’s "industrial" sound, making him the most technically proficient musical star of the group.
3. The "Invisible" Stars: The Professional Dance Ensemble
While the film focuses on the leads, the visual impact of DSM would be non-existent without the elite dancers who made up the rest of the group. These performers were not just background actors; they were elite athletes of the dance world. In many scenes, there are five core ensemble members who frame the leads during the World Championships.
These dancers were selected for their ability to perform "tutting," "locking," and "industrial-style" movements with military-grade synchronicity. This ensemble was led by professional dancers who often go uncredited in casual discussions but are the "stars" of the group's physical performance. Their ability to maintain a "stone-faced" expression while executing high-energy, high-impact choreography is what sold the idea of a "machine."
4. Aakomon Jones: The Choreographer
In any discussion of the "stars" behind Das Sound Machine, choreographer Aakomon "AJ" Jones must be included. While he does not appear on screen as a member of DSM, he is the star responsible for their movement vocabulary. Jones, who has worked with artists like Usher and Jennifer Lopez, was tasked with creating a style that was the polar opposite of the Bellas’ "pageant-style" dancing.
The choreography for DSM was inspired by German industrial culture and Kraftwerk-esque minimalism. It involved sharp, angular movements that emphasized the group's collective power over individual expression. The sheer difficulty of the DSM routines—especially the final performance at the World Championships—required a level of precision that elevated the actors and dancers to a tier above standard musical comedy performers.
5. Deke Sharon and the Vocal Architects
The "Sound" in Das Sound Machine was the creation of Deke Sharon, often referred to as the "father of contemporary a cappella," alongside music directors Ed Boyer and Ben Bram. These are the stars behind the curtain. To create the DSM sound, they had to reinvent how a cappella was recorded and arranged.
DSM’s music utilized "vocal percussion" that was far more aggressive than anything heard in the first film. They layered dozens of vocal tracks to simulate the sound of synthesizers and heavy bass drops. The arrangements for "My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up)" and "Insomnia" were designed to sound "expensive" and "unbeatable." This technical mastery is what made the group a credible threat to the Bellas’ more organic, harmony-focused sound.
6. The "World Championship" Lineup: The Five Core Dancers
During the climactic "Worlds" performance, the formation of DSM typically highlights a core group of seven performers (the two leads plus five others) in the front-and-center positions. These "stars" of the final sequence were chosen for their visual symmetry.
Among the professional dancers in the DSM unit were high-level performers like Penni Hager and others who specialized in the "street-industrial" style. Their presence ensured that even when the camera wasn't on Birgitte or Flula, the "machine" never stopped moving. Their inclusion in the "7 stars" reflects the group’s requirement for a seven-person "power front" in their formation transitions.
7. Elizabeth Banks and the Creative Vision
Finally, the seventh "star" is the directorial vision of Elizabeth Banks. Banks didn't just direct the film; she helped conceptualize DSM as a satire of European perfectionism. By casting a Danish dramatic actress and a German comedian, she created a "star power" dynamic that shouldn't have worked on paper but became the highlight of the movie. Banks’ decision to make DSM genuinely good—perhaps even better than the Bellas for much of the film—is what made the rivalry compelling.
| Attribute | Das Sound Machine (DSM) | Barden Bellas |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Performers | Birgitte Hjort Sørensen, Flula Borg | Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld |
| Musical Style | Industrial EDM, Techno-A-Cappella | Pop, Mashups, Traditional Harmony |
| Choreography | Precision, Angular, Military-style | Fluid, Pageant-influenced, Narrative |
| Core Aesthetic | Black Mesh, Leather, High Fashion | Blue Blazers, Flight Attendant Chic, Sparkles |
| Primary Theme | Perfection and Dominance | Sisterhood and Originality |
| Key Performance | "My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark" | "Flashlight" (Original Version) |
The Technical Execution of the DSM Performances
To achieve the level of stardom seen on screen, the cast of Das Sound Machine underwent a grueling "A Cappella Boot Camp." While the Bellas focused on harmonies and storytelling, the DSM cast had to focus on rhythmic isolation.
Training for the "Machine" Look
The actors and dancers were instructed to minimize blinking and facial expressions during their sets. This "dead-eye" performance style was a technical choice to emphasize the lack of "human error." In the world of professional performance, this is significantly harder than it looks; maintaining high-intensity cardio while keeping a perfectly still face requires immense core control.
Vocal Layering and "The Wall of Sound"
The vocal stars (Birgitte and Flula) had to record their parts with a specific "cold" tone. In the studio, the producers used techniques like "tight-tuning" (a more aggressive form of pitch correction) not to fix mistakes, but to make the human voice sound like a programmed MIDI instrument. This technical depth is why, even in 2026, the DSM tracks are staples in the "Electronic A Cappella" sub-genre.
The Cultural Impact of the DSM "Stars"
The "stars" of Das Sound Machine did more than just provide a villain for the Bellas; they changed the public perception of what a cappella could be. Before Pitch Perfect 2, the genre was largely associated with barbershop quartets or collegiate glee clubs. DSM introduced a "cool," "edgy," and "dangerous" element to the art form.
Flula Borg, in particular, used the film as a springboard for a significant Hollywood career, appearing in The Suicide Squad (2021) and various other high-profile projects. Birgitte Hjort Sørensen continued to bridge the gap between European drama and American cinema. The dancers from the DSM ensemble went on to anchor some of the biggest world tours for pop superstars, proving that the talent level within the "machine" was world-class.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the two main leaders of Das Sound Machine?
The two primary stars are Birgitte Hjort Sørensen, who plays the leader known as the Kommissar, and Flula Borg, who plays her second-in-command, Pieter Krämer. They are the only members of the group with significant dialogue and individual character arcs throughout the film.
Is Flula Borg actually German?
Yes, Flula Borg is a German-born actor, musician, and DJ. His authentic accent and understanding of German techno-culture were pivotal in creating the Pieter Krämer character. Unlike Birgitte Hjort Sørensen, who is Danish and had to adopt a German persona, Borg brought his own cultural background to the role.
Did the actors in Das Sound Machine actually sing?
The actors' voices were used in the final mix, but like most modern musical films, the tracks were heavily produced and layered with professional a cappella singers (such as members of the group Pentatonix, who make a cameo, and the film's vocal arrangers). The "stars" provided the character and lead vocals, while the "wall of sound" was built by a team of experts.
Why is the group called "Das Sound Machine"?
The name is a play on the German language ("Das" is the neuter definite article) and the "Machine" aesthetic of the 1970s and 80s German electronic music scene (specifically referencing bands like Kraftwerk). It signifies their approach to music: efficient, manufactured, and powerful.
What happened to the cast of Das Sound Machine after Pitch Perfect 2?
Following the film's success, Birgitte Hjort Sørensen returned to major television and film roles in Europe and the US, including a notable appearance in Game of Thrones. Flula Borg became a household name in the US, starring in major blockbusters and voicing characters in numerous animated films. The ensemble dancers remain some of the most sought-after performers in the industry.
Final Recommendation: A Lesson in Performance Precision
For those studying musical performance or choreography, the "7 stars" (the leads and their core creative team) of Das Sound Machine provide a masterclass in character-driven movement. If you are looking to replicate the DSM "vibe," focus on the intersection of industrial dance and vocal percussion. The legacy of DSM in 2026 is one of technical excellence; they remind us that in the world of entertainment, sometimes the "villain" is just a performer who has reached a level of perfection that feels superhuman. For fans, revisiting their performance of "Light Em Up" remains the best way to witness the sheer power of this ensemble.
