James D. (Jim) Orso
Brooklyn,NY
Summary
I'm an audio engineer with 15+ years of experience, have a deep knowledge of Pro Tools and digital/analog audio processing equipment, and am comfortable working in high-pressure studio/live/remote environments. I pride myself in collaborating effectively with a variety of individuals and personalities, troubleshooting any issue that may arise quickly, and maintaining a reliably professional attitude and high-quality output at all times.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Audio Engineer
The Times Center
01.2022 - Current
- A1: Audio lead for live events at The Times Center, interfacing with production manager and client to determining audio needs for the day, setup/patching of equipment/mics/etc, interfacing.with external teams (video/playback/etc), running sound board during event, communicating with show-caller and A2 during event, trouble-shooting any issues before/during event, managing A2/assistant
- A2: Assisting A1 with setup and execution of event, interfacing with client, being on hand for other needs across all teams
- Other: audio system maintenance, soldering permanent panels for audio routing throughout venue, making custom audio cables, helping install audio equipment including new theater sound system
Live Sound Engineer and Company Owner
Animate Audio
09.2022 - Current
- Sound company for high-profile events (weddings/corporate/etc)
- Assembled/purchased large mobile sound system for the purpose of mixing large ensembles (9- to 12-piece bands)
- Involves interfacing with vendors/planners/venues to determine audio needs for the day, setting up sound system, tuning sound system for the space, and running sound board/mixing the event (band/speeches/DJ/ceremony/etc)
- High degree of professionalism and emphasis on service are required, as is quickly troubleshooting various complex issues
- Maintain working team of engineers to assist with events, occasionally overseeing multiple events/teams
- High degree of organization is of utmost importance (equipment maintenance, determining event requirements, sourcing extra gear, securing personnel, advancing event, vehicle rentals, billing, bookkeeping, employee payout)
Live Sound Engineer
Brooklyn Audio Works
09.2017 - 11.2022
- Involved interfacing with venues/planners/production managers to determine audio needs for the day, setting up sound system, tuning sound system for the space, running sound board/mixing the event (band/speeches/DJ/ceremony/etc), managing an assistant, and troubleshooting any issues that arose
- High degree of organization, technical proficiency, and professionalism were required
Mixing Engineer and Studio Owner
Self/Various Artists
01.2008 - Current
- Planned, built, and maintain hybrid analog/digital mixing studio, including room treatment/tuning, custom gear selection/purchase/layout/maintenance
- Expertise in Pro Tools with deep knowledge of key commands, allowing for speed and efficiency during use
- Interface in-person or remotely with clients to achieve professional-standard audio mixes for label release, streaming services, vinyl, etc.
- Occasionally requires mastering audio tracks
Producer/Writer/Arranger
Self/Various Artists
01.2016 - Current
- Collaborate with artists on musical arrangements/tracks for label/streaming release
- Organize various aspects of the writing/recording/post-production/release process includes sourcing studios/instrumentalists, working with artists to achieve professional, release-ready mixes/masters
- Contributed writing to music released by a variety of artists
- Composed commercial music for online database of royalty-free tracks
Recording Engineer
Self/Various Entities
01.2015 - Current
- Quickly learn setup/routing/workflow of various studio spaces for capturing live recordings for commercial release
- Interface with producers/directors/musicians to foster an environment conducive to creativity
- Choose, patch, and set equipment to achieve desired recorded sounds
- Troubleshoot any issues that arise during session
- Run sound board and organize all aspects of a session, including layout of Pro Tools/DAW project for ease of editing in post-production
Touring/Recording Drummer
Various Artists
01.2003 - Current
- Live and recorded performance with various well-known indie artists (Hot Chip, Floating Points, Holy Ghost, Roosevelt, etc) and high-profile venues and festivals (Hollywood Bowl, Terminal 5, Radio City, Roseland Ballroom, Coachella, Bonnaroo, etc)
- TV/Radio performances (Letterman, Fallon, Kimmel, various radio)
- Touring internationally and maintaining professionalism/sanity while in close quarters with colleagues for extended periods of time
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Music Performance, Psychology
Webster University
St. Louis, MO06.1999
Skills
- Expertise in Pro Tools with 15 years of experience
- Comfort working in high-end studios with state-of-the-art equipment lists
- Collaborative and service-oriented approach to achieving project goals
- Quickness in troubleshooting any audio issues that may arise across multiple environments
Timeline
Live Sound Engineer and Company Owner
Animate Audio
09.2022 - Current
Audio Engineer
The Times Center
01.2022 - Current
Live Sound Engineer
Brooklyn Audio Works
09.2017 - 11.2022
Producer/Writer/Arranger
Self/Various Artists
01.2016 - Current
Recording Engineer
Self/Various Entities
01.2015 - Current
Mixing Engineer and Studio Owner
Self/Various Artists
01.2008 - Current
Touring/Recording Drummer
Various Artists
01.2003 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Music Performance, Psychology
Webster University