Meet Chadbourne Rolle | Audio Engineer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chadbourne Rolle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chadbourne, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
One aspect of the audio installation and optimization industry that outsiders might be unaware of is the importance of system tuning and optimization to achieve the best sound quality. This process involves more than just equalization (EQ) adjustments. It also includes proper alignment of the main system and fill speakers, as well as addressing room resonance issues using Finite Impulse Response (FIR). This requires training in sound system optimization.

Also, tuning is not a one-time event. Audio systems may require adjustments over time, especially in the case of portable sound systems that are used in different venues. The objective is to find the best set of compromises for a system in a particular venue (restaurant, bar, conference room, etc) and to make the necessary adjustments quickly.

In summary, the process of tuning and optimizing audio systems is a crucial aspect of the industry that ensures consistent sound quality across different environments and setups. For the most part people are unaware that this process goes beyond simple EQ adjustments and requires expertise in various aspects of audio engineering.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started my audio career at The Dundas Performing Arts Center in Nassau, Bahamas age of about 14. My dad didn’t have time to be the audio engineer for the shows there so he showed me how to operate the audio console so I can do it for them. It was also nice that I can make extra money and gain experience working and talking to adults at such an early age.

From there I went to Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida at 20yrs old to further my education in the audio field by studying Recording Arts.
As soon as I graduated I didn’t interview for Royal Caribbean Cruise lines to work as a stage staff for the theater on there ships and was accepted. I was a stage staff for 2 years then was promoted to Lounge Technician (which is responsible for the audio setup and operation of all the lounges on the ship). The promoted to a Sound Technician (which is responsible for the audio operation of the theater/stage) then promoted to Head Sound and Light Technician (which is responsible for all the technical aspects of sound and light on the ship). I ended up working for Royal Caribbean for 7 years total.
After Royal Caribbean I got the job as the audio engineer for the broadcasting corporation of the Bahamas aka ZNS and I have been there audio engineer for the past 5 years.

During these five years back in Nassau Bahamas I’ve been trust to work with companies like ESPN, CBS, Ross Production Services, and more.

Within those five years I also started my company Exotic Sound Design which solves the problems customers have when it comes to the design/layout of their audio system in homes, restaurant/bars, churches, conference rooms, events etc.

The major lesson I have learned from my audio career is this industry is more of how you interact with people than it is skill. Don’t get me wrong you have to know what you’re doing obviously but people skills (how to talk to people, appearance, etc.) are very important in this industry. You can be an excellent audio engineer but if people don’t want to interact with you because of your attitude, they are going to go to the engineer that is just average that has great people skills.

Also the only way to stay relevant in this industry is to stay a student of the industry. Always look to learn new things and keep up with current technology in the industry. Because what you learned today may not be relevant tomorrow so always look to continuously learn everyday.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
But if you are visiting I would always recommend the fish fry because they are various restaurants in one area so you can’t go wrong there. Next you can go to the water parks either Bahamar or Atlantis. And there are various tours that people can take. You can either swim with the sharks, parasail, jet ski, etc. If you’re a squash player like me I like to go to Four Walls Squash and Social Club which not only has squash but it has a restaurant and bar.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to Gina Bethel who suggested me for the interview. Bob McCarthy’s Sound Systems Design and Optimization book was influential as well. Meyer Sound’s trainings also. Last but not least my father Edison Rolle who was a renowned musician/audio engineer. He taught me most of what I know.

Instagram: chadbeatz

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadbourne-rolle-75a95b175

Image Credits
Chadbourne Rolle