Hi, I’m Chaeli McDonald, an audio engineer with over 16 years of experience across studio, live sound, and on-set projects. I thrive on solving sound challenges, from mic placement and signal flow to integrating complex consoles and editing to deliver polished, immersive audio. I’m collaborative, hands-on, and comfortable working in fast-paced environments with musicians, filmmakers, and production teams. I’m looking to advance my career beyond traditional studio and live work, seeking roles that blend creative production with technical excellence. I bring strong repair and maintenance skills, a meticulous work ethic, and a passion for delivering high-quality sound across genres and formats.

Chaeli McDonald

Hi, I’m Chaeli McDonald, an audio engineer with over 16 years of experience across studio, live sound, and on-set projects. I thrive on solving sound challenges, from mic placement and signal flow to integrating complex consoles and editing to deliver polished, immersive audio. I’m collaborative, hands-on, and comfortable working in fast-paced environments with musicians, filmmakers, and production teams. I’m looking to advance my career beyond traditional studio and live work, seeking roles that blend creative production with technical excellence. I bring strong repair and maintenance skills, a meticulous work ethic, and a passion for delivering high-quality sound across genres and formats.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Chaeli McDonald, an audio engineer with over 16 years of experience across studio, live sound, and on-set projects. I thrive on solving sound challenges, from mic placement and signal flow to integrating complex consoles and editing to deliver polished, immersive audio. I’m collaborative, hands-on, and comfortable working in fast-paced environments with musicians, filmmakers, and production teams.

I’m looking to advance my career beyond traditional studio and live work, seeking roles that blend creative production with technical excellence. I bring strong repair and maintenance skills, a meticulous work ethic, and a passion for delivering high-quality sound across genres and formats.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance Audio Engineer at Self-employed / Freelance
January 1, 2009 - Present
Freelance audio engineer performing in the studio and live sound environment. Producing, engineering, editing and mixing experience. Cable creation and repair for XLR, 1/4" and CAT cables. Soldering experience fixing guitar cabs, pedals and more. Assisted in repairing SSL console internal electronics.
Live Sound Engineer at Standing Room Only
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2018
Live Sound Engineer for wedding and corporate event band in the greater Chicagoland area, Wisconsin and Indiana. Load in/out, setting up full stage for 5-10 piece band, running sound for ceremony, cocktail hour and reception.
Producer/Engineer/Audio Editor at Captive Sounds
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2013
Producer and Engineer on various studio projects, editing audio books, uploading and organizing Chicago House Music tracks to database and other administrative duties.
Monitor Mixer at Captive Soundz
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2011
Monitor Mixer for Redneck Fest in the summers of 2010 & 2011 for the main stage as well as running cables and setting up the audio gear before the event.
On Set Sound Mixer & Boom Operator at Graves Farm / Girls Rock! Chicago (short films and documentary)
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2010
Sound Mixer and Boom Operator for multiple short films, most notably Graves Farm, as well as a documentary Girls Rock! Chicago.
On Set Sound Mixer & Boom Operator at Various (Film/Video)
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2010
Sound Mixer and Boom Operator for multiple short films, most notably Graves Farm, as well as a documentary called Girls Rock! Chicago.

Education

Audio Engineering Certification at Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2008
Audio Engineering Certifications at Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences
January 1, 2008 - January 27, 2026

Qualifications

Pro Tools 101 Certification
January 11, 2030 - January 27, 2026
Pro Tools 201 Certification
January 11, 2030 - January 27, 2026
TC Electronic M 3000
January 11, 2030 - January 27, 2026
Waves plug-ins
January 11, 2030 - January 27, 2026
Propellerheads Reason
January 11, 2030 - January 27, 2026
SMAART Software
January 11, 2030 - January 27, 2026
Audio Engineering Certification
January 1, 2008 - January 27, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Education