Hi there, I'm James Lester, also known as Dr. Decibel. I'm an audio engineer and producer with nearly a decade of hands-on experience across radio, live sound, studio production, and podcasting. I founded Dr. Decibel Audio Productions to deliver broadcast-quality audio for independent creators, small businesses, and live events. I combine technical precision with a storyteller's instinct shaped by years behind the board in fast-paced, real-time broadcast environments.

James Lester

Hi there, I'm James Lester, also known as Dr. Decibel. I'm an audio engineer and producer with nearly a decade of hands-on experience across radio, live sound, studio production, and podcasting. I founded Dr. Decibel Audio Productions to deliver broadcast-quality audio for independent creators, small businesses, and live events. I combine technical precision with a storyteller's instinct shaped by years behind the board in fast-paced, real-time broadcast environments.

Available to hire

Hi there, I’m James Lester, also known as Dr. Decibel. I’m an audio engineer and producer with nearly a decade of hands-on experience across radio, live sound, studio production, and podcasting.

I founded Dr. Decibel Audio Productions to deliver broadcast-quality audio for independent creators, small businesses, and live events. I combine technical precision with a storyteller’s instinct shaped by years behind the board in fast-paced, real-time broadcast environments.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Podcast & Audio Producer at Dr. Decibel Productions
January 1, 2023 - Present
Founded an independent audio production studio serving a growing roster of recurring clients; produced audio branding packages for small businesses and creators; engineered 65+ hours of professional voiceover and spoken-word content; provide editing, mixing, mastering, and production support for podcasts and broadcast content.
Audio Engineer at Markey’s
May 1, 2024 - Present
Operate FOH and wireless systems for high-end corporate and live events; coordinate with video and lighting teams to ensure seamless A/V integration; troubleshoot signal flow and RF issues in fast-paced environments; assist with camera switching and live video routing during hybrid events.
Auditorium Technician at Boulder Valley School District
September 1, 2023 - April 1, 2025
Managed $175K in audio equipment across six school facilities; designed and operated FOH systems for 30+ annual performances (800+ average attendance); trained student volunteers in audio production fundamentals.
FOH Sound Engineer at Evergreen Jazz Festival
January 1, 2022 - Present
Mixed 45+ live jazz performances across multiple venues; achieved consistent positive feedback from artists and audiences; reduced changeover times by 35% through optimized stage plot templates; adapted mixing techniques to five distinct acoustic spaces.
Producer / Host at KGNU
March 1, 2020 - Present
Produce a weekly 2-hour broadcast with 15,000+ regular listeners; increased engagement through call-in segments and interactive formats; engineered and edited 200+ promotional spots and PSAs; facilitated 75+ in-studio performances for local and touring artists.
Producer / Host / Audio Engineer at KWMR
February 1, 2016 - February 1, 2020
Produced 175+ hours of original broadcast content; increased listener interaction through innovative call-in formats; reduced technical issues by implementing a maintenance and QC workflow; mentored new volunteers in broadcast operations.

Education

AA at Arapahoe Community College
January 11, 2021 - May 15, 2023
Audio Engineering Program
Associate of Arts, Sound Engineering at Arapahoe Community College
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2023

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Other
    uniE603 Concert Calendar Voiveover
    This was a weekly concert calendar I produced and voiced for KGNU in Boulder Colorado.
    uniE603 Radio promo/intro
    This is a radio promo I directed and engineered for my radio program. voiceover
    uniE603 Let's Keep it Light Podcast
    This is a sample of a podcast I produced for a client that included the development of the project as well as the recording, mixing and mastering. voiceover master