Shane O'Connell

HELLO Corey Schreppel and the New York Times Audio Team,

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I am excited to apply for the Audio Engineer position at The New York Times. With over 14 years of experience in audio production, including roles as head audio engineer at The Overlook recording studio and sound designer for the acclaimed podcast Mission to Zyxx, I have the technical skills and collaborative mindset essential for this role. My passion for delivering high-quality narrative audio aligns perfectly with The New York Times’ mission of journalistic excellence.

 

At Mission to Zyxx, I integrated ambisonics plugins into my ever-evolving Pro Tools mix template, achieving the show's distinctly immersive 3D sound for which we were highly praised. I also led our team through the technical challenges of adapting the show for live audiences, including sold-out performances at The Bell House in Brooklyn and Dynasty Typewriter in Los Angeles, without compromising production values or the loose, improvised nature of the show. When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, our ability to continue was jeopardized as we had always recorded live in the same room. One of my key achievements was the seamless mid-season transition to remote production. I managed the deployment of remote audio kits and trained our cast to record high-quality audio from their homes during video conference recording sessions, ensuring our production schedule remained on track without compromising quality.

 

At The Overlook, I managed diverse recording projects, from albums to audiobooks, maintaining rigorous standards and processes in studio operations and equipment upkeep. My proficiency with large-format mixing consoles, outboard gear, and the latest digital tools, including audio restoration software like iZotope RX, combined with advanced troubleshooting and meticulous file organization, enabled me to handle multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining elevated quality standards.

 

I am particularly enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with the Serial Productions team during this exciting time of transition into The New York Times. My background in creating immersive audio experiences has prepared me to support Serial’s high production values and narrative depth. I understand the complexities of high-level audio storytelling and am ready to bring innovative solutions to the team.

 

The New York Times’ dedication to journalistic excellence and impactful audio content resonates deeply with me. I am a regular listener of The Daily, Hard Fork, and every show under the Serial Productions umbrella, and am inspired by NYT Audio’s commitment to high-quality reporting and exceptional presentation. I am eager to leverage my technical skills and creative, collaborative approach to contribute to this best-in-class audio team.

 

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my background in audio engineering and production can benefit The New York Times.

 

Sincerely,
Shane O’Connell