Gaining Sound
Michael
Nicholas
Audio Operator · Location Sound · Broadcast
Wellington based · Available anywhere in Aotearoa
A highly experienced, versatile audio professional with over a decade working across broadcast, live events, and location sound. Known for calm, precise operation under pressure — whether coordinating RF on a national OB or capturing clean dialogue on a remote location. Strong communicator with deep technical knowledge across digital consoles, wireless systems, and timecode. Equally confident running the show solo or as part of a larger production team.
Key credit: 2 x episodes of Extreme Cake Making (Sky Open, 2023).
Operating as an independent location sound recordist across drama, documentary, and commercial productions. Full kit including Sound Devices 664, Zoom F8n Pro, Lectrosonics wireless systems, Sanken COS-11D lavs, and Sennheiser 416. Timecode-synced workflows using Deity TC-1 with client monitoring via Sennheiser G3 IFB.
Tier 1 Sound Assist on national and international Outside Broadcasts. Responsible for the full installation, configuration, and live operation of broadcast audio systems. RF coordination for presenter microphones and IEMs; crowd mic placement and FX capture. Experienced in LAV concealment on talent, comms setup, and building strong working relationships with presenters and production teams on the day.
Key credits: Lego Masters NZ, Taskmaster NZ, The Block Final, What Now, Queen's Funeral broadcast, Opening of Parliament.
Whisper TV is a UK-based production company with a global network of broadcast specialists. Deployed internationally to set up and manage commentary, producer, and fronting positions; mic placement in stadiums; and presenter care. Also fitted and operated specialised player communication vests for broadcast — wiring players with microphones and IFBs for live transmission.
Front-of-house audio operator on The Project — managing the in-house PA and miking hosts and guests daily. Mixed live news and special studio broadcasts including Waitangi Day 2022. Responsible for content ingest, signal monitoring, and rapid troubleshooting in high-pressure live studio environments.
Live event setup and mixing across a broad range of professional digital consoles. Managed PA systems, digital projection, and full event logistics for corporate, council, and school productions. Focused on achieving clean, natural sound in acoustically challenging spaces.