James Deacon

Sound engineer in UK / UAE

James Deacon

Sound engineer in UK / UAE

Audio Engineer | Production Manager | Live Sound Specialist | DME Live

Portfolio: https://bit.ly/jamesdeaconportfolio

I’m a live sound engineer and production manager trading as DME Live specialising in music, theatre, and large scale live events. My main passion is live music, but my experience spans corporate events, theatre tours, festivals, broadcast, awards ceremonies, gala dinners and international productions.

I’ve worked across the UK and internationally, delivering audio for high profile political events, global brand launches, major artists and touring theatre productions. Whether mixing front of house, monitors, or overseeing full technical delivery I focus on clarity, reliability, and creating a confident, polished result for both audience and on stage talent .

Alongside freelance engineering, I own and supply professional audio equipment, including Allen & Heath SQ5 and Midas M32R consoles, digital stageboxes, a full industry-standard microphone package including wireless microphones and in ear monitoring systems, as well as PA systems suitable for a wide range of events. I also operate a Ford Transit Custom in the UK and hold a full, clean driving licence.

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SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS:

President Donald Trump – United States Trade Agreement with the UAE | May 2025

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Chief Audio Engineer (Live & Broadcast)

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Kent & Curwen Spring / Summer LFW Show | Sept 2025

London Fashion Week

Chief Audio Engineer (Live & Broadcast)

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La Voix – UK Theatre Tour | Jan 2020 – Present

Technical Manager & Front of House Engineer

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Google Cloud Middle East Launch | Nov 2023

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Audio Crew

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The Dolly Show – Worldwide Theatre Tour | Sept 2021 – Present

Production Manager & Front of House Engineer

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AJ Tracey – London Residency | Feb 2017 - March 2017

FOH & Monitors

Featuring Stormzy, Dave, Jme, Skepta

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SK Shlomo – Glastonbury Festival | June 2016

FOH & Tour Manager

(The Park Stage, Rum Shack, Shangri-La Hell Stage)

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IN HOUSE VENUE EXPERIENCE:

XOYO, London

The Ivy, UK Sites

Harrods, London

The Lana, Dubai

Hard Rock Cafe, London

Armani Pavilion, Burj Khalifa, Dubai

Village Underground, London

The Nice Guy, Dubai

Esquires, Bedford

The Bear Club, Luton

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ADDITIONAL NOTABLE WORK:

The Ivy Collection, A Night at The Musicals - UK | Jul–Nov 2025

Audio Supplier & Engineer Provision – Supplied full audio systems and engineers for a UK tour of live West End musical performances across multiple Ivy Collection venues.

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COP28 Dubai - UAE | Nov–Dec 2023

Sound Operator

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Festivals - UK & Europe

Extensive freelance work across major UK festivals including Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, Isle of Wight, All Together Now - ROI, Camp Bestival, Standon Calling, All Points East and Field Day.

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New State Music Live Sessions | 2020–2022

Sound Supervisor – Equipment hire, monitor mixing, mixing & mastering

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MOBO TV Live | 2014–2016

Sound Supervisor

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ADDITIONAL TOURING & ARTIST WORK:

Roni Size | 2018–2019

Backline Technician & Deputy Monitor Engineer

Including Dreamland, South West Four Festival & Electric Brixton

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Wilko Johnson | May 2018

Backline Technician & Audio Assistant

Live performance on The Andrew Marr Show (BBC One)

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Only Sun | 2019–Present

FOH – UK Touring & Festivals

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Power of Muzik / Asher Knight | 2018

FOH – UK School Tour & Festivals

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SONS | 2017–2020

FOH – UK & Europe Tour including: Reading, Isle of Wight, The Great Escape & Le Truskel (Paris)

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TESTIMONIAL:

“The FOH mix was precise and approached with artistic judgement for both the live music elements and the keynote sessions. Your character was composed, courteous, unflappable, and you were generous with your expertise. You elevate both the production and the people around you, and it was a pleasure to work alongside you once more”

G. Oakey, Technical Production Manager of Shoptalk Luxe UAE For AV Lords

  • Work
    • Freelance Audio Engineer
  • Education
    • Ashcroft High School, Luton
    • The Elstree UTC, Borehamwood