Meet the Team

Meet the HARMAN Luxury Audio Team



Name: Dorian Waltham
Position/Job Title: Field Support Engineer
With HARMAN Since 2022

With Meet The HARMAN Luxury Team, our goal is for you to get to know us better. In each edition we feature a different member of the team, and this month it's Dorian Waltham, Field Support Engineer.



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How would you describe what you do in your current role?

My primary responsibility is to provide technical assistance and support to clients and customers. In this role, I work closely with clients to understand their specific needs and provide remote troubleshooting and support. I stay up to date with the latest product features, technical specifications, and troubleshooting techniques to provide accurate and efficient support.

I also collaborate with the internal technical teams at HARMAN Luxury Audio to communicate customer feedback, report any recurring issues, thereby contributing to the improvement of product design and development.

What did you study in school? Did you always imagine yourself doing something like what you’re doing now or did the fates just take you in that direction?

In school, I studied marine biology and obtained a degree in the subject. However, life often takes unexpected turns, and my career path shifted when I joined John Lewis & Partners, specifically in the Camera Department. It was during my time there that I had the opportunity to connect with Tom and Ed (HARMAN field support representatives). Through conversations and interactions with them, I developed an interest in the audio industry and the technical aspects of sound systems.

How did your career path lead you to HARMAN?

I believe that our career paths are influenced by a combination of personal interests, opportunities presented to us, and the choices we make along the way. Embracing new experiences and remaining open to unexpected possibilities has led me to where I am today.

Upon further exploration, I discovered that HARMAN Luxury Audio aligned with my growing passion for audio technology and customer support. The company's reputation for innovative products, commitment to quality, and emphasis on customer satisfaction resonated with my values and aspirations. The opportunity to contribute my technical expertise and problem-solving skills in a field I had developed an interest in was incredibly appealing.

What is the most important thing you have learned over your career?

Over the course of my career, the most important thing I have learned is the value of adaptability and continuous learning. The world is constantly evolving, and industries are rapidly advancing with new technologies, methodologies, and approaches. In order to thrive in such an environment, it is crucial to remain adaptable and open to change.

Moreover, throughout my career, I have come to understand the importance of building and nurturing professional relationships. Collaborating effectively with colleagues, clients and industry professionals not only fosters a positive work environment but also opens doors to new opportunities, knowledge sharing, and career growth. Strong relationships built on trust and respect are instrumental in achieving success and overcoming obstacles.

Any other advice you would share with people just starting out in this industry?

Invest time in building a strong foundation of technical knowledge and skills. Familiarize yourself with audio principles, signal flow, acoustics, and audio equipment. This will provide you with a solid understanding of the fundamentals and serve as a strong base for further specialization.

Alongside technical expertise, develop strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. Effective communication is vital when working with clients, colleagues, and vendors. Problem-solving skills will help you tackle challenges efficiently, and teamwork skills will facilitate collaboration and foster a positive work environment.

Welcome feedback from supervisors, clients, and colleagues. Embrace constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Learn from mistakes and view them as valuable lessons that contribute to your professional development.

What are you most proud of in your life?

I am most proud of my ability to adapt and overcome challenges. Throughout my journey, both personally and professionally, I have encountered various obstacles and setbacks. However, I have always strived to face them head-on with determination and resilience.

When did you realize you had a passion for music or audio? Was there any one band, song, or movie that did it for you?

My passion for music and audio gradually blossomed over time, and it was influenced by various factors, including classic bands and action movies. While there wasn't a singular band, song or movie that solely ignited my passion, these elements certainly played a significant role in shaping my interest in the field.

What current technology impresses you the most?

Spatial audio technology has made remarkable progress, allowing for a more immersive and realistic audio experience. Techniques such as binaural audio, ambisonics and object-based audio enable the creation of soundscapes that can accurately replicate three-dimensional sound environments. This technology has the potential to revolutionize various industries, including entertainment, gaming and virtual reality, by enhancing the overall immersion and creating a more realistic and captivating audio experience for users.

In conjunction with spatial audio, the development of virtual reality (VR) audio is equally fascinating. VR audio techniques aim to create an authentic and convincing sense of presence by spatially replicating sound sources in virtual environments. With the integration of head-tracking and personalized audio rendering, VR audio can provide users with a truly immersive and interactive experience, where sound seamlessly corresponds to their movements and interactions within the virtual space.

Favorite music genre?

My favorite music genre is progressive rock. I am drawn to the intricate compositions, complex song structures, and the fusion of various musical elements that characterize this genre. The progressive rock genre allows for artistic expression, innovation, and musical exploration, often incorporating elements from classical, jazz, and other genres. The combination of technical proficiency, thought-provoking lyrics, and expansive musical arrangements found in progressive rock resonates with my musical sensibilities and offers a captivating listening experience.

The desert island question, of course. If you were marooned for eternity and could listen to only three albums, what would they be?

"The Dark Side of the Moon" by Pink Floyd: This iconic album is a masterpiece of progressive rock, with its immersive soundscapes, introspective lyrics, and captivating musical journey.

"Abbey Road" by The Beatles: This album represents the culmination of The Beatles' musical genius. It showcases their diverse songwriting styles, harmonies, and experimental production techniques.

"Rumours" by Fleetwood Mac: This album is a classic in the realm of pop rock. Its emotionally charged lyrics, powerful vocal performances, and infectious melodies make it a perennial favorite.

You have the floor. In closing, tell us anything else you want us to know about yourself.

I want you to know that beyond my professional pursuits, I have a deep love for adventure and exploration. When I'm not immersed in the world of audio and technology, you can often find me embarking on outdoor escapades, whether it's hiking through breathtaking landscapes, diving into the depths of the ocean, or capturing the beauty of nature through my camera lens.

I leave you with this haiku:

Field of sound unfolds,
Sonic puzzles I unravel,
Harmony in work.