PROFILE
Christoph Babin
By Andrew King
Christoph Babin boasts a truly humbling résumé – one that makes his influence on several generations of peers within the Canadian pro audio industry crystal clear . At the root of virtually every item on it , though , is his longtime passion for participating in the creative process and helping artists communicate their vision and talents to an audience .
His first few steps on a long and esteemed professional path came in his early teens . Shortly after arriving in London , ON , from his native Germany in 1969 , Babin immersed himself in his high school music class , which he largely credits for keeping him from dropping out . Upon graduating , he enrolled in the Music Industry Arts program at London ’ s Fanshawe College and studied for several years but didn ’ t graduate on account of his studio maintenance grade – a seedling of irony that would sprout later in his career .
Babin earned his stripes as a road warrior throughout the ‘ 80s , touring Ontario with local bar band Runner in the early half of the decade while also working in system sales and design with London firm MS & V . He launched his own audio production and consulting firm , Chrisbee Sound , in 1986 , taking on a wide variety of artist and installation clients .
By 1988 , he was regularly collaborating with London ’ s The PA Shop as a technical and monitoring engineer , which included opportunities to mix the likes of Bachman Turner Overdrive , Mick Taylor , Tammy Wynette , and others .
He also took a formal step in the recording world , beginning his stint as the technical maintenance engineer for Soundworks Recording Studios in 1989 and then taking a similar but more expansive role with the Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology ( OIART ) the following year . He ’ s overseen technical and physical maintenance of all of the school ’ s studios ever since , in addition to providing design services for new builds and upgrades .
Since 1990 , he ’ s also been on faculty at OIART , teaching live audio , equipment alignment , analog tape recorder alignment , and , yes , studio maintenance – the same subject that kept him from earning his diploma years earlier .
In 2008 , he became the house technician , technical advisor , and production liaison at London ’ s prestigious Aeolian Performing Arts Centre .“ I really don ’ t know how to put this into words , but the place is pure magic ,” Babin tells Professional Sound . “ I ’ ve been privileged to have worked for the most generous , diverse , world-class group of artists over the years – Juno , Grammy , and Order of Canada recipients – alongside our superb local talent . And not to forget the knowledgeable and ever-professional guest FOH engineers that tour with some of the major acts .”
Babin recently oversaw a significant overhaul to The Aeolian ’ s production technologies and is still relishing in experimenting with its new equipment and capabilities . He and his colleagues have also managed to keep busy through the pandemic with livestreamed
performances , so he ’ s helmed his share of virtual soundchecks and recordings .
Thinking back on his accomplishments thus far , he ’ s hard-pressed to pick a favourite . “ It ’ s almost like picking among my kids !” he jokes before offering up his general philosophy : “ Whatever and whoever I have to privilege to work with at any time is my focus .”
He does recall one particular highlight that stems back to his childhood in Germany and his fondness for English prog rock outfit The Strawbs . “ I was totally enamoured , though I could not understand the lyrics ,” he shares . “ Fast forward 47 years , on Friday , October 24 th , 2014 at Aeolian Hall , I not only get to meet this iconic band , but also mix their show . There are so many great memories like this that Aeolian Hall has bestowed over the years .”
Away from the console and outside the classroom , Babin enjoys any downtime he gets with his family . He ’ s also an avid racing fan , keeping up with both the Formula 1 and LMP1 circuits . “ For some reason , the sound of the roaring engines always creeps into the equation ...” he admits .
Despite the ongoing pandemic , Babin has been fortunate to keep relatively busy between The Aeolian ’ s Phoenix Sessions livestreams , teaching and maintaining systems at OIART , and keeping up with some consulting work , all while experimenting with the Aeolian ’ s new systems in anticipation of the industry ’ s rebound .
“ I ’ m really looking forward to going back to mixing shows , working with all of these fantastic people in the ‘ revitalized paradigm .’ Expectations are going to be higher than ever ; we all have to bring our A-plus game ,” Babin says in closing .
As his résumé makes clear , that ’ s been his approach to his career since day one .
Andrew King is the former Editor-in-Chief of Professional Sound .
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