How to become An Audio Engineer

• Studio Engineer
• Recording Engineer
• Mastering Engineer
• Audio Technology Executive

What do Audio Engineers do?

An Audio Engineer would typically need to:

• Adjust, fine-tune, regulate, and modify sounds for films, movies, video games, and projects that rely on rich sensory and immersive experiences
• Adapt their work based on whether they deal with live or recorded sound and according to the size of the team; manipulate acoustics to meet the expectations of clients
• Work with musical artists, movie directors, record producers, tv/radio stations, or video game companies to produce high-quality, crystal-clear sounds
• Use amplifiers, audio lines, microphones, monitors, and mixing boards in an office, studio, or on location to direct, control, alter or enhance the soundtracks created by a musical group, actors, voice-over professionals, or radio personalities
• Choose appropriate audio equipment; work primarily with speech and music; create and add special sound effects (the sound of thunder on a rainy day or creepy footsteps in a horror movie)
• Coordinate as needed with editors, video operators, and other sound engineers; use special equipment like equalizers or filters to enhance, edit, mix, listen, master, and create ready-for-release studio-recorded tracks
• Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording equipment or computers, using complex software when necessary; synchronize sounds and dialogue with action in television programs or movie productions
• Liaise with other departments to install audio, video & lighting equipment in hotels, offices, and schools
• Set up, operate, maintain, and repair audio recording and broadcast equipment for live performances; use a mixing console to balance sound levels and create a live mix
• Minimize unwanted sounds; regulate volume levels and sound quality; supervise live productions; dismantle all audio equipment after the performance or studio session; report and resolve any audio-related malfunctions that happen during the performance
• Convert video and audio records to digital formats for editing; log and archive studio recordings; keep records of all previous recordings and equipment used
• Stay informed of new development in sound engineering technologies

The bulk of their work happens inside a studio or sound room full of equipment, or in an office where they have access to computers and computer-aided sound effect software; nonetheless, Audio Engineers can work in all kinds of environments. They may design and control sound at concerts, conferences, theaters, or any other venue requiring sound projection. Audio Engineers also work at corporate and sporting events, live music concerts, and movie sets. They may even go on tours with a musical group and travel overseas or across the country, recording, mixing, editing, and mastering the sound the audience hears.

The dress code is typically casual unless the occasion specifies otherwise.

Television and radio stations typically broadcast 24/7/365 which translates into flextime for employees like Audio Engineers. Recording studios also might operate at unconventional hours. Audio Engineers assisting with live music often work evenings and weekends. Working days of 10-14 hours are commonplace.

Individuals who work in the motion picture industry are often on a tight schedule and may work additional hours to meet studio deadlines.

Few jobs in this industry are advertised. Word of mouth is a more common resource for recruiting. Networking at events, through volunteering or work experience, is essential. Be bold enough to send out speculative applications to studios. Self-employment is also possible in a home-based studio.

Audio Engineers are generally employed by:

• Radio & Television Broadcasting Industries
• Motion Picture & Sound Recording Industries
• Real Estate, Rental & Leasing Industries
• Educational Services

Membership in the Audio Engineering Society (AES) offers forward-looking Audio Engineers access to contacts in the industry, professional development courses, and the society's job board

• Advances in digital technology which propel larger recording studios to downsize
• Most job opportunities occur in live sound and are usually freelance, short-term contracts involving national or international travel
• Noisy work environment; fitness and stamina required to arrange equipment and work long shifts
• Intense competition makes an increased amount of formal training a prerequisite

Sound engineering is a competitive industry, where an Audio Engineer’s reputation and work experience in a studio or on a live tour carry more weight than their academic achievements. The lack of structured work experience opportunities or training schemes makes it essential for students to take the initiative.

Proactive students may seek membership in student audiovisual societies, including radio, TV, or theater. They may also consider volunteering at a local hospital, community radio station, local music venues, and community music events.

Enthusiastic aspirants seeking work experience can send speculative applications to recording studios, local pubs, clubs, or theaters. Warehouse-based sound equipment companies that maintain rental stock are also good places to learn the trade and build a professional network.

A typical audio engineering program includes audio equipment, analog technology, microphone placement, surround sound, mixing consoles, studio maintenance, and music theory.

Students spend a great deal of time in a laboratory setting, becoming familiar with audio equipment, viz., oscilloscopes. They practice technical aspects of recording, such as adjusting microphones or the tuning of pre-amp knobs.

They can also train in audio software like Pro Tools, Ableton Live, and Sonoris Professional Mastering Software.

Employment options increase dramatically with the amount of industry-related training that an aspiring Audio Engineer receives. Certification tells employers that the candidate meets specific industry standards and is familiar with the latest technology. Several organizations offer accredited operator level, engineering level, broadcast networking, and specialist certifications that usually require passing an exam.

Performance, experience, and acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years.

Employers may hire you straight out of your training program. Expect competition in large cities to be keen; few large stations hire someone without previous work experience. They value specialized skills, so candidates who need a job immediately should look into potential positions in smaller towns and communities with their own television and radio stations.

You could move to a Senior Engineer or Master Engineer position from the level of a studio engineer. You may start in a smaller studio and move to a larger studio with experience. Setting up your own studio is also a possibility, and some Audio Engineers progress into studio management.

In live sound, Audio Engineers may start on smaller live shows and progress to large-scale international tours, which may include managerial responsibilities. As a freelancer, your rates will increase with experience, reputation, and the success of the artists you work with.

Competition for jobs will be intense. This occupation attracts many applicants who are interested in working with the latest technology and electronic equipment. Education, experience, and expertise will fetch you the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is the holistic commitment of Audio Engineers towards enhancing personal skills and proficiency throughout their active careers through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. There are a whole host of CPD courses, seminars, and workshops to help professionals in the field.

Keeping up to date with emerging technologies is essential in this fast-moving field. CPD allows individuals to upskill continually, regardless of their age, job, or level of knowledge. It prevents practical and academic qualifications from becoming outdated.

CPD enables Audio Engineers to identify any knowledge gaps and progress to a new specialism. On-the-job training includes setting up cables or automation systems, testing electrical equipment, learning the codes and standards of the industry, and following safety procedures.

If you work freelance, it is up to you to maintain your professional development. Training courses are a good way to network with like-minded professionals and build contacts while learning new skills.

Some confusion in job titles stems from the term “engineer” because certain jurisdictions restrict individuals who are not registered members of a professional engineering licensing body from using the title “engineer.” Be that as it may, an Audio Engineer can be either a professional engineer or a scientist who holds a degree in acoustical engineering and develops, designs, and builds audio technologies. To clarify, Audio Engineers are not performers, sound producers, or writers; they strictly tackle only the mechanical and technical aspects of sound and music.

Working in Diverse Contexts

As an Audio Engineer, you may work in diverse contexts, including live events (music concerts, theater performances, and sporting events), weddings or graduation ceremonies, and broadcasts for radio or TV. You could also work in a studio, recording sound for commercial music, film, TV, radio, advertising, gaming, or interactive media purposes.

Some Specializations

As a front-of-house live Audio Engineer, you ensure that every member of the audience can enjoy the show with the sound balanced and controlled in a predetermined manner. Working in live contexts, you may set up and test sound equipment, conduct sound checks, and blend the output from various instruments and microphones to render an event a resounding success.

As a studio sound engineer, you plan a recording session with an artist or musician: set up appropriate equipment, record each instrument separately, edit, mix and enhance recorded tracks to achieve a high-quality recording. You may also need to master the sound: listen to, refine, and perfect the mixed tracks in a favorable acoustic environment.

A master engineer reviews sound consistency across different playback formats and produces a master copy (a final, replicable version of the track); it involves monitoring and syncing audio with video while mixing sounds in the best way possible.

Overlap Among Jobs

Sometimes the jobs of Audio Engineers, sound engineers, and audio technicians overlap, all needing similar technical knowledge. Titles such as audio technologists, recording engineers, and sound mixers are sometimes used interchangeably. They could be synonymous with an Audio Engineer or regarded as subfields of audio engineering.

Subfields of Audio Engineering

You could choose from any of the subfields of audio engineering. You might want to be a recording engineer, studio engineer, game & audio design engineer, mix engineer, live sound engineer, mastering engineer, monitor engineer, systems engineer, or an audio post engineer.

Broadcast and sound engineering technicians share many responsibilities, but their duties may vary with their specific area of focus.

Audio & Video Equipment Technicians

They connect wires and cables to set up and operate audio and video equipment, mixing boards, and related electronic equipment. They may also set up and operate custom lighting systems. The equipment they operate is used at meetings, concerts, sports events, conventions, presentations, and news conferences.

Broadcast Technicians/Engineers

They set up, run, and maintain equipment that regulates the signal strength, clarity, and ranges of sounds and colors for radio or television broadcasts. They operate transmitters, either in studios or on location in the field, to broadcast radio or television programs.

Sound Engineering Technicians/Sound Mixers

They operate computers and equipment that record, synchronize, mix, or reproduce music, voices, or sound effects in recording studios, sporting arenas, theater productions, movies, and video productions.

Career Guidance Tips

Promotion depends on hard work, the right attitude, and ability and, to some degree, being in the right place at the right time. Networking, making a good impression, and building a reputation are all essential to developing your career. Maintaining an online presence through your website may also be helpful.

Horror movie soundtracks sometimes include infrasound. We can’t hear infrasound, but we can feel it; and that’s how it can induce anxiety, heart palpitations, and shivering.

Some of the legendary names in audio engineering and production didn’t just make outstanding records - they left the industry with a legacy that changed the course of sound recording.

One can wear more than one hat, but not all of them always look good on you.