Life as a Recording Engineer

Life as a recording engineer is a fascinating adventure...It is one of the most common positions in the business. A recording engineer's primary goal is to capture the artists' performance as accurately as possible. They do this using Digital Audio Workstations (DAW's), Analog Tape Machines, audio mixing boards, outboard effects processors, musical instruments, and microphones. As a recording audio engineer you will use machinery and equipment to record, synchronize, mix or reproduce music, voices, or sound effects. He or she can work in the movie, music recording, theater or video game industries. Audio engineers may also be called sound engineering technicians, recording engineers or sound engineers.  On a typical day a recording engineer's tasks may include:  Conferring with producers, performers, and others to determine and achieve the desired sound for a production, such as a musical recording or a film.  Setting up, testing and adjusting recording equipment for recording sessions and live performances; tearing down equipment after event completion. Regulating volume level and sound quality during recording sessions, using control consoles.  Preparing for recording sessions by performing activities such as selecting and setting up microphones.  Mixing and editing voices, music, and taped sound effects for live performances and for prerecorded events, using sound mixing boards.  Synchronizing and equalizing prerecorded dialogue, music, and sound effects with visual action of motion pictures or television productions, using control consoles.  Along the way you'll also learn how to become a mix engineer, one of the most misunderstood or forgotten positions on smaller, low budget recordings. Unfortunately, it is possibly the most critical position there is in a musical environment. A mix engineer's job is to take all of the elements from the Recording Engineer and assemble them, edit the performance, provide equalization, effects, volume balance consistency, and maximization of critical performance traits. They are often expected to make the performer sound 'bigger than life.'  However way you slice it, or edit it (ha!), living life as a recording engineer will be a rewarding endeavor complete with all of the artistic, project management and musical experience your heart desires.  For that is what it takes to succeed is heart.  After you get the education you need, intern, work long hours and then finally get your own gig...you'll be left with your drive and passion for music and your skills as to collaborate on musical projects of all types.  So, follow your heart and enjoy your life as a recording engineer.