Audio Engineer Essay -- essays papers

Audio Engineer An audio engineer is responsible for the operation of the soundboard and other equipment in the recording of music, words, sounds, or any combination of such material. There are several types of engineering positions available in today's studios. In large studios, there are usually several engineers, each with the own duties and contributions. There are recording engineers, recording assistants, set-up engineers, maintenance engineers, and even mix-down engineers in some cases. In smaller studios the engineer is usually responsible for all of these duties. As a rule, the engineer should be able to set-up, use, and fix the equipment they work with. In the studio, the recording engineer has to prepare for the recording sessions by setting up the necessary equipment, run the equipment during the session, and break down afterwards. While this sounds all too simple, one must remember that the engineer must work with the producer and the act to achieve the sound they're looking for, as well as troubleshoot any technical problems. This is not always a smooth process. The engineer must employ both creative and technical skills, applying their knowledge and experience to helping create music in collaboration with the artist and producer. There are many degree programs offered by schools around the world, leaving the prospective recording engineer with several routes of training. One method of receiving training in the audio engineering field is through short course and seminars. While these serve only as an introduction to the field by themselves, they are also instrumental in keeping professionals abreast with current trends and technologies affecting the industry. Such seminars are also a great source of networking for the professional. Short courses and seminars are an excellent way of supplementing a one or two-year program to enter the field. These schools tend to concentrate on the actual usage and maintenance of studio equipment. Hands-on experience and intensive exposure to the equipment is an advantage of such a program. Most offer considerable job placement services as well. Trade or occupational schools are a good choice if someone wishes to someday become a recording engineer. A student may also choose to attend a university or college and pursue a four-year degree in audio engineering. Most of these progr... ...ate education for entry into the field. The annual income of an audio engineer can range from $12,000 at an entry-level position to upwards of $125,000+ for top positions. Remember too that successful freelance engineering is very lucrative. Not only can the reputable freelance demand higher pay, but may also share in the royalties of a particularly successful project. There a few things that one needs to consider before choosing to pursue a career in audio engineering. A recording engineer often has to work long, irregular hours. An engineer must also be able to work well under extreme pressure. It also helps if the engineer has a good musical ear, as well as an appreciation of music. Naturally, it helps to be fairly adept technically and electronically. If you feel like this is you, and you can handle working for a long time without reward (hopefully not too long), then a career in audio engineering could be for you. Bibliography: Resources Field, Shelly. Career Opportunities in the Music Industry. 3rd Ed. New York: Facts on File, 1995. Martin, George. Making Music. New York: Quill, 1984. Http://hrdc.igr.com/lmi/occ prof/5225 html (career overview)