Working as a Recording Engineer
Posted on August 5th, 2016 by Jenny FrankelRecording engineering is both an art and a science, and working as a recording engineer requires both technical and creative skills. As audio manipulation technology becomes more sophisticated, the recording engineer’s job becomes just as creative and vital as the musician’s in the recording process.
Working as a recording engineer means being responsible for preparing the studio for a recording session, operating the mixing console, and maintaining all electronic studio equipment and instruments. The recording engineer is in charge of the mix and overall sound of an album. Individual components of a track—strings, drums, vocals, etc.—are recorded separately, and it is the job of the recording engineer to combine and manipulate each track to the greatest possible effect, tweaking tone, intensity, and tempo, applying effects, and editing.
A recording engineering degree is not necessarily required for working as a recording engineer, but is the most effective means to gain the skills necessary to be successful in the business. Courses in music appreciation and composition are helpful, as well as classes in computer technology and programming. The ability to read music and play at least one instrument is also a plus. When starting out in the business, it is a good idea to gain additional experience with the hardware and mixing consoles used in studio recording by working in a small studio as an apprentice, assistant, or intern.
Working as a recording engineer means keeping long, irregular hours. It is not unusual for a recording session to begin early in the morning and run late into the night, or even until the following morning. Turnaround after a recording session is quick; when one ends, preparation for the next begins almost immediately. A recording engineer must be flexible, patient, and creative, even when running on little or no sleep. No matter how exhausted, the engineer is expected to capture the best recordings possible and keep everything running smoothly.
Recording engineers must be good listeners and have excellent personal skills, as they work closely with artists and producers who depend on the engineers to make sure they sound their best. The recording engineer must learn when to speak up and when to stay quiet. He or she must judge the personality and mood of the artist to know when and if to make suggestions. The recording engineer is only as involved in the creative process as the client wishes.
