Why Audio Engineering is About More Than Just "Turning Knobs"
The term “engineer” is often associated with someone who can control every part of a specific trade. Engineers are often considered to be highly intelligent people who are good at solving problems. So, why should you give the person sitting behind a mixing board while pushing faders, turning knobs, and setting up wires such a prestigious title?
The reason for this is simple. A good audio engineer doesn’t just know about the process of recording and mixing (which are important parts of making music). A good engineer knows his or her studio space both inside and out. An audio engineer should not only be able to troubleshoot problems inside a studio space but should also be able to come up with a way to fix them.
What is an Audio Engineer?
Audio engineers can shape the way we hear music, movies, podcasts, and even live performances. They work behind the scenes to make sure everything sounds as good as possible. If you think about it, the term “audio engineer” is a broad term that can have a variety of meanings. A person with this title can record music in a studio, mix a live show, edit a podcast, or install sound systems at live venues.
To become an audio engineer, you can learn the skills by watching YouTube videos or by reading books and trade magazines. You can also get formal training at a college or university, which may give you a broader perspective on the tools of the trade. But audio engineering is about more than just “turning knobs.” It requires a good understanding of the principles behind the science of sound (including acoustics, electronics, and system design).
What Kind of Jobs Does an Audio Engineer Do?
Audio engineers can perform a variety of tasks and can work in a number of settings. Some common examples include the following:
Audio-visual integration specialist.
Audiobook recording specialist.
Live sound engineer.
Podcast recording engineer.
Radio and TV broadcast engineer.
Recording and mixing engineer.
Audio editor.
Audio engineers may find themselves mixing music tracks, adjusting dialogue for a commercial, or managing microphones during a live show.
Final Thoughts
Audio engineers are considered to be “jacks of all trades” who never stop learning. And because they have a wealth of knowledge about sound and recording, they can make or break a session. So if you think about it, audio engineering is about a lot more than just “turning knobs.” It’s also about more than making great beats and having expensive gear. It’s about being that one person that anyone can go to with a problem, because they know that he or she can come up with a solution.
