Sound engineers often do not get the respect they deserve. In essence, they play as big of a role as the actual performers they are recording and editing. There are numerous duties that go along with being a successful sound engineer, and while you may not receive the credit for outstanding performances, you will be able to have a long career in the field if you are talented at what you do.
Editing, Mixing, and Mastering
While there may be times that your duty consists of only operating an audio board at a concert or in the theater, there are other times that will require a sound engineer to be involved in the whole process from start to end.
Not only do they set all the levels in the studio from instruments to voice, but they must do so in a way that translates the artist’s vision. Once the artist is done in the studio or at the concert, they can go on home and check out the rest of the way. A sound engineer’s work, though, is just beginning.
Very rarely do tracks go unedited. A song may be performed in 20 different takes, and it is up to the sound engineer many times to splice them all together to form the best song possible. Mixing involves adjusting the sound levels of the instruments and the performer’s voice so that the sound from one or two instruments is not so powerful that it drowns out everything else. The mastering of the tracks is the final step for the sound engineer. All the technical work is completed and the soundtrack is then ready for distribution. The master of the work could consist of several different performances from various locations all rolled into one recording with pristine quality and audio levels.
Is It Right for You?
Not everybody is cut out to become a sound engineer. It consists of having a good musical ear and an affinity for technology. If you don’t have both, then you may struggle a bit in the field. However, if you feel like this could be your new career and you would like to take the next step, it is your duty to find a sound school that fits your needs. They will provide you with the ability and knowledge needed to proceed further into your new profession. Even if you only want to pursue it as a fun hobby, choosing a proper school for it will make the learning go much easier.