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Audio Recording 101: Making Better Sound
Sound recording dates back to the 19th century when the phonautograph was invented. Although it was unable to play back sounds, the device transcribed the sounds it “heard” to blackened glass and, later, to paper. Sound production has come a very long way since then, with dozens of pieces of recording equipment and different professions within the audio recording business.
Every sound that comes from a CD, radio, television, computer or video game first passed through an audio technician to gain their approval. Audio technicians record sounds and music, sometimes listening to the recordings many times and tweaking them to make the sound comprehensible before passing it on to listeners.
Audio technicians are responsible for the maintenance and use of recording equipment. As an audio technician (also known as sound engineers, sound recorders and audio operators), you can work for a recording company or become a freelancing technician.
- Studio engineer
- Mixing engineer
- Audio post engineer
- Live sound engineer
- Mastering engineer
The four steps of audio production are: recording, editing, mixing and mastering. Generally, each step is executed by an audio technician who specializes in that aspect of production.
The clientele for sound engineers covers the gamut of talent and importance from local radio stations and commercial advertising composers to Top 20 singers and recording artists. Communication skills are indispensable in this trade because a big part of an independent technician’s job is to find clients. An impressive resume or education will help you land clients, and a job well done could lead to their returning business as well as referrals.
A sound engineer can spend time in recording studios, concert halls and venues in order to record what is required. Most technicians spend their time in a studio working with a producer or director, using equipment like mixing consoles, music sequencers and analog to digital converters to get the right sound for a certain project. For big projects, audio technicians often work in teams with other sound engineers for quick production. Some audio technicians go to concerts and events to set up microphones and other sound equipment to use for recording or sound amplifying.
A good ear for detecting errors in sound is very important, and while some are born with a natural ear for music, it can also be obtained through rigorous training and discipline.
This is a job that requires a very specific skill set, so audio technicians must have sufficient knowledge in electronic technology, music and broadcasting, among other things. A background in math and physics is also important. Many colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in audio production, but fewer institutions have audio engineering programs. A number of sound engineers, however, are self-taught and have no formal training.
If you love to make music better from behind the sound booth, audio recording and production may be a perfect fit. If you’re not sure if it's right for you but you want to try it, go online and download a free trial of an audio recording software application such as Logic or Samplitude and give it a shot.
