Recording Engineers record, edit, and mix sound. They should be well versed in recording technology, from analog tape to digital multitrack recording programs like Ableton or ProTools. The Recording Engineer is often also the producer, overseeing both artistic and technical elements of the recording session.
Recording Engineers often start as interns in a studio before moving on to become Assistant Engineers and finally becoming Engineers.
Assistant Engineers have the important job of physically setting up the recording studio before a recording session takes place. This responsibility is not to be taken lightly. Studio recording time is very expensive, and no time should be wasted with the setup.
Assistant Engineer will work to make sure the necessary instruments and equipment are available, where they will be placed, and will make sure all the equipment is set up and working. In addition, they will usually wire all the microphones.They are responsible for maintaining the equipment during a session. They usually maintain the tape library. During the session, the assistant engineer works with the recording engineer.
Experience & Skills
Technical knowledge and skills are essential
Good People Skills: A good engineer is somebody who is easy to get along with and a team player. A recording engineer should be relaxed, intuitive, and have strong initiative,
Attention to detail
Time management – Time is Money and studio time is expensive.
Getting Started
To get that first engineering job, it’s all about attention to detail. Your cover letter might be more important than your resume. Make sure it’s grammatically correct, and nothing is misspelled. This shows that you pay attention to details. You will have to willing to work your way up, start as intern and work your way up. Always be available and positive. A studio needs to know if they can trust you once they get to know you they might offer you a paid position.
- The next time you see an Engineer on the job, ask if you can help. You might not be getting paid, but you’re demonstrating your work ethic and people remember.
- Volunteer at the Grammy’s or tech expos. People will remember you.
- Learn mics and mic placement
- Know signal flow and ProTools.
- Practice, Practice, Practice.
- Develop file management skills. A complete stranger needs to be able to look at your session and know what’s going on.
- Take copious notes. In the studio, things change really fast.
