The document discusses the field of audio engineering. It describes audio engineers as the creators, editors, and performers of modern music who compile sounds into mixes, edit mixes, and produce albums. Audio engineers need creativity, flexibility, and a passion for music to succeed in their work. They perform a variety of jobs in music projects, recording studios, broadcasts, and live performances. A degree or certification is typically required, as are skills like playing an instrument and using tools like mixing boards, microphones, and software. Audio engineering plays an important role in providing music and enjoyable sounds to the world.
Independent Hatiara Escorts ✔ 9332606886✔ Full Night With Room Online Booking...
Research Paper
1. Tyner 1
Cal Tyner
Tillery
Senior Project
October 12, 2011
Audio Engineering
Imagine waking up to a world void of melody or rhythm. Imagine if the world only
consisted of random sounds and noises, things would be dramatically different. Luckily, audio
engineering professionals prevent the deprivation of music on a daily basis. These particular
engineers are basically the creators, editors, and even performers of modern-day music. From
start to finish, audio engineers compile sounds into a mix (song), edit the mix, finalize the
product, and produce the albums. Furthermore, why is audio engineering important today? There
is a simple answer: without audio engineers our world would be empty of music; unappealing
sounds and noises would be the only audio that would fill our ears. Essentially, there is a demand
for audio engineers and technicians. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics,
the field of sound engineering is expected to grow by 8% by 2018 ("Broadcast and Sound
Engineering Technicians and Radio Operators” 1). So what makes a good audio engineering
technician?
Foremost, audio engineers must have a creative aspect about themselves. A sound
engineer does not see music as just music; but instead, sound engineers hear every instrument,
the BPM (beats per minute), the levels of each sound, and what could be done to enhance the
music further. In essence, sound engineers have a particular mindset to perform their job
2. Tyner 2
flawlessly. As stated by Baby Rani, “sound is the matter, which goes into our ears. It can be
music or the noise. Engineering is the art of mixing the live sound to make it attractive to the
human ear” (Rani 1). Therefore, sound engineers are expected to create appealing compilations
of sounds and effects. Another trait that is essential to the occupation is flexibility. During an
interview with Simon Kasprowicz, he was asked which traits were beneficial to someone striving
to be an audio engineer. He replied “This is such a difficult question… The main thing is to have
a good attitude, remain calm under stress and keep a smile on your face” (Kasprowicz 1). The
most important characteristic needed to become a sound engineer, though, is simply the love for
music. In order to perform the job well, there must be passion for the music. Continuing on, what
specific jobs do audio engineers perform?
As stated earlier, audio engineers must be flexible to succeed in the music industry.
For example, sound engineers work with “music projects, voice, sound and acoustic and
electronic complex systems,” and also, “work in multimedia and post-production facilities,
professional, commercial, or private recording studios, in technical theatres, in the broadcast
industry as engineers, in sound reinforcement, and as sound and acoustical consultants and
system engineers” (“Audio Engineer: Occupational Outlook for the Audio Engineering
Professions” 1).Basically, sound engineers have a wide array of occupations available, which
means versatility is vital. The occupation that has grown substantially over the past decade, in
relation to sound engineering, involves performance. Known as “dub step,” this new genre of
music is expanding rapidly and will continue to raise jobs for audio engineers. Subsequent to
the “dub-scene,” audio engineers can find jobs in the radio broadcasting industry, as well as in
the recording industry. Moreover, what qualifications are needed to become an audio
engineer?
3. Tyner 3
In today’s society, some form of degree or certification is needed to qualify for almost
any career position. Unfortunately, sound engineering remains in that category. There are
several prerequisites that are needed to obtain a degree in sound engineering, including being
able to play an instrument. According to Education-Portal.com, a student applying to become
an audio engineer must also have a high school diploma and be adept with computers and
technical equipment (“Sound Engineering Degree Program Overviews” 1). Of course, there
are the options of either two year or four year degrees. Essentially, the higher education
earned implies a better reputation and, therefore, a larger paycheck. To some, though, audio
engineering is not about the paycheck, it is about the love for music. Passion drives the
majority of choices people make every day, from making plans for a Friday night to choosing
a career. For sound engineers, passion for music is the motivation that drives them to create
enjoyable compilations of music each day. For example, at Berklee College of Music, classes
emphasize “artistic and professional excellence,” and students will “develop an informed and
critical aesthetic vision,” (“Music Production and Engineering Major” 1). It seems that those
at Berklee have a strong enthusiasm for music and sound production, which is quite relative.
Everyone has a choice of music, whether it is rock, country, rap, dub step/techno, bluegrass,
oldies, or reggae. Each genre contains acoustics, electronics, vocals, and effects, but many
overlook that aspect of music. Sound engineers differ from the norm, as they see music as a
compilation of sounds and they respect each sound individually. Black and white, sound
engineers are usually required to have a degree to be successful. The desire to create
appealing music for people is what really allows sound engineers to be successful, though.
Each profession requires tools to perform the job-at-hand, such as a mechanic using a
jack to remove a tire from a car. So what tools do audio engineers work with? Jacks and
4. Tyner 4
monkey wrenches? No, sound engineers work with a number of different instruments and
tools to make, record and perform music. Audio engineers, though, are similar to mechanics
in the sense that some jobs require a few tools to obtain a finished product and some jobs take
days, months, or even years to complete. There are a variety of tools that aid a sound engineer
in creating, recording and performing their productions. According to HowStuffWorks.com,
the tools needed include: amplifiers, microphones, cables, monitors, and mixing boards; and
“each of these items has specific functions that enable the sound engineer to control the
overall audio experience,” (Crosby 1). In brief, the mixing board and monitor are the main
controls the engineer uses during a performance, and cables, microphones, and amplifiers are
the tools that allow the audience to fully experience the performance. When sound engineers
are compiling and creating music, though, they still use some of the same tools used in
performances. For example, sound engineers “mix and edit voices, music, and taped sound
effects for live performances and for prerecorded events, using sound mixing boards,”
(“Science Careers: Sound Engineering Technician” 1). The main tool that is used on and off
stage in audio engineering is the mixing board. The mixing board is the most important part
of an audio engineer’s “toolbox.” Luckily, amateur mixers that are striving to become audio
engineers can obtain software that allows a standard laptop computer to act as a mixing board.
There are several different types of software that can be utilized, such as Ableton, Beatcraft
and FL Studio (“Music Mixing Software List” 1). Overall, there are a number of different
tools that are used in sound engineering, ranging from equipment worth thousands to software
costing less than one hundred dollars.
Audio engineering is a complex occupation, unmatched by many others. Mainly,
sound engineering is important because without it, the world only consists of random noises.
5. Tyner 5
The world would be void of appealing sounds and, more importantly, music. Music will
always be present because audio engineers will always find new sounds and ways to mix
those sounds so they are appealing. Again, the desire for a large paycheck is not what
motivates sound engineers, it is the love for the music. In conclusion, sound engineers play a
large part in the world, whether it is noticeable or not. What sound engineers create is not
music, necessarily; but instead, enjoyment and satisfaction.
6. Tyner 6
Works Cited
“Audio Engineer: Occupational Outlook for the Audio Engineering Professions.” Education-
Portal.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2011. <http://education-portal.com/articles/
Audio_Engineer_Occupational_Outlook_for_the_Audio_Engineering_Professions.html>
.
“Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians and Radio Operators.” Bureau of Labor
Statistics. U.S Department of Labor, 17 Dec. 2009. Web. 26 Sept. 2011.
<http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos109.htm>.
“Careers in Electronic Production and Design.” Berklee College of Music. Berklee College of
Music, 2011. Web. 15 Sept. 2011. <http://www.berklee.edu/careers/electronic-
production-design.html>.
Crosby, Tim. “How Live Sound Engineering Works.” HowStuffWorks.com. HowStuffWorks,
Inc., 28 Apr. 2008. Web. 13 Oct. 2011. <http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/live-
sound-engineering2.htm>.
Kasprowicz, Simon. “Q&A with Sound Engineer Simon Kasprowicz.” Interview by Heather
McDonald. About.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2011. <http://musicians.about.com/od/
otherindustrycareers/a/qandawithkas.htm>.
“Music Mixing Software List.” SanctuaryLane.com. Sanctuary Lane Studios, n.d. Web. 13 Oct.
2011. <http://www.sanctuarylane.com/music-mixing-software.html>.
“Music Production and Engineering Major.” Berklee College of Music. Berklee College of
Music, Sept. 2010. Web. 13 Oct. 2011. <http://www.berklee.edu/majors/mpe.html>.
