What Is an Audio Engineer?
An audio engineer uses machines to capture, arrange and control voices, music and sound effects. An audio engineer works behind the scenes in the entertainment industry in different genres such as music, film, television, theatre and video game sound productions.
Educational Requirements
Many audio engineers begin their education while in high school or college as members of their audiovisual clubs. To become an audio engineer one can complete a vocational training program related to the field. The programs are usually one year in length. Working as an apprentice is also a way to gain on the job experience and move into an entry-level position. After gaining experience some audio engineers are able to advance into supervisory positions.
Job Duties
- Meeting with record producers and musicians to discuss various aspects of sound production, such as the appropriate sound elements needed for an album recording session or a recording session for a film score.
- Setting up and operating the recording equipment used in recording sessions or live concerts, such as the microphones, recording tracks and sound control consoles.
- Using sound mixing boards to manipulate recorded voices, music and sound effects to achieve the correct sound elements needed for each sound production project.
- Using sound control consoles to coordinate voices, music and sound effects with the appropriate sections of movies, television shows and newscasts.
- Designing the sound productions for video games such as sound effects, dialogue and theme music.
- Supervising sound productions and entry-level audio engineers.