Recording or audio engineers are known as sound engineers.Different titles may have different responsibilities.Sound engineers run live shows like concerts and plays, record and produce in the studio, and work sound systems for radio, TV and film crews.If you want to become a sound engineer, you need to watch, help out, and take any chance you can get to work with sound equipment.You can get a job as a sound engineer if you earn a degree.You should be flexible and have strong people skills.
Step 1: Listen to the sound engineers work.
Go to a local bar or club that has live music, or the booth at a theater during a play, and watch what the sound person does.The set up of cords and sound boards is important.They interact with people.Take a look at the levels when they are adjusted.This is a great place to watch a church because it has high quality sound systems and people who run them.
Step 2: If you can help, ask sound engineers.
Getting your foot in the door is a big part of the music industry.If you find a sound engineer, you should ask if there is anything you can do.You can begin to build connections that will eventually lead to more involvement.Some people may say no to you.They might not want you in the way.You can keep telling them you will do anything and won't bother them.There is still time to find someone else to ask.If you see people setting up at a venue, ask if you can help.They are most likely to accept another set of hands.
Step 3: You can take any opportunity that comes your way.
It takes a long time to get to top professional jobs in this industry.Do it if you have the chance.You might be able to help set everything up.You may be able to run a sound check.A building block for your career is every chance you get to learn more.Don't think you're too good for anything, even though it can be hard.Take the chance to help out and get some experience.If you consistently show up at the same places and are always willing to help in any way you are asked, people will start to notice and trust you to do more important tasks.
Step 4: Someone is working at a recording and production company.
An internship will help you get more consistent experience.If you can afford to do this, you will learn enough to make up for the lack of pay.You can find out if there is a studio near you by looking at the opportunities they have available.Since there are so many different jobs that sound engineers can do, the range of internships may vary a lot.Even if what they do is not what you are interested in, any production company that has an internship is worth a look.
Step 5: You can learn about sound equipment.
Look at when to use different types of speakers.Which cords go between mics and soundboards?You have to know how to set up sound equipment.Online and in person, you can learn these things with sound people.Some sound equipment is the same as it was a few years ago.It's important to stay current on your knowledge.
Step 6: Music software.
You need to know how to use Cubase and Pro Tools.If you can, purchase one of these programs and begin using them.Pick a song and import it into the software.Change pitches and volumes while splitting the song.Being able to mix new music tracks will make you more versatile.It will take time to learn all of the things you can do, but it is important to start building a foundation.
Step 7: There are safety protocols to research.
Basic electrical safety is something sound engineers need to learn.You can learn about the difference between voltage and current.You need to know how many pieces of equipment can be plugged into a specific power strip so you don't ruin the equipment.Taking classes in physics is a good place to start.An electrical safety training seminar can be considered if classes are not an option.
Step 8: Experience in high school is a must.
You have access to some opportunities if you are still in school.The theater program most likely uses a sound system during plays.This is an easy way to get hands on experience in a low key setting because productions are mostly run by students.Even if you aren't studying it, you can still get involved in running sound in college.Take a look at what the theater requires for their sound people.If you could start working with someone who already does it, you would learn from them.
Step 9: You should get a degree.
While you can learn on the job and get lots of experience, earning a degree shows your commitment to learning.It shows that you can work hard.A degree shows that you have been trained in the field.It may not be mandatory for some jobs, but it will make you look better to hire quality engineers.A Bachelor of Science in Audio Engineering is a typical degree.The degree may be called Sound Engineering.A mix of music, business, and technical classes will give you a well-rounded education in these degrees.
Step 10: You need to improve your communication skills.
Being a sound engineer requires you to work with different people on a consistent basis, so you need to be able to communicate.You should learn to listen to people's responses.Answer the questions clearly.Understand what people mean when they don't make sense.Get used to the technical music jargon.Things like "lead guitar," "feedback," and "normalize" may have different meanings in music jargon.
Step 11: You should be committed to getting the job done.
It can be difficult for sound engineers to work long, odd hours.You need to be cool if you only get into the studio at 9pm.Don't get frustrated if you have to redo equipment checks 5 times before a live show.Some projects will take a long time to get done.Live performance events happen at times when sound engineers work nights and weekends.If you find work in radio or TV, you may be able to get daytime work.Being available as much as possible when you first start out will be an asset to anyone looking to hire you.
Step 12: Cultivate humility and perseverance.
Sound engineers are often overlooked and don't get a lot of praise for their work.It is easier to be okay with never being noticed if you are passionate about the work.You don't want to give up when the job gets really hard.Through hardship, be severe.Don't expect to gain fame through this career because sound engineers rarely get the credit for an amazing concert or great mix on a hit song.You should find fulfillment through the work itself.
Step 13: It's easy to work with.
You will be working with many people, from artists in the studio to venue owners to tour managers.Do your best to go with the flow when they are demanding.Don't fight with people if you are angry.It's important to keep a level head in this business.People will want to work with you if you are easy to get along with.You are likely to be replaced if you cause drama.While you can work on this, it is more of a personality trait than an issue of effort.If you don't like people and have a hard time working with others, this may not be the profession for you.