Audio engineers: what they are + what they do

Hey, do you hear that?

Yep, it’s the sound of another #CareerChat landing with a SH-WOOSH on your digital doorstep. Or, maybe it’s a springy bOINg, a WaaaVeeeY space age theremin, or a retro cool “You’ve got mail” that signals the arrival of a new notification in your digital world. Regardless of the sound you do (or don’t) hear when a new issue of our newsletter heads your way, one thing is clear: sounds communicate all around us, all the time.?

That’s why, in today’s issue, we’re spotlighting the careers of audio engineers. Whether we realize it or not, audio engineering is the background music to many of our lives. It’s responsible for everything from smash hits to that satisfying ping you hear when you smash that like button and pretty much every sound in between. Let’s explore.

Want to learn music production from Grammy winners and nominees? Enroll in GRAMMY GO’s Music Production: Crafting Award-Worthy Songs Specialization.?

??What is audio engineering??

Audio engineering is the art and science of recording, manipulating, and reproducing sound using a range of hardware, software, and real-world techniques. In practice, this means that audio engineering leverages a diverse set of processes–electronic, digital, acoustic, and electrical–to record and produce music, voices, and sounds.?

While audio engineering is often associated with music production, it’s also used extensively in film, television, broadcasting, and live events like theatrical shows, musical performances, and sports competitions. Video game developers work with audio engineers to create immersive soundscapes, record dialogue, and design the countless beeps, buzzes, and bangs of character interactions.???????

??What do audio engineers do??

There are several types of audio engineers, including live venue sound engineers, studio recording engineers, and video game sound designers. Despite their different focuses, though, they all share a common goal of using their technical skill set to ensure the best possible sound. Some common tasks an audio engineer may perform include:?

• Operating equipment to record, copy, synchronize, or mix sound, music, and voices
• Collaborating with producers to determine how to organize music or sounds for the desired effect?
• Placing microphones to record actors, performers, or other sounds
• Cleaning up audio using a variety of techniques?
• Recording, editing, mixing, and mastering music
• Designing and installing audio equipment within a variety of venues?

An audio engineer’s area of specialization typically also requires learning specialized equipment and software to perform their duties. An audio engineer working in radio broadcasting, for example, needs to know how to use computer hardware and software for editing and broadcast automation.?

??? Groovy audio techniques to try

A lot of work goes into making that can’t-get-outta-your-head sound that we all know and love. Whether it's cleaning up some vocal work, creating an atmospheric sound, or preparing a track for distribution, there are several techniques that audio engineers rely on to do their work. At a glance, here are just some of the techniques they use:?

• Mastering: The process of getting a final mix (known as a “master”) ready for distribution.?

• Ducking: A technique to lower one sound in favor of another, typically used for voice-overs and background music.?

• EQ Matching: A process used to match the tonal qualities of one sound with another.

• Compression: Reducing the dynamic range of a signal by lowering its loudest parts and heightening its quietest ones.?

• Reverb: An audio effect that simulates an acoustic environment to create the illusion of space within a recording.?

???Mix up your audio skills with Coursera

Audio engineering is as much an art as a science. Mix up your skill set by taking one of these sound-focused courses on Coursera:?

For an overview of sound concepts, try Duke University’s Art of the MOOC: Experiments with Sound course.?

To learn the art and technology of music production, enroll in Berklee’s Music Production Specialization. Explore the tools and techniques used to create professional-sounding music.

To create music with your computer, explore Berklee’s Electronic Music Production Specialization.?

For a unique blend of theory and practice, enroll in GRAMMY GO’s Music Production: Crafting Award-Worthy Songs Specialization. Learn music production from Grammy winners and nominees like Howard Professor Carolyn Malachi, rapper Hit-Boy, and 15-time GRAMMY-winning audio engineer and music producer Judith Sherman.?

That’s a wrap for this week, friends. Before you tune out, consider dropping a comment below to let us know what sounds or music you listen to at work to stay focused and energized. Catch ya later!??

Have a career question you’d like us to answer next? Share it below. And, as always, we welcome YOUR advice and experience in the comments.