All You Need To Know About Audio Engineers
Are you interested in sound production for a film or music project? Then you will require the services of an audio engineer. In case you are not an expert in the field, this post provides critical insights into the work of sound engineers.
What Is an Audio Engineer?
An audio engineer is also known as a sound engineer or sound technician. The professionals have in-depth knowledge and skills in audio software and hardware. Thus, they specialize in recording and processing audio files or mixing music and sound effects. Many audio engineers work in the music and film industry supporting other technicians to accomplish artistic projects.
Types of Audio Engineers
The following are different types of sound engineers based on their day-day work:
- Studio engineers – they support producers in recording and broadcast stations
- Recording engineers – they specialize in recording audio for music or sound effects
- Mic engineers – mix pre-recorded music to create a new soundtrack
- Mastering engineers – they smoothen out audio outputs from mix engineers
- Live sound engineers – they use their knowledge of acoustic to produce quality sound during live performances
- Audio design engineers - they harmonize the output of live sound engineers
- Audio post engineers – they specialize in mixing and manipulating audio for the screen
Why Do You Need an Audio Engineer?
Audio engineers are very flexible and can provide support in and out of the studio.
Selecting Sound Equipment
Audio engineers help in selecting the most appropriate equipment for a sound project. Ordinarily, there are different types of recording microphones. For instance, some microphones can only pick the sound that is close to the capsule. Yet, others record audio within a wider radius or several feet from the capsule. Thus, you need a sound engineer to assess the microphone capability and place the capsule strategically. In addition, sound engineers assist in choosing and managing other audio hardware.
Managing External Recorders
Technological advancement has streamlined the process of recording audio for video output. Modern cameras can embed audio directly into a digital video file. However, an expert producer knows that you still require an audio engineer to handle external recorders. With external recorders, you can get quality sound than camera microphones and have a backup if remote cameras break or the audio feed is unclear.
Site Selection
Sound engineers are instrumental when scouting for a production site. Typically, there are audio factors to consider when selecting a new production location. For instance, you must identify potential noise from traffic, planes, wind, animals, and schools. With a sound engineer, it is possible to spot the noise and pre-plan how you phase it out during production. Thus, an audio engineer acts as a quality assurance officer in pre-production planning.
Editing Sound
The most significant role of an audio engineer is to manage sound. Usually, it is hard to monitor and control sound during recording. There is often noise in audio files, such as a cough, whizzing, or bang. Hence, an audio engineer listens to the files, edits unexpected sounds, and calls for a re-shoot.
Make sure you hire an audio engineer for a live show, music, or video shoot. An experienced sound technician guarantees a return on investment through a quality audio output.