A Career Path in Audio Production

A career in audio engineering is an exceptionally exciting venture, however, there is a certain amount of training required to enter the field. In Australia alone, there are a number of institutions that offer courses covering all aspects of audio production. Audio engineering and production is extremely competitive and one needs to be competent in all areas in order to be successful.

Audio production is most definitely fast paced and sometimes very demanding. Most audio production companies have a high expectation on their audio engineers, and they are expected to have a vast knowledge of everything to do with audio; covering: room acoustics and sound proofing standards, psychoacoustics (perception of sound and the physiological effects), audio equipment, audio sweetening and sound mixing … just to name a few.

There is never a dull moment when it comes to audio production, and there are a number of roles in the audio industry. We have broken them into the three main roles of an audio engineer.

1. Live Sound Engineer
This position is extremely exciting, but can also be highly stressful. In the world of audio engineering, not all sounds are consistent; some are often louder than others, and it is the Live Sound Engineers responsibility to balance them all out. A Live Sound Engineer often works closely with live bands and must possess a sound knowledge of electronics and acoustics.

2. Sound Engineer
In most recording studios, a sound engineer wears a number of hats. Not only is he or she responsible for directing, recording and producing professional voice overs, but the sound engineer must also master the technical side of this operation, from setting up the microphones, rewiring setups and audio reinstatements right through to acoustical instrument positioning and masterfully mixing the voice over recordings with music and sound effect beds, thus creating a dynamic audio production.

3. Mastering Engineer
A key member of the audio production team, the mastering engineer must be a master of everything audio. Not only does the master engineer need to have a full grasp of the sound engineer’s position, but he must then oversee the entire product and is mainly responsible for the final editing.

Regardless of which audio engineer’s role you aspire to, audio production can put you in some very exciting positions, and it is a thoroughly rewarding role. Imagine the accomplishment of listening to your first ever audio production, or better yet, a major brand’s audio advertising campaign that you were responsible for.