Recording Engineer

At a Glance
Recording engineers use electronic equipment to record, mix, and edit sounds, including vocals, music, and sound effects.

Core Tasks
Set up and test recording equipment Operate recording equipment to capture performances, adjusting settings as necessary Combine separate instrumental and vocal tracks to create final products Suggest ways to improve sound Solve technical problems when they arise

Workplace
Work for recording studios, radio stations, post-production companies, or are self-employed Work mostly indoors in soundproofed rooms Hours are irregular, and evening and weekend work is common Some studio sessions can take up to 20 hours

Earnings
Typical Earnings Range: $20 - $100

$22,000 to $90,000 a year or more Some freelancers more than $100,000 a year Earnings depend on employer and experience

Education & Training

No formal requirements A post-secondary program related to recording engineering is highly recommended

Level of Education
2-Year College or Technical Training 4-Year College or University

Attributes & Abilities

A good ear A technical understanding of music Creative

 Detail-oriented Computer skills

Michigan Career Pathways

pathwayDescription

Job Description
Many people dream of making it big in the music industry. Unfortunately, not everyone has the talent or the luck needed to succeed as a performer. However, those with technical ability and a passion for music can have exciting careers as recording engineers. Recording engineers use electronic equipment to record, mix, and edit sounds, including vocals, musical instruments, and sound effects. These recordings are used in commercials, radio jingles, films, TV shows, and music albums. Whatever the piece is being made for, the recording engineer is there to understand and meet their clients requests. For instance, if the client wants louder meows for a cat food commercial, the recording engineer will mix those sounds. Experienced recording engineers can satisfy clients demands while maintaining some creative control. Engineers are also expected to solve problems of a technical nature, or suggest ways in which the sound can be improved. This type of open relationship between client and recording engineer is vital for the success of the project, especially when recording the music of picky or temperamental artists. Recording engineers must keep up with technical developments in their field in order to stay hot. Recent trends have seen the focus moving away from huge mixing boards to smaller, more sophisticated hard disc-based computers and samplers. The challenge for the recording engineer is to have knowledge of all necessary technical equipment, an understanding of client needs, and most importantly, the ear to bring it all together. Whether theyre working on a cat food commercial or a classical music CD, recording engineers are dedicated to mixing the best possible sound into a cohesive recording.

Working Conditions
Recording engineers work for many different kinds of companies, including recording studios, radio stations, post-production companies, and multimedia companies. Many engineers are self-employed. They work in soundproofed rooms (often without windows) on multi-track tape recorders, digital audio workstations, or harddisc based computers or samplers. They often work with producers, directors, performers, and arrangers. There are no typical days or hours for recording engineers. As they are providing services to clients, recording engineers work in the studio until the client is satisfied. Normally, they work 8-hour shifts, but they may be in the studio for up to 20 hours at a stretch. Weekend, evening, and holiday work is often required. Assistant recording engineers who are on salary in studios work more structured hours, usually 40 to 50 hours a week.

Earnings
There is no normal salary range for recording engineers, as this is mainly a freelance business based on expertise, reputation, and client referrals. Many recording engineers start their careers working for free as interns, or in entry-level positions, making less than $22,000 a year. They are usually paid on an hourly basis.

Assistant engineers working in large studios are usually on salary and can make between $22,000 and $30,000 a year. The median annual income for all recording engineers is around $47,000. However, full-time, experienced engineers can earn more than $90,000 a year. Independent recording engineers, or freelancers, work on a contract or hourly basis instead of being paid a salary. They are hired by producers, directors, and even by the artists themselves. For freelancers, income depends on the amount of time spent in the studio, experience, and skill. Some engineers contract out their services for daily fees, which can range from less than $100 to several thousand dollars a day. The annual incomes of freelancers vary greatly depending on the amount they charge and how much work they can find. Established freelance recording engineers with good reputations can make anywhere from $30,000 to over $100,000 a year.

Michigan Wages
Occupation: Sound Engineering Technicians

Level of Experience Hourly Annual

Entry Wage $8.94 $18,600 Median Wage $14.25 $29,630 Experienced Wage $22.18 $46,130
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics http://www.bls.gov

Michigan Outlook
Occupation: Sound Engineering Technicians

Employment

2010 2020
Change

320 320

Number 0 Percentage 1.6

Annual Average Openings

Total Growth Replacement 9 0 9

Source: Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget, Labor Market Information http://www.milmi.org

Education
Students interested in a career as a recording engineer should take courses in music, computers, physics, and electronics. Although specific qualifications are not necessary for becoming a recording engineer, many engineers complete a vocational program in recording arts technology, audio engineering, or a related field. Relevant programs are offered at colleges and technical schools across the country. Programs vary in length from 1-year certificate programs to 4-year bachelors degree programs. Generally, a certificate program is more narrowly focused, while degree programs will involve broader coursework in topics like sound recording analysis. Advanced credentials can prepare you better for future supervisory roles and give you more career stability. Post-secondary programs in recording engineering train students in the use of a wide range of technical equipment. Students

take courses in subjects such as the operation of consoles and recorders, digital and analog recording and editing techniques, MIDI recording and sequencing, mixing techniques, and microphone techniques. Some engineers learn their trade through on-the-job training and a keen desire to learn. You can start as an assistant engineer or intern, learning the trade from the bottom and working on progressively more complex projects. The best way to find an internship is often by attending a post-secondary training program that offers work placements. You can also try volunteering at a radio or cable television station.

Related College Programs

Recording Arts Technology/Technician Music, General Music Technology

Other Suggested Qualifications

Recording engineers need a good ear for music, as well as a strong technical understanding of music. In addition, creativity and attention to detail will help engineers produce high-quality and innovative work. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are needed to work with clients, as are patience and flexibility. Recording engineers also need to be willing to work long hours. Knowledge of computers and relevant software packages is a necessity as well. Sophisticated computer-based technology for sound recording and mixing is constantly being developed and upgraded. Engineers need to be able to keep up with these changes.

Suggested High School Subjects

Grade 9 Grade 10

English Mathematics Science Social Studies - Geography Music Computers Health & Physical Education Technology
Grade 11

English Mathematics Science Social Studies - History Music Computers Electronics & Communications Technology
Grade 12

English Mathematics Physics Law & Government Music Computers Electronics & Communications Technology
Important

English Algebra Calculus Physics Economics Music Computers Electronics & Communications Technology

Check with your advisor to make sure that your course selections satisfy your graduation requirements. Courses available may vary from school to school.

Sample Career Path

People take different pathways through their careers, but no one starts at the top. This is an example of how the earnings,

education and experience requirements, and responsibilities might progress for someone in this occupation.

Level 1

Sample Title Earnings

Assistant Engineer $22,000 to $30,000 a year Post-secondary training in recording engineering or previous related experience in Requirements a smaller studio Assisting the engineer in recording sessions; setting up and taking down equipment Responsibilities for the sessions; learning on the job.
Level 2

Sample Title Earnings

Recording Engineer $30,000 to $65,000 a year 3 to 5 years of experience as an assistant engineer Requirements As the position is often freelance, demand for your services by clients is usually necessary Recording and mixing audio sessions; working quickly and accurately in a stressful Responsibilities environment.
Level 3

Sample Title Earnings Requirements

Producer / Chief Engineer $65,000 to $100,000 a year 10 years of experience as a recording engineer Training assistant engineers; buying equipment for the studio; recording and mixing Responsibilities audio sessions; pulling in new clients and projects as a producer.

Related Careers
Here are some other occupations that you might be interested in. Click on an occupation name to learn more. Audio-Visual Technician Broadcast Technician Composer Disc Jockey Film and TV Crew Film Editor Lighting Technician Musician Sound Technician

National Employment by Industry

Industry % Employed

Information 53 Self-Employed 14 Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 13

Source: O*Net Online, Browse by Industry, US Department of Labor http://online.onetcenter.org/find/industry

Other Resources
Audio Engineering Society (AES) This is an international organization representing professionals in audio technology. Be sure to check out the Education section. http://www.aes.org Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) A national trade association that represents the recording industry. Click on For Students Doing Reports for information about the industry. http://www.riaa.com Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) SBE is a professional association for broadcast engineers and related professionals, including recording engineers. http://www.sbe.org How Analog and Digital Recording Works A useful site with lots of technical information about the recording process. http://www.howstuffworks.com/analog-digital.htm Occupational Outlook Handbook Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians and Radio Operators This is a trade magazine for recording engineers. http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos109.htm