How to be a Professional Audio Engineer?
Published at 10/24/2022
What is an audio engineer?
When it comes to being an audio engineer, there are several roles that you can take on. For today, we will only focus on mixing engineers. Mixing engineers are responsible for editing and balancing the different sounds within a song to make sure that the listeners can hear the vision of the artist. At some point, we can touch base on recording, mastering, live sound, and multimedia sound engineers.
First, get your hands dirty and practice with some real mixing.
Before you dive too deep and spend too much money, you should probably get your hands on an audio editor and see how you really like working with audio. Do you really really love it enough to invest the time and money? Or is it eh, whatever for you?
Audacity is a free audio editor that allows you to do multi-track editing and vocal recording. It also comes with some very basic FX that you can also apply.
Another option is to go with the industry standard of Pro Tools. They offer a student version for $99/year. You are limited to 25 tracks but comes with all the out-of-the-box plugins. That’s plenty to get started!
Find yourself a musician friend who plays an instrument, sing, or rap and start recording some basic tracks that you can use to practice mixing. Use HITMKR collaboration feature to easily share your mix with your friends and get feedback. Use that feedback and iterate on your mix and make the next version even better!
HITMKR Marketplace and collaboration platform for Creatives.www.hitmkr.com
Get serious about it!
Do some research on the type of schools or audio programs that’s available in your area. Here’s a few high level options:
You can attend a traditional 4 year university that has an audio/music program and spend a ton of money.
Some community colleges do offer excellent audio engineering specific programs. If you are in the Austin, TX area,
offers a great 2 year program with access to their new state of the art recording studios. Evening classes are also available.
Sign up with an audio recording focused school like the Conservatory of Recording Arts & Science or The Los Angeles Recording School.
There are tons of different paths that you can take. But make sure it’s the right path for you.
Is it within your budget?
Is it the correct duration of education?
Does it provide you with enough hands on experience and time in the studio?
Is it a collaborative environment? In the real world, you are never working alone in a studio.
Does the program provide you with the resources to help you land a job or teach you how to find clients post graduation?
Good luck with your journey on becoming an audio engineer!
Like anything in music, it will take a lot of hard work, but it will be fun and rewarding to put out your first hit!