Sound Recording Engineer

Also known as:

Engineer, Sound Recording
Recording Engineer, Sound
Studio Recording Engineer

Introduction

Sound recording engineers work in recording studios or on location. They set up the equipment performers need to make music recordings, record the performance and then use specialist equipment to edit and enhance it.

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Work Activities

Sound recording engineers record music and other types of sound in a recording studio or on location. They use complex equipment and need a high level of skill to get the best results.

The engineer is responsible for operating a control console, which controls the level and quality of sound passing through to the tape.

Engineers usually start a recording by building up individually recorded performances onto a computer or audiotape; they usually leave any vocals until last. They can record different sections of music or vocals onto a multi-track tape.

The record producer has overall responsibility for the recording; the engineer gives technical advice on the best methods, effects and levels needed to achieve the desired sound. Engineers often spend a lot of time enhancing and fine-tuning the quality of particular sounds. Once all the performances have been satisfactorily recorded, the engineer will produce a rough 'mix', before producing the finished version that everybody is happy with.

As well as controlling sound at the mixing desk, engineers are responsible for arranging microphones, headphones and other pieces of sound equipment used for the recording. Sound engineers work with artistes, musical producers, managers and other studio technical staff.

Travel and stays away from home may be required, especially for location work and outside broadcasts.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

Sound recording engineers must be both creative and technically minded.

You must have good problem solving skills; you must enjoy working on the recording process from start to finish. This may involve long periods without a break, so you must have patience and a high level of concentration. You should be committed to keeping up-to-date with advances in audio technology.

Sound recording engineers must have good communication and interpersonal skills, to work in a team, offer ideas and take on board other people's requirements and expectations.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for sound recording engineers vary depending on which part of the industry they work in, whether they are employed or self-employed, and their role and responsibility.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Sound recording engineers earn in the range of £14,500 - £17,000 a year, rising to £21,000 - £27,500 a year. Higher earners can make around £33,000 a year.

Sound recording engineers often work long and irregular hours, including nights and weekends.

Employers include professional sound recording studios in the UK, most of which employ only a handful of staff. It is the smaller, less expensive studios that tend to consider employing the less experienced sound recording engineers.

There may be some opportunities in television, radio or film production, with the BBC, independent television and film companies, commercial radio stations, and satellite and cable television firms.

Recording engineers are normally freelance, contracted for the period of the production.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Practical skills and abilities gained, for example, in hospital radio, amateur dramatics or music recording, are useful for entry to a training scheme.

Working as a studio assistant or tape operator can lead to entry into sound recording engineer posts.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (eg, Access to Engineering) could be the way in.

These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

• 41% of people in occupations such as sound recording engineer are self-employed.
• 19% work part-time.
• 8% have flexible hours.
• 5% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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