HOW TO BECOME A SOUND ENGINEER [audio recording]

[iceecreamy]

@stephanemeer I enjoyed your video...I am currently in a well paying job working for a car brand and am finding out that my love of the brand and the product is fading away...my other passion off work has always been music and the love of the studio...i currently live in la near Pasadena and am humbly asking for any advice or information that you would have to offer someone who wants to involve them self in too the world of sound engeneering

[MisterMotion]

Kinda layman, but certainly taken to heart..

[ASTROALL]

Before you hire a S.E. give them a detailed hearing test .

You wouldn't hire a color blind person for editing pictures would you ?

Vitally

[DrUmSensitive]

Why don't you learn english and cut that french bullshit short. I've never heard about good french sound engineers, so cool down and stop being so cocky, it might help you land a job now and then.

[trainsforever8]

I do not get the 7 people that disliked this video,this is exelent advice Thank you Bluecafe69 ^^

[wwwShadow7]

@trainsforever8

Some of us grew up with fairy tale teachers that painted to us an ideal world. We were taught that many of the things listed are ILLEGAL in some countries. And yet common place. In my country, it's always been about getting the job done in the quickest means possible. Never about being liked, or pretty, or submissive. And yet in the real world, you must be all of those things or have a life of menail labor / homelessness. It's hard not to be mean, when all are mean back.

[gunnyranger2]

OK, think I got it....

1) I am a piss-ant that needs to bow to your clients and get them coffee & tea,AFTER bowing to them.

2)I am a subservient, ass, kissing Slave.

3}If need be I need to bend over & take it up the arse, by someone that thinks they are better than me because they got LUCKY/sold their soul to Satan, to be an evil Idol to be worshiped by the innocent Youth, knowing that we're ALL equal in Gods eye's,but I shall grin & bear my new life of Hell.

That about cover it?

[Robynasdf123]

The only remaining way to make money in recording engineering today is to scam people to attend one of those bogus 'recording institutes' that are apparently in every town with a population greater than about 2,000. There are NO jobs for recording anymore because nobody is willing to pay for recording, because they can't sell their music anymore. It's over. Recording engineering is a dead profession.

[ermollejuo]

So funny to see people commenting about the video presentation , what do you want? a circus , a clown banging cymbals while bush is hugging obama ? the video is about real life, is about hints in behaviors that make people succeed. I'm a musician and I've met a lot of sound guy that think they are gods, and believe me, those are the ones that make the worst job and the least pleasant experience while playing.I do sound too, and my teacher repeated us frequently the same stuff over and over.

[vrakitaz]

Thanks Steph!

[vrakitaz]

Thank you Stephanie!

[BDWacid2]

DUDE!!! you manage a post production studio, couldn't you at least have made this video a little more interesting. Presentation is one of the key aspects, and this video sucked in all aspects, pretty much general knowledge things you putting out there. In today's world its about who you know and not what you.

[odenlaura]

Wow! This is possibly one of the most painful 6+ minutes I have ever sat through. Here's a hint: you might want to hire an editor. You might consider learning basic grammar and punctuation. You also may want to learn about "run on sentances". In English, we can't just slam two sentances together with a comma. It makes you look really stupid. I takes away from your frighteningly weak message. If you're trying to make a point about sound engineering, why would you choose such monontonous music?

[GondolaOfDeath]

@odenlaura Don't slam people when your grammar and spelling are just as bad.

[AHMADF93]

I was thinking about taking Audio Engineering. However, may I know, is it hard to get jobs for this? In Malaysia, we don't really have job opportunities here?

Sorry for my bad English.

[Robynasdf123]

@AHMADF93 There are no jobs for Audio Engineers anywhere in the world. It's no longer possible to make a living at it. It's now a hobby.

[locoj13]

hey i have been a sound tec. well a sound engineer for about 5 yrs already i have set up couple sound systems 4 churches and ect. i have set up speakers amps processors mixers Eq and other things i was wondering were can i get more experience i am desperate of knowing more i love dealing with sound

[lodgesound]

Interesting this...................as stated earlier in these threads in reality there is no such job as a sound engineer just as there are no such jobs as radio dj's, television presenters, rock stars or film directors.

Jobs in all of these professions are just aquired through no direct or indirect route with a great deal of luck or crawling - I'm afraid it has very little to do with talent.

[readerwriter]

Will you recruit them if they make a very boring 61/2 min video containing nothing but white text and a bad loop. Sorry guys this is very informative but please give some thought to how you present stuff.

[stephanemeer]

Hello,

I knew a few long term sound engineers in music recording studios, but I think this time is over. Now, all young engineers are free lances only. It's different in the TV world, because you can find long term employment for a TV studio that runs long term TV shows, like news, series, documentaries, etc. It's just a complete different job from mixing music. You will never see a musician or an orchestra. But it's a much more durable profession, and better for a family guy.

[mattg082]

@stephanemeer I agree completely, I'm self taught over 14 years and have a nice freelance studio at home with api,neve,apogee gear ect. I make money doing it at home and it's not something that always works. However, I found this out early and got my degree in mass communications and worked at a tv studio for 4 years while in college and made connections. Mass media production is where it at for a real job! You have to do a bit of everything, but you will have the occasional cool audio job.

[Biake22]

Are there jobs for people with a degree in audio engineering? I am thinking of majoring in sound recording tech at Umass Lowell. Do companies hire engineers for long term? Or is it generally from project to project?

[hottergirl01]

sounds like some good general guidelines to being a good person, not necessarily a good audio engineer, although these rules go without saying in that world as well.

[intervalkid]

Customer service seems to be priority. Good thing I'm natural with the right attitude.

It's true. You yield much better performances if the musicians are comfortable and loose. Nonetheless engineering skills are needed. I'm sure the man is betting on training you in the finer points.

[Stoned1Guitarist]

This is how i started, i worked without salary for 6months but during that period i learned the most i met people and made friends who were as passionate about music as i was.

Soon enough we did a partnership and set up our own studio and started producing Electronic music now my company earns more than $50,000 a month and this is just a figure, the pleasure i get working, it cannot be calculated in the form of money.

Music is in my DNA, so if you love music. Close your eyes and GO For IT!

[Jasonssj]

@Stoned1Guitarist where did you find these people that are passionate about music. I have met many people who claimed they where passionate, but when it came down to taking action they got lazy.

[Stoned1Guitarist]

I agree that there are no advertisements for Jobs, but if there aren't advertisement that doesn't mean there are no jobs! From radios to Hollywood from games to even you tube, sound plays a dominant part.

Here's the catch, Do the course from a place where they give you placements or internship. Do it even if don't get paid, even a street hooker earns money, if sound is what you love go for it.

1 thing, they say even if you wanna be a barber then b the best in the world or don't even try for it.

[Jasonssj]

Studios only care if you can bring them money. Then they will hire you or just keep you on as a freelance. So you are not only a sound engineer, you have to become a sales guy to. So it is like you are woking 16 hours a day and killing yourself at the same time. No family. No kids. No exercise. No medical. Sounds good right?

[DamianCarbenell]

wow roby, a little jaded are we? If you failed, dont bring down everybody else who has hope. Just get up and try again.

[banzostrummer]

@DamianCarbenell It is not about failing or succeding Roby is right There are zero jobs advertised for sound engineers It is all about networking No right friends no job! If you wanna pay lot of money to get an useless degree in sound engineering you are free to do it Just be aware, that you're not gonna find any job do it!

[Robynasdf123]

There are zero jobs for recording or sound engineers. Not one, Nada, Zero, Zip. Save yourself the grief.

The only way you can survive as a sound engineer is to have a trust fund from your Mommy to live from. Sound engineers and recording engineers are now broke and unemployed.

[scorchedsound]

Maybe if you're a shitty engineer and have no grasp of what you're doing.  Alot of people out there I get the impression that they may know which buttons to press, but not know why.

[Robynasdf123]

Google "Sound Engineer Wanted" or "Recording Engineer Needed" and see how many jobs you can find. . .

[kwd007]

There's a lot of truth in what your saying robynasdf123...I considered attending Fullsail but after speaking a few students that attended and now are doing warehouse work and one works at guitar center trying to pay off that 70k + student loan. I did some deep researching. I do however like The recording connection's approach to training,but I found a studio that will train me...I just pay for hrs just as an artist or band would. You have to be really good and network.

[kwd007]

After I spoke with the owner of the studio, I wasn't discouraged he just gave me a different perspective and approach to succeed in this business.He did say what a lot of the schools are selling is bs and false hopes. But you can still find success as an owner of your own studio or freelancer through some of the successful people you may meet ,A lot the big recording studio are busted and out of business, Now smaller more suburban studio's are popping up. But whatever you do don't give up!

[Intentspunk19]

then why is there still sound on shows, movies, music, and live recording.

[guacanagari]

I'm ready, I need a chance.

[MrMarxigor]

Yes!!! Good attitude!!! Good luck to you!!!

[sk8tsdd]

Is being a Audio Engineer Hard?

Cause im thinkin about what i should go to College for and this is One thing i want to do

[stephanemeer]

Well, difficult question.

It is a job that requires passion. This is not a secure job, it is something that you have to prove on a daily basis, exactly like an artist needs to convince stage after stage, cd after cd.

This means Yes, this is hard and unsure, BUT on the other hand we need a lot of them in the industry. Hence this is a possible job, even if not all candidates are successful, like not every one can be a doctor ,a surgeon or a successful politician.

[AppA]

It's easy and mentally rewarding to live for it, once you see the beauty which is hidden in the vibrations that you (most of the time) can't even see.

Learning and doing new things everyday is certainly an adventure for those who are passionate about sound to the level of worshiping it.

Making things possible for musicians or other artists which make their eyes water is a joy not easily to be forgotten.

Yes, it IS easy to live for it, which sadly can't be said about making a living out of it!

[sangsaratrip]

@sk8tsdd Don't waste your time. If you wanna learn about audio, experiment. If you are going to school, go to school for something that can actually give you a job. Look at all the famous sound guys, they didn't go to school for "audio engineering." Don't believe all this hype and passion crap. There are no jobs in the audio field and they will continue to diminish as home recording studios become more prevalent.

[sk8tsdd]

@sangsaratrip Are u serious or just kiddin me right now??

[sangsaratrip]

@sk8tsdd I being totally serious. You're better of getting a degree in Music or Art, and look at all the work they get. Anyways, yea, trying to help you out so you don't waste your time and money. If it truly interest you, read books on it, scour the internet on techniques, experiment. An employer could care less if you have a degree in audio, they are looking for experience. I wouldn't be going out of my way to tell you this for nothing.

[dinakama]

thanks 4 this vid

[simonbjr18]

Well, engineering is not just making beats... it's the art of working with people.

But do this for a living, is not the best idea...

These are not bad tips at all.

If you ask me... I recommend to do it for your self (first) at your own studio. you know... record local bands, or do instrumental musics for singers. And learn the basics, how to treat with different kinds of people.

And yes, it's very hard to get a job in a pro recording studio.

So... don't give up, do it for your self

[ArseRamp233]

good tips

[TheGeekTimer]

That s scaring, but i m gettin used to this, i still wanna be a sound engineer, i try to do my best before to start a school, including learning english . . .

[Robynasdf123]

This is BS. There are ZERO jobs in recording engineering. There is not ONE job for a recording engineer. All the studios that recorded your favorite albums have gone bust. Forget it. It is completely impossible to make a living at recording engineering.  Flip burgers at McDonalds instead, you will make way more money.

[asecretninja]

And with everyone doing thier own home recording nowadays its really almost impossible to get a job unless you start your own studio and thats going to be money out the ass

[bluecafe69]

1) What do you do for a living? 2) Do you think Audio Engineers are limited to working in music production? ... Music is only one kind of audio. 3) Do you think Audio Engineers must be hired by a recording studio to make money? 4) Audio Engineers can work from home. They can set up their own studios and become entrepreneurs. 5)They can work in television, movies and radio. Anywhere that requires an audio expert.

I don't think you get it.

[TheRealityBeatz]

if you focus on your goals and you never second guess you will achieve.

[haynesmachine]

I totally agree with all of that, everything you say about having the right attitude etc is true. I truely believe that I have all of the traits you have mentioned and maybe even some talent to go with them or at least a quiet confidence when it comes to music composition, HOWEVER it has been my dream to become a sound engineer/producer for my entire life and at 33 can honestly say that I have tried every avenue there is, and am ready to give up the dream because all you really need is LUCK.

[MusicalTales]

I'm really, sincerely sorry to admit that I agree with you. There IS a part of luck.

Find some comfort in the thought that each time I failed in my life it bounced back another way for the better. May be you will find your way, and it will be even MORE exciting than the sound engineer's life.

[haynesmachine]

Thanks for the kind words, I know I sound bitter. Though I do wish any young person with this dream all the best and sincerely hope they achieve it.

Plan B for me is to better my home studio for the purpose of hopefully composing music/beats etc for use in film, commercials etc and affordable demo's/EP's for young bands... unfortunately the other problem 'we all' face is how incredibly expensive and almost unattainable, high quality pro audio gear is for the average joe.... but thats life.

[bryjab42]

excuse me hi. what do you mean luck? how much does somebody have to kiss ass to become a recording engineer? because if thats what ya mean by luck fuck that and fuck you. i make better beats then your whole crew on fuckin fruity loops. bitch. fuck a recording engineers life.

[guitarheroa7x]

lol fuck a engineers life he will probs earn more then u will ever earn in your life so fuck you sir

[bryjab42]

hi, im confused.. what do you mean by Luck? i dont get it if you have the talent and know the equipment, social skills etc.. where does LUCK drop in here? how did not having LUCK stop you?wtf?

[haynesmachine]

ever heard the term 'right place at the right time' or 'its not what you know, its who you know', the reality is that lots and lots of people have talent, skills, knowledge etc, more than there are jobs to go around, so its the lucky ones that get the good jobs. you might think your beats rule, but the truth is that there's thousands like you and only a fraction will make a living from it, these days wanting to be an engineer/producer in a top studio is the same as wanting to be a rock star.

[stephanemeer]

Life sucks! I know.

My purpose here is to say things like they are, for I believe that if you are prepared, you have a better chance of reaching your goal. I believe that it's about a glass being either half empty or half full depending on your perspective.

I just wish this video helps some young professional from being discarded without understanding what the real game is about.

I'm sorry that it's so hard ball, I just try to say the truth. Good luck to you all. Stef

[1062venturesfan]

@stephanemeer Right you are! One thing I think alot of people miss in the audio engineering field is that we are the servant of the client. They are the boss, they hired us or the company we work for. There are alot of proud arogant know it alls out there. Above we should seek to meet the needs of the client in the studio or onstage. If they are happy we should be.

[theflipking]

@stephanemeer Well I know this video might be a little out dated, but that's al right.

Well, I just want to share my opinion with you. Sure, life is hard. And from conversations I had with sound-Engineers I realise it is a tough field in employment. But that exactly is what I am looking forward to.

Not wanting to talk about myself but, if I can show my employers that I can cope with a situation and still illuminate a professional image, then they would be impressed right?

[theflipking]

@stephanemeer Thanks for a very helpful video!

[GOAV81]

I think this focous on, "attitude," is just nonsense. Probably is true but un warrented. My true attitude could end me up in prison or a psyc ward but has nothing to do with what I can do and do on a daily basis. Life in general is an act, when there is people around that have the power to make and break you. Please replace the necessity of one's attitude with one's act-tions in order to make it in any industry. Just humor me please!

[AkilisMusic]

this is just scary, makes me not want to be an audio engineer anymore lol

[TheJungleCook]

Yeah the backdrop and everything was horror-stricken. Eeeksh.

[NeutronStarMusic]

This is all absolutely true. There is so much more to being a good professional than simply being technically gifted.

Fitting in with the team and being patient and courteous with the clients is essential in order to make a success of your career.

Take the opportunity to look carefully at yourself in order to become the kind of person who will be seen as an asset to the company. Shape yourself into the kind of employee who would impress YOU if you were the boss !