Any sound engineers?

[JMaster]

I've always wanted to work with some type of sound or music production. What would I have to do, such as jobs or schools that would help me become a sound engineer someday?

 

[Legendary]

I believe they're called audiophiles.

 

[JMaster]

Ok, so what would I need to do to become an audiophile?

 

[AreaCode707]

The community college in my area offers some basic hands on classes. That might be a way to get you started. You need both technical knowledge and "an ear" in order to run sound.

 

[43st]

Originally posted by: JMaster
I've always wanted to work with some type of sound or music production. What would I have to do, such as jobs or schools that would help me become a sound engineer someday?

You actually had it right the first time. An audiophile isn't a profession per say, it's more a hobby I believe.

There are many aspects to this field and you're going to have to figure out which direction you want to go. Pick up a copy of the Yamaha Sound Reinforcement Handbook and read it. Go to some local theaters in your town and volunteer to assist in sound work. Try to get on the call list for some local road houses also, this is really the only way into the live sound industry. I did this in college while majoring in Theater.

I currently work with a bunch of people from different audio backgrounds and I'd say the theatre route is the best bet. Some folks started by interning at studios but they really have a limited background, in my opinion. It all really depends on how deep you want to go. You can be anywhere between stagehand and electrical engineering, quite a broad field.

PM me your email if you want to talk about this more. I'm a project engineer for an installation audio company. I don't mix anymore but I may be able to answer whatever questions you may have.

 

[Stealth1024]

I've done live sound reinforcement for about 7 years now and have done theater, bands, church, etc. Now I have gone from operating to mostly system design and training.

It takes a good ear I'd say but the ability to comprehend signal flow, the physics of sound, etc.

For example, here's a diagram I scanned of the sound system of the high school I used to go to. http://www.sbyers.com/images/auditorium.jpg

Simple by many standards but complex enough when you're mixing FOH, Monitors, and Recording all at the same time that you really need to know what you're doing! lol.

 

[Stealth1024]

By the way I've done a little but of post-producted mastering of multitrack recordings with computer based software... this takes even more of an ear...

 

[JMaster]

Thanks, I sent both of you guys PM's.

 

[thomsbrain]

i did a big long report on this when i was a sophmore in high school. i interviewed three recording engineers, and they all said the best thing you can do is beg for an internship somewhere and get experience. they said schooling doesn't count for crap in the real world, and that almost any amount of experience takes precidence over school.

 

[Shockwave]

Clicky

Go there, register and post in General section. ALOT of engineers / designers / audiophiles. If you really want to get a idea of whats out there, go ask the people doing it every day.