DARK HORSE INSTITUTE DHI - SCHOOL OF AUDIO ENGINEERING AND MUSIC PRODUCTION
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DHI
DARK HORSE INSTITUTE
School of Audio Engineering
and Music Production
4
Get The Competitive Edge!
Reasons
To Study With Us
1. You will be learning in Nashville
One of the most important music centers in the World.
2. Classes are taught in a real working studio
Recording today’s hit records IS our business.
3. Our instructors are successful engineers
Who record major label projects day in and day out.
4. 100% hands-on instruction in our studios
14 weeks of total immersion.
What You Really
Need to Know
In our focused 14-week program, we GET TO THE POINT. We don’t spend a lot of
time talking about the history of microphones or music theory. We concentrate on the
essential elements and core concepts of what you really need to know in order to start
a career in music production. You will be trained on professional gear that is currently
being used today to create chart-topping records. We do not use “student” equip-
ment. You will learn how to set up complex recording sessions and record in a variety
of settings, using state-of-the-art consoles, mics and outboard gear.
Everything we do
one goal career
is aimed at you for a
prepare
to
in the recording industry.
You’ll Be Learning in the same studios
Biggest
GOLD
where some of the Amy Grant - Behind The Eyes
Trace Adkins - Big Time Matchbox twenty
Michael W. Smith - Healing Rain Taylor Swift
Alison Krauss - So Long So Wrong
North
Jaci Velasquez - Jaci Velasquez 5 Million Sold Entered Billboard
Relient K - MMHMM and Counting Top 200 at #1
Tim McGraw - Southern Voice
selling albums in the world
were
PLATINUM
Neil Diamond - Tennessee Moon
Jaci Velasquez - Heavenly Place
recorded
Eli Young Band - Life At Best
Trace Adkins - Dreamin’ Out Loud
Montgomery Gentry - Tattoos & Scars keith Urban Hunter hayes
Terri Clark - How I Feel Defying Gravity Encore
Keith Urban - Defying Gravity Album to be released
Martina McBride - Wild Angels
Platinum!
Summer 2013
PLATINUM X 3
(3 Million Sold)
Big & Rich - Horse Of A Different Color
PLATINUM X 4
(4 Million Sold) RELIeNT K
Tim McGraw
Faith Hill - It Matters To Me MMHMM
Southern Voice
Gold
#1 Billboard Album
PLATINUM X 5
(5 Million Sold)
Taylor Swift - Taylor Swift
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Weeks 7 - 9
Weeks 1 - 2 Pro Tools
Introduction to Recording For you to succeed as an audio engineer, it is essential that you master the “industry standard” Pro Tools. By week 7
Our audio engineering program teaches the essentials that EVERY engineer needs to be competent, starting with topics you will be immersed into the world of Pro Tools and begin learning all the tips and tricks that the professionals use on a
such as: Understanding Sound, Console Signal Flow, Types of Microphones, Near-Field Monitors, and Basic Music daily basis. You will learn how to set up the hardware, configuring the software, the various editing modes, the automa-
Theory. Also, in this first course we are going to teach you the “need to knows” of audio connections, soldering, trouble tion modes and the importance of file management. Also in this course you will be getting first hand knowledge of the
shooting and studio maintenance. Finally, this section will introduce you to the role of the assistant engineer and his/her “industry standard” plug-ins like Beat Detective, Elastic Audio, Auto-Tune, Melodyne and others. We will show you first
role in the recording process. hand how the professionals integrate them into their workflow. We will not only show you how to use these programs, but
we will spend countless hours with hands-on instruction.
Weeks 3 - 4
Analog Recording Week 10
With a good foundation from weeks 1 & 2, this part of the audio engineering program will focus on analog recording Business and Leadership
and equipment. We will cover such topics as critical listening, analog tape machines, analog alignment, compression, Week 10 will focus on the music business and how it relates to becoming a successful recording engineer. This course
equalization and many different types of outboard gear. You will also start learning the fundamentals of microphone includes studio etiquette, client services and becoming an independent contractor, which covers invoicing, taxes and
placement, (hands-on in the studio), and what it takes to get world-class sounds with various hands-on recording labs. scheduling. In our continuing lecture series, we will also cover life skills - the management of personal affairs. This course
Towards the end of this course we will go over analog mixing and Neve Flying Fader console automation systems. includes time management, discipline, responsibility and long term vision.
Weeks 5 - 6 Weeks 11 - 14
Digital Recording Studio Recording
With a solid grasp of signal flow and gain staging under your belt, you will now tackle the fundamentals of Digital Weeks 11 through 14 bring your educational experience full circle, as you continue the process of recording this album
Recording. You will begin learning the ins and outs of various digital machines like the Otari Radar II and Pro Tools HD. from beginning to end. You will be tracking the drums, acoustic and electric guitars, bass, keys, as well as all the other
You will also learn the basics of the Apple Computer and how to properly maintain the computer. Weeks 5 and 6 are instruments. You’ll be engineering the vocal overdubs and lead solos. You’ll be mixing all the songs, finally master the
designed to insure that you move forward with additional topics such as: various types of digital formats and sample project and deliver the band a final product. You’ll be doing all this on the same gear that is used to record some of the
rates, the fundamentals of Work Clock and how to transfer audio from various digital formats. biggest selling albums in the world.
Our Campus your experience
The Factory at Franklin is positioned
to become the new entertainment
mecca of the south, complete
with motion picture sound stages,
television studios and recording
facilities. We are thrilled to be part The best
of this historic location which boasts
an eclectic variety of shopping,
way to learn,
dining and amusement opportunities. is to surround yourself in
Audio studies and labs at the Factory an environment that
will be enhanced with multiple trips
to Dark Horse Recording (the
inspires creativity.
birthplace of DHI), for workshops,
recording sessions and industry
networking opportunities.
OUR HISTORY Our Mission at
Dark Horse Institute
Dark Horse Institute is a dream realized. It’s been an extraordinary
“To provide an extraordinary educational experience
journey from RCA recording artist to entrepreneur, from best-selling to each student through hands on training, experiential
author to CEO. But all those experiences were simply a precursor to learning and character building.”
creating this school, which I believe offers the most comprehensive
audio engineering program in the country.
Nineteen years ago, Dark Horse Recording began as a dream that I had
to create a refuge where recording artists, producers, and engineers could
escape from their day-to-day distractions and focus on the creative
process of recording. Since opening our doors in 1994, Dark Horse has
attracted some of the world’s most successful and famous artists such
as Taylor Swift, Matchbox Twenty, Jewel, Tim McGraw, Ashley Judd,
Keith Urban, Neil Diamond, Alison Kraus and many others.
Then I founded Dark Horse Institute. As a veteran in the entertainment
industry, I knew traditional teaching models wouldn’t properly equip
our students for a recording career in such a competitive industry. So
we made a commitment to provide them with a hands-on, real-world,
full-immersion learning experience that would give them a competitive
edge. I hope you will join us, and jumpstart your career as a successful
audio engineer.
Caroline Trbovich Colin Heldt Troy Hepler
Institutional Director Director of Technology/ Operations Manager
Instructor
MEET OUR
Before joining Dark Horse as school Director, Carolan worked at
The Art Institute Nashville as admissions director. Prior to a role
in education management, her career spanned 30 years in the
entertainment industry in multiple roles for EMI and Warner
Brothers Nashville labels, the film industry in LA and PR for
Colin graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a
Bachelor’s Degree in Audio Production and Technology. He began
as an intern at Dark Horse Recording and for the past six years has
been a full time Staff Engineer. During his time with Dark Horse
Recording, Colin has worked with Tim McGraw, Wynonna Judd,
Troy graduated from Full Sail University with a Bachelor’s Degree in
Recording Arts. He worked for Cirque du Soleil conductor, Benoit
Glazer, as video editor/assistant. After graduation, Troy moved to
Nashville to intern with Dark Horse Recording. Troy has worked with
Frank Turner, Matthew West, Mark Schultz, Victor Wooten,
S TA F F
Broadway in New York. OneRepublic, Emery, Michael W. Smith and many others. Eli Young Band, John Oates, The Jersey Boys and many others.
Dave Hagen Jason Mott Tony Bostic Charlee Lakoduk
Instructor/Staff Engineer Instructor/Staff Engineer Admissions Admissions
Dave graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor’s Jason is a Full Sail University graduate with an Associates Degree Tony graduated from Cedarville University with a Bachelor’s Degree Charlee’s passion for the technical side of recording others brought
Degree in Audio/ Electronic Arts. He interned at Dark Horse in Recording Arts. He has worked with Metallica, Johnny Cash, in Electronic Media Management & Sales and is a graduate of Dark her to Dark Horse Institute from North Dakota. As a graduate of the
Recording, became an assistant to producer Mark Lee Townsend Faith Hill, Usher, Rihanna, Slayer, Sean Lennon, Shooter Jennings, Horse Institute. He has worked as a choir director, vocal producer, program, Charlee is in a great role to assist new students through
and worked with bands on Sony, Capitol, Gotee, and Tooth and Nail. Ani DiFranco and Bozs II Men, as well as films and T.V. shows such vocal coach, and guest worship leader. As an intern at Dark Horse the admissions process. She also works on independent projects,
Dave became a staff engineer in 2011 and has worked with Ashley as, Desperate Housewives, Shameless, The Life and Times of Tim, Recording, he was an assistant engineer for groups such as The using her flair for vocal tuning to help others get the best sound out
Judd, OneRepublic, Relient K, Matthew West and many others. Gigli and various shows for Disney. Jersey Boys and For King & Country. of their recordings.
YO U WILL LEARN • The different types of microphones, from condenser, dynamic, tube, ribbon and which ones to use for a specific sound. • How to handle signal routing and patching. • How to use compression, EQ and digital effects. • How to align an analog tape machine. • How to synchronize a 24 track machine to Pro Tools HD. • The fundamentals of digital audio. • Transferring between different digital platforms. • How to record various instruments and achieve quality sounds. • How to set up complex tracking sessions. • How to use the industry-standard software – Pro Tools HD. • How to use software plug-ins including Auto-Tune, Melodyne, Elastic Audio and Beat Detective. • Soldering and studio repairs. • Working with MIDI. • The role of the 2nd engineer and assisting on sessions. • The business of engineering. • Advanced editing techniques. • How to record a real project from beginning to end.
D H I G R A D U AT E S
Dark Horse Institute is great because everybody gets their opportunity to work and do a mix the way
“Within the first week here we were setting up for a string recording session with expensive micro- they think sounds good, while working one-on-one with each piece of gear. My favorite part about
phones that I had only dreamed about getting my hands on! The people that were recording that this experience so far has just been learning how to mix and record on a large format console in a
night had come from recording a Jason Mraz session. When I heard that, it was kind of like, WOW! real-life recording studio every day. Many of Nashville’s biggest artists have recorded here. It’s great
Networking in this industry is crucial, and the networking opportunities this program has offered that we are getting to experience something of that magnitude.”
have proved invaluable to me. The hands-on experiences and one-on-one contact with teachers DHI Graduate Max Moon, Cincinnati, OH
make this program great.”
DHI Graduate Andy Hill, Oaso, OK
“I don’t believe I could have learned as much as I did as fast as I did at any other place than Dark
“Dark Horse Institute is a wonderful place for students to begin in the world of recording. The Horse Institute. Being able to track live recording artists in an actual studio really broadened my
studio allows us, the students, the opportunity to learn in the real world environment within a experience and level of engineering.”
studio and meet the pros inside the classroom.” DHI Graduate Justin Mickles, Omaha, NE
DHI Graduate Tia Gebhard, Manheinm, PA
“Being able to come in here on the first day, work on the mixing board and with Pro-Tools was awe- “Spending 14 weeks going to Dark Horse Institute has been an eye opening experience into the
some! By day two we were sitting in and observing session musicians recording in a real studio. It’s music industry. I have gained the knowledge and experience to further my career in the industry
a priceless experience seeing professional recording artist and producers who are actually on a time from hands-on training and how-to instruction from engineers that work day in and day out on some
schedule and have a budget, do what they do in such a professional setting. In other words, we’re of today’s top selling artists and albums. From all the research I have done prior to coming here,
seeing how this business actually operates on a daily basis, from the inside out. We’re also getting
and now going through the program, I can say without a doubt there is not another program like it.”
to observe first hand, the type of personality traits which make for successful engineers. The whole
DHI Graduate Chris Oswald, Nashville, TN
experience simply exceeded my expectations.”
DHI Graduate Taylor Bauerle, DeLand, FLSTUDENT SERVICES CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Dark Horse Recording Contact List… Live Music Engineer TV/video scoring engineer
Career Development Assistance is pleased to offer our graduates a unique listing of Dark Horse Recording’s professional contacts which
Concerts Background music
we have cultivated over many years. This list includes many personal relationships we have with recording studios, record labels, produc-
tion companies, performance halls and gear manufacturers. We hope this will enhance your job search and allow you to get your foot in
Corporate Events Voice over/narration WELCOME VETERANS
Front-of-House Mixing
the door of the industry-related businesses we respect and value.
Monitor Mixer Cinema Audio
Designing your new resume and cover letter… Sound effects
Career Development Assistance is here to help you design a professional resumé and cover letter, explaining in detail the equipment and Recording Engineer Foley engineer
Music releases Dialog replacement
software you have worked with, as well as the new skills you have acquired while studying in our studios.
Advertising
Industry-related Opportunities Board Soundtracks Manufacturer’s specialist
Career Development Assistance networks with many music and audio industry businesses that are happy to send us job openings they Record Producer Product rep
Dark Horse Institute is proud to offer a unique
Product specialist
are looking to fill within their companies. As these opportunities come to us, they will be posted on our Opportunities Board and open to audio engineering program to our Veterans.
Game Audio Designer
any student who wishes to apply. Should you see a position that catches your attention, please let Career Development Assistance know you You will find that the disciplines you have
Video games Environmental sound design
wish to apply. We will set up a time for you to be interviewed. learned while serving are traits that will help
Apps Malls
you take your career to the next level. Set up
Churches
Pre-interview session Radio Production Airports
a time to visit with us, tour the studios and
Prior to your interview, you may meet with Career Development Assistance to help you better prepare. Interviewing etiquette, such as sit in on a class. Find out how we can assist
Location remotes Public spaces
posture, vocal intonation and eye contact will be reviewed. Typical interviewing questions will be posed to you so you can become famil- you in attaining your educational needs in our
Live radio
iar with what questions may be asked and have answers in mind that will represent you well. 14-week audio-focused program. In addition,
Live stage/theater sound
Career Services will provide portfolio review,
Corporate media tech Musicals
Follow-up to the interview Hotels Drama
internships, and employment assistance.
Follow-up skills after your interview are just as important as the preparation for the interview itself. Career Development Assistance can Conference centers Lectures
help you create a follow-up campaign that will keep you in the forefront of your interviewer’s mind. There is a lot of competition out Boardrooms
there. Let us help you rise to the top and stand out from the crowd.When we say “hands-on,” Digidesign Sync I/O
37” LCD Display or 22” LED Display Available
(1)
(1)
Lexican PCM 80 Digital Effects Reverb
Lexicon PCM 90 Digital Reverb
MONITORING
Midfield: Genelec 1031A
(4)
(2)
DBX 903 Compressors
DBX 904 Noise Gates
MONITORING
we mean HANDS-ON!
Mackie HR-824 Monitors
(2) Roland SRV-330 Digital Space Reverbs Nearfield: Yamaha NS10 (2) Empirical Labs EL8 Distressors Stereo Cue System
MONITORING (4) Vintech Audio X-81 Mic Pre/EQ In Wall: Genelec 1039A (1) Eventide DSP 4000 Mackie 1604 Mixer for Headphone Mixing
Check out the equipment Mackie HR 824
Yamaha NS10M (Hafler Amplification)
(1) Yamaha D1500 Digital Delays (3-way with dual 15’ woofers) (1)
(1)
PCM 91 Digital Reverb
PCM 81 Digital Reverb
PROCESSING
at your disposal... CUE SYSTEM THE LODGE AT CUE SYSTEM
Formula Sound Q-10 system
(2)
(1)
Roland SRV-330 Digital Reverb
Roland SDE-330 Digital Delay
(2) Brent Averil 1073 mic pre/eq
Formula Sound Q-8 system DARK HORSE RECORDING Crown CE1000 amplification (8)
(1)
Studio Projects 828 Mic Pre Amps
SPL Transient Designer 4
(1) DBX 160S Stereo Compressor
Crown Microtech Amplification Two separate stereo cue systems
THE CABIN AT Two separate stereo cue systems CONSOLE (Quiet, Clean, Powerful) (1) TC 2290 Digital Delay
THE FRANKLIN FACTORY (Very Quiet, Lots of Headroom) The Lodge features a 48 input Trident Series 80 (2)
(2)
Telefunken V72 Preamps
Tubetech CL-1B Compressors
MICROPHONE POOL
CONSOLE desk married to a Martin Sound ACX 24-channel MOBILE CUE SYSTEM
PROCESSING side car for a total of 72 channels of AMS / Neve (4) Mobile Cue Stations with (2) Tubetech PE-1C Equalizers AKG C-451EB Royer R122
Yes, this is the twin sister of the Trident Series (2) UA 1176 Limiting Amplifier
(6) Aphex EQF-2 Equalizer Flying Faders automation. This Trident is heavily Mackie 1604 AKG D-112 Sennheiser e835
80 desk in The Lodge - another Series 80 console (4) Vintech Audio X-81 Mic Pre/EQ
(4) Aphex CX-1 Compressor/Expander modified by Bud Wyatt: EQ, mix, summing amp, and Crown D75 Amplifier AKG 414 TLII Sennheiser MD 441-U
modified by Bud Wyatt, with many of the same
(4) API 312 Mic Pre Amps IC chip upgrades with functional modifications, e.g., Audio Technica 350 Sennheiser MD 421
modifications; EQ, mix, summing amp, IC chip
(2) Brent Averill 1073 Mic Pre/EQ solo safes, 8 auxiliary sends, nine 2-track send / PROCESSING Audio Technica 4033 Shure Beta 52
upgrades, solo safes, etc. It features a 40-input, 24
monitor and 24-bus custom external patch bay. In-
(1) Summit Dual Tube Pre-Amp returns, 24-buss, and custom external patch bay. (2) ADL 1000 Compressors THE BAREFOOT STUDIO Audio Technica 4050 Shure Beta 57
put and monitor sections can be linked for a total of
(1)
(1)
Summit EQF-100 Full Range Tube EQ
UA 1176 Limiting Amplifier AUTOMATION
(1)
(2)
Alan Smart C2 Stereo Compressor
Amek 9098 Mic Pre / EQ
DARK HORSE RECORDING Cascade Fat Head
Cascade X-15 Stereo
Shure Beta 58
Shure SM-7
64 channels during mix-down. This console has lived
(1) SPL Transient Designer 4 AMS / Neve Flying Faders (2) Amek 9098 Stereo Compressors Crown PZM Shure SM-54
all it’s pampered life in a smoke-free environment. CONSOLE
(2) Amek 9098 Mic Pre/EQ 72 channel plus Master and 3 group Faders (1) Aphex 104 Aural Exciter Electrovoice RE-20 Shure SM-57
Digidesign C|24 24 channel control surface with 16
(1) Amek 9098 Stereo Compressor (2) Aphex 662 Gates Microtech Gefell M200 Shure SM-81
AUTOMATION inputs, housed in an Argosy Series 90 Studio Desk
(2) ADL 1000 Compressor/Limiters PRO TOOLS SPECIFICATIONS (8) API 312 Preamplifiers Microtech Gefell M-70 Shure KSM-44
AMS / Neve Flying Faders
(1) Apogee AD-500 Apple Mac Pro 2.26Ghz 8 Core (4) API 550a Equalizer Microtech Gefell M-900 Shure KSM-32
40 channels plus Master Fader and one group fader PRO TOOLS SPECIFICATIONS
(1) DBX 786 2-Channel Mic-Pre Digidesign HDX System (2) API 560 Graphic Equalizer Microtech Gefell UM-92 Shure KSM-141
Apple G5 Dual 1.8 GHz
(4) DBX 903 Compressor/Limiters Total Inputs: 40 Total Outputs: 40 (1) Apogee AD-500 Tube Shure KSM-137
PRO TOOLS SPECIFICATIONS Digidesign HD2 Accel System
(2) DBX 904 Noise Gates (1) HD I/O 16 Inputs x 16 Outs (1) BBE 862 Sonic Maximizer Microtech Gefell M-71 Sony ECM-33F
Apple Mac Pro 2.26Ghz 8 Core 192 I/O for 8 Inputs and 8 Outputs
(3) DBX 902 De-Essers (2) 192 I/O 24 Inputs x 24 Outputs (4) Brent Averill 1073 mic pre / eq Neumann M-147 Tube
Digidesign HDX System 27” LCD Monitor
(1) Eventide H3000 SE Ultra Harmonizer Digidesign Sync I/O (2) Daking 52270 Mic Pre / 4-band EQ Neumann U-87
Total Inputs: 32 Total Outputs: 24 (1) Apogee AD 500 37” LCD Display or 27” LED Display Available (2) Daking 91579 Compressors Neumann M-582 Tube
(1) HD I/O 16 Inputs x 16 Outs (2) Empirical Labs EL8 Destressors (2) DBX 165a Compressors
(2) 192 I/O 16 Inputs x 8 Outputs (1) TC2290 Dynamic Digital Delay (3) DBX 902 De-essersloans
APPLICATION FEE: $250
awful truth about student Tuition: $9,750 for 14 week program
American student loan debt now exceeds credit card debt in the U.S. 3 Month Plan
Payment Installments Due Date Amount Due Interest
Roughly two-thirds of college students are graduating with an average debt 1 of 3 Due before class begins $3,250.00 0%
of about $24,000. 2 of 3 Due by the 5th week of the program $3,250.00 0%
Two out of five student loan borrowers fall behind on payments at some point in the 3 of 3 Due by the 9th week of the program $3,250.00 0%
first five years of repayment.
People in the 18 to 24-age bracket spend nearly 30% of their monthly income on
12 Month Plan
Payment Installments Due Date Amount Due Interest
school debt repayment. 1 of 12 Due before class begins $1,500 0%
Student loan debt will not be excused even if you file bankruptcy. 2 of 12 Due by the 5th week of the program $1,500 0%
3 of 12 Due by the 9th week of the program $1,500 0%
Up to 15% of your paycheck can be garnished for student loan repayment. 4 through 12 Due the first day of the calendar $599.25 / Month 6.5%
92% of undergraduates use credit cards to pay for educational expenses… month following graduation (included in payment amount)
That means students covering tuition on credit cards are paying 3-5 times 24 Month Plan
more for their education. Payment Installments Due Date Amount Due Interest
1 of 24 Due before class begins $1,500 0%
Acquiring a great education is arguably the most important thing you will ever do. It’s a time you should be 2 of 24 Due by the 5th week of the program $1,500 0%
conserving… not taking on mountains of student debt. Consider the benefits of getting your education without
3 of 24 Due by the 9th week of the program $1,500 0%
the
taking on the burden of financial aid. This is why we’re committed to offering a program that will not only give
4 through 24 Due the first day of the calendar $273.31 / Month 9.9%
you the skills you need to enter the work place, but at a price that is affordable. month following graduation (included in payment amount)in music city
you are
One degree
of separation
from the Pros!
140 record labels
Over 150 live music venues
100 recording studios
230 music publishers
150 management companies
Located on the Cumberland River, Nashville is the state capital of Tennessee
and nicknamed “Music City, USA.” The downtown area of Nashville features a
diverse assortment of entertainment, dining, cultural and architectural attractions.
50 booking agents Nashville boasts several large events such as the Nashville Film Festival, The Country
Music Marathon, the CMA Music Festival and many sporting events. Notables born in
10 top gear manufacturers Nashville include Dinah Shore, Miley Cyrus and Hank Williams. Nashville has the
highest per capita concentration of music industry related businesses in the world!Next Class Starting SOON For more information please contact us at: Dark Horse Institute 230 Franklin R., Building 14 Suite 14A Franklin, TN 37064 Telephone: (615) 791-5030 FAX: (615) 791-5800 E-mail: info@darkhorseinstitute.com www.DarkHorseInstitute.com
What it takes to be a Successful
Audio Engineer in the Music Industry
_________________________________
DARK HORSE INSTITUTE
WWW.DARKHORSEINSTITUTE.COM
If it is your goal to be an audio engineer, you certainly don’t want to be unsuccessful in
your endeavor. The music industry is very competitive, and to succeed requires many personal,
as well as technical, proficiencies. The good news is that most of these traits can be developed.
Be A Lover Of Music… All Of It.
First of all, a true love of music is necessary to sustain a difficult career in music
production. So you really love pop, rock, jazz, R&B, country, or rap? We all have our favorite
genre of music, but if you want to be a successful audio engineer, you’ll probably need to be
willing to work with, and even enjoy, all kinds of music and musicians. Over the course of your
career, you will spend countless hours working with a range of musicians: from the very bad to
the remarkably talented. A love for music and playing your part in making every project the
very best it can be is what will sustain you and make you a sought after addition to any project.
Personality Traits
Have you taken a career assessment? An audio engineer’s results might list him/her as
analytical and logical, patient, and perfectionist.
You will need to be able to take quick, logical steps to troubleshoot gear and connection
problems under occasionally intense pressure in order to keep a session flowing smoothly. If
you can imagine trying to completely rewire your home entertainment center while you pay
hundreds or thousands of dollars an hour for house guests to sit around and watch you work, then
you might have a glimpse into what an unprepared engineer’s day can feel like.
An engineer must also be patient and have a perfectionist’s spirit to truly excel as you
spend countless hours listening to and recording music, dissecting the recording techniques and
production styles that make one song a hit and another a flop. You may record the same few
measures of a song 10, 20 or even 30 times to get it right, and only those who are naturally
predisposed have the patience to work at it until it is perfect.
Be An Entrepreneur
As is the case with many career choices, successful audio engineers need to be self-
starters. From the beginning of your career, you will be making connections and working hard to
prove that you even deserve a chance at helping artists create their music. Even after you’ve
become established, you may continually be searching for new musicians to work with, and if
you are not willing to take responsibility for finding new work on a regular basis, you won’t
succeed. If you are in the unlikely position of working full time for a studio, you will still need
an entrepreneurial spirit, treating the business as if it were your own.
Be A Customer Service Champ!Music production is a service-based business. Whether you want to engineer or produce,
you must constantly work to provide not only the best product for your client, but also a great
experience. Since music is a creative product, the process and vibe you create while you make it
will play a huge part in the quality of your output. One of the great things about the music
industry is that it is full of people who are following their dreams and hope to enjoy every day
they are “at work.” That usually means they are going to hire the engineer or producer who they
want to hang out with on the weekend, but can still give them a product that sounds fantastic.
The music industry is flooded with technically proficient engineers, but without “the hang
factor” you may not be a valuable addition to the session. You must also be organized in both
the studio and the office. Keeping your files, calendar, and workspace organized is essential to
not losing track of all your clients and work.
Be Creative
It goes without saying that you have to be technically proficient, but it might be your
level of creativity that will set you apart. Are you the kind of person who thinks outside the box?
Sometimes it’s a unique and fun approach to recording a track that inspires the entire team to
push the boundaries of their genre. The Beatles’ off-the-wall approach to recording their Sgt.
Pepper’s record altered recorded music forever. New studio techniques like close-miked drums,
reversed tape effects, and running vocals through rewired rotary speakers created a new attitude
for many musicians about how music was supposed to be made and enjoyed.
Most engineers will have their own go-to techniques for recording various instruments,
but relish the opportunity, as time and budget allows, to experiment and take their time working
on interesting new options.
Be A Diplomat
As an audio engineer, you will be working with all kinds of people. On some projects,
you may have a huge impact on the way the music is recorded. On the other hand, in some
situations, you will have little to no say. You may only be doing exactly what the musicians or
producer want you to do and no more. The ability to be diplomatic and get along with all types
of personalities and fit in to any role is essential to being successful. Studio etiquette is a big part
of life in the music industry, and it’s important for each member of the team to understand
his/her role and stick to it. That way nobody will get offended or be put in any sort of awkward
situations.
Master The Basics
A few traits are requirements to being successful at anything, including audio
engineering. It could be argued that they don’t even need to be mentioned because everyone
should know how important they are. But a wise person said, don’t assume anything, so here are
a few: self-discipline, reliability and perseverance. If you endeavor to do anything important in
life, you must have these qualities. I won’t kid you, becoming a successful audio engineer is not
easy. There is a lot of competition to get the really good gigs. But someone WILL be doing
those jobs, and if you want it to be you, then these traits are non-negotiable.
Be A Learner
There is an awful lot to learn to be a successful audio engineer. It can take years to learn
and get a firm grasp on the basics, and even the best engineers are always adapting and learning
new ways to capture an exciting and emotive performance.First, it is valuable to have some music theory knowledge. Next, how are you going to
produce the best music without knowledge about a wide array of musical instruments? Of
course you will also need to keep up on all the technical aspects as well, including new
innovations in studio gear. If you are not a life-long learner, you’ll find yourself quickly out of
the loop in this industry. Be open to learning from industry pros, either in person or by reading
articles they write. Trade magazines (Mix, Tape-Op, Sound on Sound, etc…) are full of tips and
tricks, so be sure you are subscribing to at least a few. Possibly the best way in to the industry is
to find a mentor. Very few of the most successful engineers are completely self-taught because
it is vitally important to work with somebody who can help you to raise your standard of
excellence beyond the hobbyist or amateur’s level. You might be surprised that most successful
people are open to sharing their knowledge with someone who is genuinely interested in
learning, who isn’t afraid to pay some dues and jump in to help with the grunt work for a while.
Most new engineers make these connections by working as an intern in a studio. To meet the
people doing the work, you need to go where they work. If you can be helpful and prove
yourself as an asset, a client may take you on as a full-time assistant. It’s all about networking
until you find someone who is a good fit for you. Be creative and do whatever you have to do to
find a mentor.
Just Do It
Finally, it’s not what you know that is important, but what you DO. Doing audio engineering is
the best way to perfect it. Your ears are your most valuable tools, and without putting them to
the test in the real world you will never develop as an engineer. Record for your friends, for
your mom’s friends, for bad bands, anyone who can get started. Every mistake is valuable to the
new engineer because once you recognize them, you will rarely make the same one twice. When
you start out and record for a bad band, it’s alright because you won’t be very good yourself, but
the more that you record, along with having a good mentor you can learn from, you will
improve. With a stroke of luck and lots of hard work, you will perpetually hone your craft and
become a successful audio engineer. Someone is out there right now recording the next big hit
record. Do you want that to be you?
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