How to become an audio engineer

Is becoming an audio engineer right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do audio engineers do?
Career Satisfaction
Are audio engineers happy with their careers?
Personality
What are audio engineers like?

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How to become an Audio Engineer

Becoming an audio engineer typically requires a combination of education, practical experience, and technical knowledge. Here are the general steps to become an audio engineer:

  • Earn a high school diploma or equivalent: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required to begin a career in audio engineering.
  • Obtain a degree or certification in audio engineering: While a degree is not always necessary, it can provide a strong foundation in audio engineering principles and technical skills. There are many colleges, universities, and technical schools that offer degree programs or certification courses in audio/sound engineering.
  • Gain practical experience: Practical experience is crucial to becoming an audio engineer. Consider internships or entry-level positions in recording studios, live events, or post-production facilities to gain hands-on experience and build your skills.
  • Develop technical skills: Audio engineers must have a deep understanding of sound and technology, as well as proficiency with digital audio workstations, recording software, and other audio equipment.
  • Build a portfolio: Creating a portfolio of your work can help showcase your skills and attract potential clients or employers.
  • Network with industry professionals: Networking can help you find job opportunities and build connections in the industry. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with other audio professionals online.
  • Stay up-to-date with industry trends and technology: Audio engineering is a constantly evolving field, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technology is crucial for success.

Certifications
Certifications can help audio engineers demonstrate their knowledge and skills to potential employers and clients, and can also provide opportunities for professional development and networking within the industry. However, it's important to note that certifications are not always necessary for a successful career in audio engineering, and practical experience and a strong portfolio can often be more important factors in securing job opportunities.

Here are some examples of certifications for audio engineers:

  • Avid Certified Operator: Pro Tools: A certification program that validates an individual's skills in using Avid's Pro Tools digital audio workstation.
  • Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) - Audio: A certification program offered by the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA) that demonstrates proficiency in audio systems design and integration.
  • Dante Certification: A certification program offered by Audinate that validates an individual's proficiency in using Dante digital audio networking technology.
  • Apple Certified Pro - Logic Pro X: A certification program offered by Apple that validates an individual's skills in using Logic Pro X, a digital audio workstation for Mac.
  • Steinberg Certified Training: A certification program offered by Steinberg that validates an individual's proficiency in using Steinberg software, including Cubase and Nuendo.

Online Resources
There are many great online resources available for audio engineers. Here are a few:

  • Sound on Sound - a popular magazine with a comprehensive online archive of articles and tutorials on all aspects of audio engineering.
  • Pro Sound Web - a website dedicated to the professional audio industry, with articles, forums, and resources for audio engineers.
  • Gearslutz - a popular online community of audio professionals where you can ask questions, get advice, and discuss gear and techniques.
  • The Recording Revolution - a website and YouTube channel run by Graham Cochrane with tutorials and advice on recording, mixing, and mastering.
  • YouTube channels like Mix With The Masters, Puremix, and Pensado's Place - all offer tutorials, interviews, and other resources for audio engineers.
  • Udemy and Coursera - both offer online courses on various aspects of audio engineering, from basic to advanced techniques.
  • Audio Engineering Society (AES) - an international professional organization dedicated to the advancement of audio technology, with a wealth of resources for members including articles, webinars, and conferences.
  • Recording.org - an online community of recording enthusiasts and professionals with forums, articles, and resources.
  • Bobby Owsinski's Music Production Blog - a blog with articles and advice on music production, recording, and mixing.
  • LinkedIn Learning - offers a variety of courses on audio engineering, taught by industry professionals.