Musicians and singers rely on technicians to produce high-quality studio recordings.

A music recording technician operates the soundboard and other electrical equipment required to make a recording. The technician works closely with recording artists before, during, and after tapings to produce sound recordings that meet the goals of the artists.

Recording technicians oversee all recording procedures and operate the studio equipment. The different audio controls they use create various sounds. During the recording they select and position microphones and instruments. They organize and execute overdubs (additions to the basic recording) and determine levels and balances for the final mix (when all instruments and other sounds are combined). Finally, they assemble the finished mixes in the proper order for release. In certain studios the technician must also know how to repair the equipment when it malfunctions.

Recording technicians must keep up with the latest electronic and recording technology. High-tech developments in the industry include synthesizers, sequencers, computers, automated mixing consoles, and digital recording.

A college or technical school background in sound engineering or recording technology is helpful, but not necessary, for most technician jobs. Courses in computer literacy are recommended to help students learn how to use computerized music production equipment. Many recording engineers start in entry-level positions at a studio and then get on-the-job training in apprenticeship positions.

See Also

Compact Disc, Dvd, and Mp3 Technology; Sound.

Bibliography

Field, Shelly. Career Opportunities in the Music Industry, 3rd ed. New York: Facts on File, Inc., 1995.

Greenwald, Ted. Careers without College: Music. Princeton, NJ: Peterson's, 1992.