Audio Engineer is also known as Recording Engineer is the professional responsible for capturing, recording, copying, editing, mixing and reproducing sound using advanced electronic and mechanical devices.
India can boast of one of the biggest entertainment industry - including both Audio and Visual - in the world. With its self-claimed headquarter at Mumbai which is also known as Mayanagri or Bollywood in Indian parlance. If visuals are considered as the body of the entertainment industry then the sound is considered as its soul.
Job profile of an audio engineer involves both pre-production and post-production tasks. From the first successful recording and reproduction attempt in 1877 by Thomas Edison the recording industry has advanced a lot and has become an integral part of practically every human being’s life irrespective of his place of origin or social/demographical background. With the advancement in the technology, audio engineers are able to record even the slightest sound variations. Their experience and ability help them to make us hear the final music in songs, advertisements and other audio-visual entertainment media.
With music’s immense appeal to the masses, audio engineering has become the most popular and promising career in the modern generation that offers immense opportunity in the field of film, video production, sound broadcasting and advertising both in India and abroad. The recent addition of VJ’s and DJ’s has worked like wings for this field of music industry.
To be good in this field, a lot of commitment and interest is required. Like any other conventional profession, this profession to demands a lot of hard work and sincerity.
Audio Engineer Eligibility
Educational Qualification
Though no specific educational qualification is required to be an audio engineer yet basic qualification of 10+2 with Maths and Physics as main subjects are considered as good to have professional courses in this field.
Age Limits
No age bar is there to join a course in audio engineering, however, younger aspirants up to the age of 18 years are preferred.
Audio Engineer Required Skills
- Sound Engineers need a good knowledge of music and recording technology with a science background will help in understanding the dynamics involving physics and electronics.
- They should also be up to date with changes in audio technology and equipment throughout the career.
- They should have good problem-solving skills and enjoy working on the recording process from start to finish.
- Sound Engineer must have patience, a high level of concentration and committed to keeping up-to-date with advances in audio technology.
- Applicants also possess good communication and interpersonal skills, to work in a team, offer ideas and take on board other people's requirements and expectations.
- They also possess spoken communication skills which are important during face-to-face meetings among the parties both before during and after the live concert.
- A sound engineer should have the manual dexterity to manipulate knobs, switches and sliders with split-second timing.
How to become an Audio Engineer?
To become an audio engineer one has to follow the given steps:
Step 1
After passing plus two one may go for various certificate/diploma or degree courses in audio engineering, sound recording and sound engineering offered by various institutes throughout the country. However, some reputed institutes with limited seats may take an aptitude test before granting admission to their institutions.
Step 2
After completion of his/her graduation in the relevant field, one can join the field of movies, television, advertising and broadcasting, live concerts, multimedia organisations, CD production, schools and so on to get some on the job experience. There are also many opportunities for self-employment in the form of holding private classes or starting an institution.
Institutes offering Courses for Sound Engineer
- Film and Television Institute of India, Pune
- Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata
- Whistling Woods International School of Media and Communication (WWI), Mumbai
- Asian Academy of Film and Television, Noida
- SAE Institute, Chennai
Audio Engineer Job Description
The main duties of the audio engineer are:
- They follow the instructions and details given by directors, producers etc.
- They also set up and test the sound instruments before the events, broadcasts or recordings.
- They record, edit and mix the audio tracks (instruments, vocals etc.).
Audio Engineer Career Prospects
- Audio Engineer has an immense opportunity in the field of film, video production, sound broadcasting and advertising both in India and abroad.
- They can also start as an assistant in a recording studio where you will do basic routine jobs.
- Applicants also get the chance to learn how to use studio equipment and assist in recording sessions.
- They can also go for further qualifications such as professional diplomas in audio recording or sound studio management abroad.
- Sound Engineers can work fulltime for a recording studio or be self-employed and work on short-term freelance contracts.
- They could specialise in areas like mastering or could become a producer after building a reputation with a number of clients. You can also choose to start your own recording studio.
Audio Engineer Salary
A fresh sound engineer can expect to get anywhere near Rs.25,000 to Rs.30,000 to start with and with little experience and on job skills can get as high as Rs.1,00,000 and even more than that. And after gaining name and fame they can an earn lakhs of rupees; sometimes they are also paid as per the ratio of assignments. Therefore, audio engineers’ salary is dependent on their experience and fame.
