Audio recording and engineering is a complex and multi-faceted field. It requires both technical expertise and artistic sensibility, and there are quite a few things to keep in mind when entering this profession. 120 decibels of noise from a concert may cause hearing loss in only 7 1/2 minutes if you sit in front of the speakers, so when you work in this field, be mindful of audio's impact on your own and others' health.

Think About the Style and Aesthetic of the Recording

Audio recording engineers must also take into account the aesthetics of sound. When working with artists, audio engineers must remember the importance of aesthetics in their work. This includes how the resulting sound will be perceived by the listener.

Unlike photography, where you can crop a picture to improve its composition, you can't do that with sound. The engineer has to be sure that the mic placement, EQ, and other effects work together to produce a pleasing result.

Consider the Type of Recording

Another consideration is how one will use an audio recording. For example, if you're recording a band in a club, you'll want to capture the ambiance of the room. But if you're recording a voice-over for a commercial, you'll need to make sure the sound is clear and concise.

Volume Levels in the Studio

You should make sure to take into account how loud the audio needs to be in the final mix during the time of recording. If you know that you want a louder album, you want to be sure that you're recording at the right volume to ensure you don't have to do any extra takes or rerecord anything, which can end up costing you time and potentially losing you business. If you mess up a recording, your clients won't be happy with you and may not come back to work with you again.

Get the Right Education

Audio Recording engineers can get formal training and experience through an audio engineering school. They usually need a bachelor's degree in music, sound recording or a related subject and must join associations such as the Audio Engineering Society (AES) to be recognized as a professional.

The bottom line is that audio engineering requires both technical expertise and artistic sensibility. So if you're interested in this field, know that you're signing up for a lot of responsibility -- but also for a lot of creativity and long-term potential. Audio recording is a great way to capture a moment in time. Musicians and audio engineers must take into account the many factors that go into making a great recording.