Advice for Beginner Engineers

audiomatic · 21st July 2009

Hi John i was wondering could you give any advice for a young engineer starting out, i have experience in recording and mixing for the last 2 years and was wondering if there are any specific areas you think a young engineer like myself should focus on learning

johnleckie · 21st July 2009

First thing is I'd aim at doing a session every day for next two years before you think of being an engineer. If you really want to engineer you got to get yourself sessions and offer to record anything and everything you can. You got to learn all areas..mics, outboard, patching, mixing, mastering, be shit hot at ProTools (no good saying 'I use Logic") know how to handle big sessions with ease (and small close ones) and most of all learn how to deal with all sorts of musicians and people who may have egos slightly larger than yours.
Try and find a band you can record and develop.
Hang around studios and let them know what a great bloke you are and hassle them for a job.
Make it an obsession and get to gigs and talk to bands, managers and record companies about possible sessions.
Learn how every piece of standard studio gear works and the best acoustic spaces in room you're working in.
Be disiplined in labeling and cable tidying.
Relax and get plenty of sleep
Hope this is of help..
Good Luck
Cheers
JL

imaginaryday · 30th July 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnleckie

First thing is I'd aim at doing a session every day for next two years before you think of being an engineer. If you really want to engineer you got to get yourself sessions and offer to record anything and everything you can. You got to learn all areas..mics, outboard, patching, mixing, mastering, be shit hot at ProTools (no good saying 'I use Logic") know how to handle big sessions with ease (and small close ones) and most of all learn how to deal with all sorts of musicians and people who may have egos slightly larger than yours.
Try and find a band you can record and develop.
Hang around studios and let them know what a great bloke you are and hassle them for a job.
Make it an obsession and get to gigs and talk to bands, managers and record companies about possible sessions.
Learn how every piece of standard studio gear works and the best acoustic spaces in room you're working in.
Be disiplined in labeling and cable tidying.
Relax and get plenty of sleep
Hope this is of help..
Good Luck
Cheers
JL

i heard a lot of answers to this very question over the years. and this reply is by far the best. honest and focused.

cheers!

razorboy · 30th July 2009

Excellent advice. Thanks

BlytheRocks · 1st August 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnleckie

be shit hot at ProTools (no good saying 'I use Logic")

This has made my night!

Cheers,
Blythe

Rednose · 17th August 2009

I printed out a copy for my Assistant, and myself.
Thanks John!

21st July 2009	#1
audiomatic Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 2 Thread Starter	Advice for Beginner Engineers Hi John i was wondering could you give any advice for a young engineer starting out, i have experience in recording and mixing for the last 2 years and was wondering if there are any specific areas you think a young engineer like myself should focus on learning Last edited by audiomatic; 27th July 2009 at 05:28 PM.. Reason: make the question more specific and simple

21st July 2009	#2
johnleckie Gear nut Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 112	Advice for Beginner Engineers First thing is I'd aim at doing a session every day for next two years before you think of being an engineer. If you really want to engineer you got to get yourself sessions and offer to record anything and everything you can. You got to learn all areas..mics, outboard, patching, mixing, mastering, be shit hot at ProTools (no good saying 'I use Logic") know how to handle big sessions with ease (and small close ones) and most of all learn how to deal with all sorts of musicians and people who may have egos slightly larger than yours. Try and find a band you can record and develop. Hang around studios and let them know what a great bloke you are and hassle them for a job. Make it an obsession and get to gigs and talk to bands, managers and record companies about possible sessions. Learn how every piece of standard studio gear works and the best acoustic spaces in room you're working in. Be disiplined in labeling and cable tidying. Relax and get plenty of sleep Hope this is of help.. Good Luck Cheers JL

17th August 2009	#6
Rednose Lives for gear Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,439	Rednose I printed out a copy for my Assistant, and myself. Thanks John!

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30th July 2009	#4
razorboy Gear addict Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Kanuckistan Posts: 429	Excellent advice. Thanks