There are four different types of engineers involved in live performances and creating Typically, the recorded performance of a musical work protected as a phonogram under copyright law.:
Concert engineers – balance and mix live performances
Recording engineers – capture the sounds
Mixing engineers – balance and mix it all together
Mastering engineers – enhance the final product
Engineer roles: Example of where different engineer roles fit into the sound recording process. Note: All roles can be performed by the same person. There is no fixed way to do this.
What does a concert engineer do?
The concert engineer sets up all microphones, instruments, wires, amplifiers, and sound effects and connects them to the mixing table and concert speakers. During A test of the musical instruments and recording equipment to ensure everything is working correctly to deliver good quality sound. the engineer balances and mixes instrumental and vocal tracks to optimize the live sound experience. During the concert, the engineer adjusts levels and sounds as required by the artist and for the best sound quality.
What does a recording engineer do?
Recording engineers work with In the context of music, a solo performer or group of performers who perform a musical work live or recorded., A person who plays a musical instrument., In the context of music, a creator playing a musical work live or on a sound recording., Sometimes called a studio producer or record producer, a person who typically helps a recording artist record a musical work. They are usually responsible for the entire recording process., and other Anyone who contributes to creating or performing a musical work, a live performance, or a sound recording. to ensure that sound is captured in the best way possible in a studio or live setting.
The recording engineer often works for or with a A specialized facility designed for producing, recording, and editing audio content, primarily music., A company that invests in, manufactures, distributes, promotes, and monetizes sound recordings on behalf of the artist. or People or entities that organize concerts and other live performance events. and will set up microphones, adjust input levels, and ensure everything is amplified or recorded perfectly.
What does a mixing engineer do?
Once the recording is done, a mixing engineer will take all the separate recorded parts and blend them to create a cohesive and balanced sound. The engineer will adjust various recorded tracks levels; The process of placing a sound to the left or right side of the stereo field. the audio, and adding effects like Short for equalization, it is an audio processing technique used in music production to adjust the frequency balance of a sound or a mix. and An audio processing technique used in recording and production to control the dynamic range, which is the difference between the loudest and quietest parts of a sound or a mix. levels, Short for reverberation, an audio effect used to add depth and dimension to sound recordings., and An audio effect that plays back duplicate of sound to create echoes or depth to create a balanced mix. When completed, this is sometimes referred to as the A term used to describe a sound recording in its final stages of audio processing and adjustments, aka mixing, before mastering..
What does a mastering engineer do?
A mastering engineer makes adjustments to enhance the final mix and prepares it for The process of delivering sound recordings to DSPs and physical retailers.. They ensure that the sound is consistent across all sections of the sound recordings that make an album, EP, or single, and for various A term used to describe different forms of audio storage available for purchase or consumption, such as CD, vinyl, cassette, or digital audio files. and that there are no issues with volume or distortion.
All four roles described above can also be accompanied by an assistant engineer who helps or specializes in certain tasks each type of engineer undertakes, such as microphone placements and setting up all equipment needed.
What rights do engineers have?
Engineers usually receive financial compensation for their work from the concert organizer, recording studio, record label, or other sound recording owners. In those instances, they do not have rights in the An original musical composition with or without lyrics. or Typically, the recorded performance of a musical work protected as a phonogram under copyright law..
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Image credit: Eric Ivar Persson, Parapix