B: Recording Roles Flashcards
Recording Studio Personnel Examples
Engineer, Assistant Engineer, Technical Manager, Tech support, Maintenance and repair, Electronics engineer, installation.
Engineer Responsibilities
- Technical side of the recording – no artistic input
- Operate the sound board and other electronic equipment during recording
- Makes alterations to the recording with advice from Producer/Artist
- Mix down recording
- Balances the sound/levels
- Repair equipment in the studio
Engineer Skills
a) Knowledge of recording equipment – electronic + mechanical
b) Work unsociable hours
c) Ability to work under pressure and with people
d) Musicianship skills
Assistant Engineer “Tape Op”
Responsibilities
- Helps sound engineer keep track of mixes
- General dogsbody
- Set up all the equipment needed for the recording session
- Replace/fix faulty equipment
- Maintain the tape library
- Assist main engineer during recording
Assistant Engineer Skills
a) Knowledge in electronics/mechanics
b) Appreciative of music
c) Ability to use recording equipment
d) Ability to listen, take instructions and work with others
e) Works long, unsociable hours
Technical Manager
Responsibilities
- Ensure studio has adequate resources to do it’s work – oversee equipment
- Ensure technical equipment works effectively
- Arrange maintenance and repair of equipment
Tech Support Responsibilities
- Maintenance and repairs of electronic equipment i.e. cables, mic’s, amps computers etc. (sometimes instruments) to allow the performers and producers to do their job
- Orders replacement parts
Maintenance and Repair/Electronics engineer/Installation
Responsibilities:
- Maintain and repair recording equipment, electrical and musical equipment, computers and software for the recording studio, Midi studio and lab.
- Update and install software
- Research new equipment and make purchases on approval
Producer
Responsibilities
- Controls overall sound and artistic direction of the recording and overall production quality of a song
- Makes sure the recording is on time and on budget
- Can be involved in the recording, mixing process
- Deals with artists, record companies and managers
- Gets the best performance out of an act
- Works closely with sound engineers and audio technicians to include recording artist
- Schedules recording times with artists
- Supervises recording sessions and makes decisions. I.e. coach’s artists, direct backing vocals etc.
- Acts as a go between the artists and the engineer
Session Musician
Responsibilities
- Technical competent musician, proficient in at least 1 instrument – Bring own instrument to recording session
- Back up the lead artists in a recording session/live concert
- Play music for commercials/recordings etc.
- Play for a track/album recording
- Works with solo artists who have no band
- Turns up on time as they get paid hourly rates
- Rehearse music for recording
- Follow instructions from Producers/Conductor etc.
Mastering Engineer
Responsibilities
- Complete audio mastering process for an album (adjust spacing between songs, compress it to optimise the volume, Applies EQ and effects to include fade in and fade out, adjusts volumes/dynamics)
- Prepare and transfer audio from one raw format to the desired format to distribute to CD, Vinyl or tape etc.
- Refine the sound quality and make changes to create an appealing sound
- Makes tracks sound professional
- Burn final master CD for delivery to Distributor
CD manufacturer
Responsibilities
- Produce master CD’s with high quality multiple copies) (Cases, artwork, screen printing, packaging etc.)
- Transport to distributor outlets (stores or on-line)
- Duplicate CD’s
- Digital delivery through services i.e. iTunes
