Recording engineers sit behind the glass in a television production or music recording studio, cutting tracks for musical performers. Recording engineers are responsible for producing the live feed/performance into a marketable product. Individuals pursuing a recording engineer position should possess an excellent music background of their own. Prospective candidates with a musically trained ear will have greater success as recording engineers. The educational path toward a career as a recording engineer is not spelled out as concretely as that for a teacher or mechanical engineer. Skills needed in this career are developed through hands-on work and come as the result of certification with specific equipment and experience in the recording booth.
Broadcast and audio engineers are responsible for controlling the audio board in a production studio. Broadcast and audio engineers learn to monitor audio levels, including voice and music tones. Broadcast and audio engineers also juggle the interaction between live announcers, recorded advertisements, syndicated programming and connections to on-site news reporters broadcasting via mobile communication trucks. Broadcast audio engineering is a specialized niche in the music production industry. Education and training required to prepare students for this career path are not always directly connected to a specific degree. A Music Business Bachelor of Science degree, such as that available at Full Sail University, gives students the hands-on training needed to pursue this field.
An audio engineering bachelor's degree prepares students for careers as sound technicians and acoustic consultants for live symphony or concert performances. Sound technicians and acoustic consultants must be able to adapt various types of sound equipment to the existing acoustics in a broadcast venue. The audio amplification system that works well in one venue may be completely ill-suited for the same concert performed just a few nights later. Sound technicians and acoustic consultant audio engineers must be able to think on their feet and adapt their equipment in order to produce an enjoyable concert experience.
A Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts prepare graduates to become studio designers. For those who do not enjoy the pressure of live performances or the demands of a daily radio or television studio, a degree in music engineering can lead to professional studio design. Studio designers must stay current with the latest technology and audio innovations in order to offer studio owners and clients a facility to meet their every need. Educational tracks to prepare for designing studios include coursework in technical equipment, as well as architecture, interior design, acoustics and CAD software. Studio designers are involved in the physical studio layout as well as equipment procurement. Studio designers create new facilities as well as assist in the renovation and upgrade of existing facilities.