Acoustics engineering guide, FAQ's, tutorials and much more.

Acoustics engineering

Acoustical engineering (also known as acoustic engineering) is the branch of engineering dealing with sound and vibration. It includes the application of acoustics, the science of sound and vibration, in technology. Acoustical engineers are typically concerned with the design, analysis and control of sound.

The branch of engineering that analyzes sounds and vibration in technology. It's the scientific application of implementing and developing solutions to reduce unwanted noise and vibrations caused by machines and human activity. Noise abatement technologies can reduce noise pollution in settings such as airports, schools, factories, office buildings, homes, bridges and train stations. Acoustic engineering may also enhance the acoustical experience in concert halls and recording studios.

What Does an Acoustic Engineer Do?

Acoustics engineers are electronics engineers who specialize in designing and developing technologies that solve problems related to sound. For instance, they may apply fundamental scientific principles to find ways to monitor and manipulate sound levels or improve sound clarity. Depending on their area of interest within the field, acoustic engineers may specialize in architectural acoustics, noise control, structural acoustics or underwater acoustics. They often work with architects on building designs, but they can also find jobs related to noise reduction in factories and other industrial environments.

Audio Engineering

Audio engineering is a broad field, and there’s a lot more to it than you might think. With a wide range of career options and responsibilities, audio experts can perform a myriad of jobs. Here is your ultimate guide to what audio engineering is, so you can understand the ins and outs of the audio world.

Audio Engineer Roles

There are five specialized roles within the world of audio engineering: recording engineer, mixing engineer, mastering engineer, live sound engineer, and multimedia sound engineer. Each plays a specific role within the music industry, and the path to each career has its own unique characteristics.

1. Recording engineer: There are three main paths to becoming a recording engineer. One is apprenticing at a recording studio and learning skills like monitoring sound levels, audio equalization, and navigating mixing boards. This path may also involve serving as an assistant engineer. You can also enroll in an audio engineering program—either at a fine arts college or at a trade school—which can help you get a full-time job upon graduation. You can also build up your credentials at home, working with your own audio equipment and advertising your services directly to musicians.

2. Mixing engineer: Mixing engineers enter the music production process after the initial recordings are over. They work to create a balanced audio mix using a digital audio workstation like Pro Tools, Logic, or Ableton. The path to becoming a specialized mixing engineer is quite similar to that of becoming a general recording engineer. You can apprentice in a studio, get a bachelor's degree or certificate, or start at home and build your own business organically. It can also help to network with professional record producers, who may need help navigating new technologies like auto-tune and drum machines.

3. Mastering engineer: The career path of a mastering engineer is similar to that of a mixing engineer. The difference is that mastering engineers focus on the very tail end of the recording process. Mastering involves the final level of volume balancing, EQ, and compression required to make a recording sound finished. If the idea of being the final check on a record's sound quality appeals to you, consider an audio engineer job in the world of mastering.