Laura Sisk & Oli Jacobs Question #2

What does an audio engineer do? What does a day’s workflow look like?

Good question! The role of an audio engineer covers a lot of tasks. The main ones are making sure that the studio is set up, adjusting gear/operating computers to get a sound we’re looking for. On top of that the engineer looks after the files, making sure everyones on the same version and we’re backed up. Normally we’re working in studios that we know well, but if we’re heading somewhere new I’ll liaise with the assistant in advance to make sure we have everything needed.

On a typical day - I’ll usually get in a little early with the assistant engineer to make sure we’re ready for the day and that sessions are opening without missing plugins etc. We might re-check a couple of important mics (e.g. the vocal). Throughout the day I’ll be in and out of the room (and often we have B/C rooms going) - recording, editing, mixing - whatever’s needed to keep the flow of the session going! No two days are the same, it depends where we are in a particular project where the focus is on that day. Some days are a little more relaxed and others are busier and I’ll prioritise what needs to happen first!

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Thanks Oli! :sunglasses:


Pablo Starr

I would also add that our job involves a lot of anticipating the musician’s moves and quietly and seamlessly preparing the tech to let them execute whatever creative idea they have as soon as they’re ready to do it :slight_smile:

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