What Does an Audio Engineer Do? A Deep Dive into the Craft

If you’ve ever wondered, what does an audio engineer do, the answer is more complex than just pressing record. Audio engineers are the backbone of the music, film, and live sound industries, responsible for capturing, mixing, and mastering sound to create professional, polished results. Whether in a recording studio, on tour, or in post-production, an audio engineer ensures that sound quality meets the highest standards.

The Different Types of Audio Engineers

Not all audio engineers do the same job. There are several specializations within the field, each requiring different skills and techniques:

Recording Engineer

A recording engineer is responsible for setting up microphones, recording instruments and vocals, and ensuring the best possible raw audio is captured in a session. At Studio 713, our recording engineers work with major artists and up-and-coming talent to ensure their performances are recorded at the highest quality. Learn more about professional recording techniques from the Audio Engineering Society.

Mixing and Mastering Engineer

After the recording process, a mixing engineer takes the raw audio tracks and balances levels, adds effects, and enhances clarity to create a cohesive final mix. A mastering engineer then polishes that mix to ensure consistency across all playback systems. Ryan “Mellow” Venable and Matt O’Neil, two of Houston’s best engineers, specialize in mixing and mastering, having worked with industry giants like Travis Scott, Don Toliver, Snoop Dogg, and NBA Youngboy. Learning from them at Studio 713 gives students a rare opportunity to gain real-world experience from multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated engineers. Check out our mixing and mastering services to learn more. For insights into the industry’s best practices, visit the Grammy Recording Academy.

Live Sound Engineer

Live sound engineers manage audio during concerts, festivals, and events. Unlike studio work, this role requires quick thinking and adaptability since audio needs to be balanced in real-time for both performers and the audience. To explore more about live sound engineering, check out Sound on Sound.

Post-Production and ADR Engineer

In film and television, audio engineers handle post-production tasks like Automated Dialogue Replacement (ADR), sound design, and mixing for TV and film. These professionals ensure that dialogue is crisp, effects are immersive, and music enhances the overall experience. Learn more about our post-production services. Interested in post-production techniques? Visit Avid’s Pro Tools for more details.

How to Become an Audio Engineer

If you’re interested in a career in audio engineering, you have multiple paths to choose from. Some engineers pursue a four-year degree in audio production or music technology. However, an increasing number of professionals opt for specialized, hands-on training programs, like our 8-month program at Studio 713.

Why Choose an 8-Month Trade School Like Studio 713?

• Hands-on Training: Unlike traditional colleges that focus on theory, our program immerses students in real-world sessions with industry professionals.
• Learn from the Best:Ryan Venable and Matt O’Neil, two of the most respected engineers in Houston, provide mentorship and training. Read more about them on our team page.
• Fast-Track to Industry Jobs: Instead of spending four years in a classroom, our program gets you industry-ready in under a year.
• Industry Connections: Our students work with local artists and major labels, giving them an advantage when securing jobs in the field.

Why Choose Studio 713?

Studio 713 is Houston’s premier recording studio and audio engineering school. Whether you’re an artist looking for top-tier recording, mixing, and mastering, or an aspiring engineer looking to break into the industry, 713 Media Group offers the best opportunities to learn and work with industry professionals.

Explore our programs and book a session today. Whether you’re an artist or an aspiring engineer, Studio 713 is where careers are made.