Audio engineer

An audio engineer (also known as a sound engineer or recording engineer)^[1][2] helps to produce a recording or a live performance, balancing and adjusting sound sources using equalization, dynamics processing and audio effects, mixing, reproduction, and reinforcement of sound. Audio engineers work on the "technical aspect of recording—the placing of microphones, pre-amp knobs, the setting of levels. The physical recording of any project is done by an engineer…"^[3]

Sound engineering is increasingly viewed as a creative profession and art form, where musical instruments and technology are used to produce sound for film, radio, television, music and video games.^[4] Audio engineers also set up, sound check, and do live sound mixing using a mixing console and a sound reinforcement system for music concerts, theatre, sports games, and corporate events.

Alternatively, audio engineer can refer to a scientist or professional engineer who holds an engineering degree and designs, develops, and builds audio or musical technology working under terms such as electronic/electrical engineering or (musical) signal processing.^[5]

Research and development

Research and development audio engineers invent new technologies, audio software, equipment, and techniques to enhance the process and art of audio engineering.^[6] They might design acoustical simulations of rooms, shape algorithms for audio signal processing, specify the requirements for public address systems, carry out research on audible sound for video game console manufacturers, and other advanced fields of audio engineering. They might also be referred to as acoustic engineers.^[7][8]