Think about it: audio is all around us, from the music in our favourite movies to the sounds that make up our daily routines. It's like the hidden magic behind everything we hear. A career in audio is like stepping into a world of endless possibilities.
Imagine being the wizard behind the scenes, shaping the sounds that bring music to life on stage or in the studio. Picture yourself creating immersive soundscapes for video games, movies, radio, and TV shows. And hey, ever thought about inventing the next big thing in music technology? Audio isn't just about making noise; it's the heartbeat of creativity. It's what fuels our artistic passions and brings our ideas to life. So, if you've ever dreamed of turning your love for music and sound into a career, know that the world of audio is waiting for you with open arms and a symphony of opportunities.
Live Sound Engineer
A Live Sound Engineer is the hero behind the scenes, making live music events come to life. They're like the maestro at the Front Of House (FOH), calling the shots with mixing consoles and fold-back mixing, ensuring everything sounds just right during sound-checks and pre-performance stage setup. Live Engineering gigs cover a wide range of events, from huge festivals to theatrical performances, concerts, comedy shows, and any other live productions that need top-notch sound.
Real World Example: A Day In the Life Of an Audio Engineer
Forensic Audio
Forensic Audio engineers are the detectives of sound, unraveling mysteries hidden within files and uncovering signs of tampering. They specialise in the art of cleaning up poor-quality audio and enhancing dialogue from covert recordings. One expert is JMC Academy alumni Chris Jackson, who works as a freelance forensic audio engineer for the New South Wales Police. Reflecting on his work, he shares:
"It is simultaneously one of the coolest and yet (sometimes) creepiest things I’ve ever done. I’ve been very lucky to work in almost every area of audio from band recordings, to post-productions, to now doing Forensic audio for the NSW Police. I am given whatever audio the department need fixing which could be an audio bug in a car, a phone in a pocket, or even CCTV footage. The audio will usually have a very quiet voice/s or lots of noise and crackle that take up all the information that the voice/s would usually be in. The officers will tell me what area specifically need to be focused on and I’ll go through a series of noise reduction plugins, eq, limiting, and manual edits to remove as much unwanted sound as possible.”
Real-World Example: Forensic Audio Authentication
Interested? Go deeper with Tim Dolbear in this exciting interview:
Acoustician
Acousticians are like sonic architects, shaping the way sound behaves within a space. They dive into the world of engineering acoustics, where they work with sound waves moving through rooms. Armed with an arsenal of sound measuring tools, acousticians work their magic by strategically manipulating angles and sound reflections. Their goal? To banish unwanted frequencies and create the perfect acoustic environment.
Picture this: they can tweak a room to suit its purpose, whether it's making sure you can chat comfortably at the bar without shouting over the music, cranking up the volume on the dance floor, or ensuring that even the person at the back of a packed venue can hear every word from the stage. You may not see their work, but you can hear it!
Audiologist
Audiologists are the guardians of hearing - conducting tests to evaluate hearing abilities and diagnose hearing disorders. Their expertise extends to the non-medical management and rehabilitation of hearing loss, along with addressing associated communication disorders. Additionally, they play a vital role in developing and implementing strategies to prevent hearing loss through the creation and distribution of sound loss prevention tools. Your first lesson in audio: ALWAYS wear protection!
Real-Life Example: Audiologist Answers Hearing Questions
Military Intelligence Audio Engineer
Ever heard of being a Military Intelligence Audio Engineer? These engineers operate super high-tech radar and sonar gear that bounces radio or sound waves off stuff (objects) to figure out where they are. It's like playing detective with audio gadgets…They use this tech to track planes and missiles, find out where ships and submarines are lurking, aiming artillery fire accurately, predict the weather (yep, you read that right!), and help navigate through tricky terrain.
Recording/Studio Engineer
Ever thought about diving into the world of Recording/Studio Engineering? It's like stepping into a sonic playground, where you get to wield the tools that capture the essence of music and sound. Imagine being in a studio, surrounded by state-of-the-art equipment, ready to bring musical visions to life! These engineers are the masters of audio, whether they're recording talented musicians, crafting catchy tunes for TV ads, or sculpting immersive soundscapes for video games. It's a realm where creativity meets technology, and every session is a chance to create.
Post Production
The world of Post Production Engineering is weirdly wonderful. From Foley, Automatic Dialogue Replacement (ADR), and all things sound effects - Engineers are armed with an arsenal of tools ranging from traditional to cutting-edge. They use everything from everyday objects (celery, carrots) to advanced digital software to create immersive auditory experiences. Think about the footsteps of your favourite superhero or the roar of a monstrous GODZILLA….chances are, those were meticulously crafted by post-production audio engineers. It's a dynamic field where creativity thrives, shaping the soundscape of modern cinema and television with precision and innovation.
Real Life Example: Alan Meyerson - Mixing The Movies (DUNE)
There's a world of opportunities waiting for future audio engineers like you! From crafting soundtracks for blockbuster movies to revolutionising the gaming industry with immersive audio experiences, the possibilities are endless. Here are just a few pathways to explore:
- Music Producer
- Studio Manager
- Front of House Engineer
- Sound Effects Editor
- Mastering Engineer
- Sound Designer
- Stage Technician
- AV Specialist
- Forensic Audio Engineer
It's okay not to have everything figured out before starting a course. The beauty of JMC is that it's a journey of exploration and self-discovery. Follow your passion and pursue what you love. Embrace the opportunity to explore different facets of the industry, allowing yourself to uncover hidden talents and interests along the way. Your journey is yours to shape, and every experience will bring you closer to realising your dream job, or in this case…jobs!
