Does it need audio engineers

ChrisWerner · Post by **ChrisWerner** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 12:11 am

I am close to decide myself to make a study to an SAE audio engineer maybe after this to a bachelor.

My question points to the market for an audio engineer. Sure there are many ways that leads to an engagement, studios, radio, television, theaters, opera houses or self-employment.

Is the market saturated with audio engineers?
Would you choose this way?
Can the SAE be a door opener for jobs that are not visible on the free market?
Should I invest much money in something like that?
Please tell me your opinions and experiences.
I like to get a worldwide overview.
I need some support, it´s a big decision for me.

Thank you in advance.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: ChrisWerner on 2006-02-06 00:24 ]</font>

AndreD · Post by **AndreD** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 12:57 am

it´s hard to see, how a whole profession is blown away by plugins....

a good friend (he learned in the same studio like me) did mixing-jobs all over europe, a few years ago.
now, he is searching for jobs...

astroman · Post by **astroman** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 1:30 am

the very same happened 15 years ago to color experts in preprint...

Shroomz~> · Post by **Shroomz~>** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 3:23 am

On 2006-02-06 00:11, ChrisWerner wrote:
Is the market saturated with audio engineers? Would you choose this way?

They may be 'in plenty', but how many are talented?

Personally I wouldn't take an SAE course, as I'm almost certain that you could learn more valuable 'theory' from good books (or the net) on audio engineering & sound reinforcement than from an SAE course.

Should I invest much money in something like that?

Personally, I think if you were to spend say 10,000Euro for such an education, there would be a high chance that you'd regret doing so, as the money is probably better more wisely invested (like in any equipment you need in the studio or for your live sets etc) That sort of money would also be enough for you to open a record shop / label ?

I disagree that plugins have blown away an entire profession. That's like saying ebay has killed the market for second hand studio gear. In a sense it hasn't helped by lowering equipment's values, but hardware studios are far from dead because 2nd hand values have dropped & some people are selling hardware to buy plugs, as every piece of hardware sold goes to a buyer

Most hardware doesn't need drivers to run on a specific system & unlike many plugins we know & love, most hardware will not eventually be forgotten about due to lack of updates (re - bugfixes, functionality updates, drivers not being updated within a timely schedule etc)

Standalone instruments & hardware are still where it's at in terms of reliability & longevity IMO.

I'd say go with what your heart & soul tell you Chris !!

katano · Post by **katano** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 4:14 am

a friend of mine finished his SAE edu 2 years ago. He wasn't able to find any good job, now he works as a freelancer in a little studio and sometimes as a roadie for live concerts instead of sitting behind de mixer... i would say he spent about 10000 Euros for nothing... ok, the swiss music scene is not as big, but it's kinda frustrating tough...

paulrmartin · Post by **paulrmartin** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 5:31 am

SAE means Severe Adverse Event in pharmaceutical studies terms. I guess it applies here as well...

Unfortunately talent has nothing to do with whether you will find a job or not. Just keep knocking on those doors but remember you have to eat.

_________________
Are we listening?..

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: paulrmartin on 2006-02-06 05:32 ]</font>

Zer · Post by **Zer** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 5:59 am

but remember you have to eat

Getting food shoudn´t be the problem.

Spirit · Post by **Spirit** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 5:51 pm

In years around audio forums the one area which many people seem to agree on is that for a really professional sound you need a mastering engineer.

I think most small-scale computer-based musicians are confident they can mix, arrange, compose, record etc. But not master.

Just from anecdotal evidence that's where I think the market is.

skwawks · Post by **skwawks** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 8:04 pm

Why not buy the best monitor amplifier/speakers you can and then record as many different people as you can , as professionaly as you can . It takes you out of your comfort zone and thats where the knowledge is isn't it . Remember that old saying
....those that can't... teach,those that can ...do . I know there are exceptions to that rule ,but ...
cheers
Paul
@ Spirit
why not find a local mastering house and offer to sweep the floor and make the coffee for nothing

emzee · Post by **emzee** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 12:42 am

A recent music magazine editorial .... I think it was "Computer Music" commented that jobs for audio engineers were virtually non-existent. Studios are closing down around the world as people work on their PC. Plus the live music scene is drying up.

Free downloading has changed the entire music market also, making some projects unviable that would have been viable 15 years ago.

If you were gonna pay for a course, I'd consider one in video recording and editing. Combine that with some recording skills and you can make band DVD's.

Best wishes regardless.

ChrisWerner · Post by **ChrisWerner** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 1:49 am

Thank you so much for your support.
On Friday I have a talk with the course leader and will confrontate him with your and my facts.
The hint to make a course in creative media sounds logic for me, maybe I do this instead.

I´ve done much researches in the last days and found only one job as an audio engineer and hundreds times more requests from audio engineers, so the decision is clearer for me.

Around 15000 bucks would be an idiotic investment for a hope. Yes I think I go for the creative media diploma or maybe degree program.

Zer · Post by **Zer** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 4:28 am

definately a more future related way to go for...esp. when you look at the hottest club standards eg. http://www.pioneer.de/uk/product_detail ... id=365-368