Audio Engineering Intro

[paul999]

Originally Posted by arnav247

How to make me the best Sound Engineer of our time?

After extensive soul searching i have finally decided to make my passion my career. Now here's the catch, I am doing mechanical engineering, India (pune university). Most importantly I want to do it in the best way possible! Want to be 100% sure that this couldn't have been done in any better possible way. WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE ME DO TO MAKE ME THE BEST SOUND ENGINEER OF THIS AGE?!

(also please answer these also)
Q1. After having a degree in Bachelors of engineering (average marks) my next step is internship/degree from an institute?
Q2. If internship, then how long, and if degree, then from where(institutes)?
(i guess I'll have to do it abroad but, budget will be constrained)
Q3. Credibility of an internship / a degree.
Q4. Top institutes for acoustic engineering? (don't just want a shiny certificate, a place where i will have a holistic development)
Q5. What must one do to make his career incline towards live audio engineering(foh/monitor/sound reinforcement etc)?
Q6. I play an instrument, but have zero theoretical knowledge, ie reading sheet, bars, counts etc, does it help in long run to have this under one's belt?
Q7 Have a very poor music scene, very few production houses, recording studios, gigs etc here in Bombay. This reduces my chances to get a good internship, job etc, should i rethink this career option considering my location?
Q8 This one is for the elderly, those that are settled in the audio industry, I would be lying if i said that i don't care one bit about the financial aspect and am doing it as a passion, being honest here guys, how does the financial scene look from your end?
Q9 ok i got my internship, degree etc etc etc, hmmm WHAT NOW?

(i know its really extensive, can't help it, making a life altering decision here!)

The cream rises to the top. If you are the cream and put yourself in the best situations that you possibly can then you will be successful. Keep your eyes open and learn to see opportunities.

Cheers

[whomper]

Originally Posted by kyl

Why would I need external compressors, limiters, etc. if my software has these? I am upgrading my home studio, and sure I am facinated with all the stuff I can get to improve my sound, but I don't want to spend all my money just because I am "facinated". I also would like to have a physical mixer or daw control surface, but do I really need it if I'm using Cubase, a firepod,and a low end Casio for my midi controller and other sounds?

kyl

dont need them
might be slightly better
certainly a lot more expensive

[Raykeyz]

i have a question... what is XLR cables?

im just kiddin.. my question is im using the Alesis Master control as my audio interface/ controller in my set up.. i have a Guitar plugged into the Boss GT-8 effects pedal then to the alesis.. do i still need a DI box before going to the input channel of alesis

BTW im not using the channel with mic pre on the Alesis...thanks

[brandondrury]

do i still need a DI box before going to the input channel of alesis

Your Boss box should function as DI...I think. The only reason I'd change is if you weren't happy with the sound of the Boss.

Brandon

[Phased]

"If you have any questions or just want to chat, this is the place!"

Where do you buy your socks? :-P

;-)

Peace

[felaspc]

absolutely

[alvincflorentino]

I just submitted a forum question in a new topic but after seeing this thread, I think this is where my question belongs (or does it?). Sorry 'bout that.

Just read an interesting article in EM (June 2009) about the Fletcher-Munson curve and how people perceive loudness (dB) at different frequencies (Hz). Apparently, different frequencies are perceived to be naturally different in intensity and this general pattern forms a funny looking curve that, to me, almost looks like the "smiley-face" curve of the "pop" EQ settings we all love (a coincidence? Go figure). They say that, based on the findings of Harvey Fletcher and Wilden Munson in the 1930s, to be "as loud as" a 40 dB SPL 1 kHz tone, a 10 kHz tone needs to be about 50 dB SPL, and a 100 Hz tone must be more than 60 dB SPL. Can you imagine the "smiley-curve" now?

They go on and say that because the levels and variations almost level off at the 90 dB mark (where our hearing is particularly flat), this is the best levels to monitor your mixes at.

Now, onto my issues. Everyone's heard of people saying that your mixes should translate well to other systems but what does that really mean? Mix with as flat an EQ as possible so that it plays with no frequencies "sticking out" when played in both hi- and lo-end systems? Does this Fletcher-Munson curve play a role here?

It's common knowledge that in the end most listeners tend to tweak/boost the bass and treble to achieve a balance they feel is appropriate for them, ending up with that "smiley-face" EQ curve again. But when mixing, should you mix with that "final mix" mix in mind? Is it obvious I'm mixed up? Help anyone?