Recording Engineer

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Audio and Video Recording Technicians (5225) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Audio and Video Recording Technicians (F125) 
• 2011 NOC: Audio and video recording technicians (5225) 
• 2016 NOC: Audio and video recording technicians (5225) 
• 2021 NOC: Audio and video recording technicians (52113) 

Recording engineers work in recording studios, film post-production houses, radio stations, multimedia companies and on film sets. Most sound recordings are made on multitrack digital recording equipment, digital audio work stations or hard disc-based computers/samplers.

Recording engineers are not considered professional engineers and do not engage in the practice of engineering as defined in the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf].

Unlike professional engineers who may design or construct audio systems, recording engineers:

• operate recording consoles or computers, digital recording equipment and software, microphones and sound processing equipment to change the signals from microphone or line inputs to usable audio signals that can be sent to multitrack recording machines or digital audio processors
• mix, combine or edit recordings, or work with a mixing or mastering engineer, to create master files for commercials, film soundtracks, CDs, computer audio files (wave files) or multimedia presentations for later broadcast or retail sale
• do audio post-production mixing and editing for film/video work
• create MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) programs for music projects, commercials or film post-production.
  Recording engineers record separate instruments, vocals and sounds, and combine them later during the mixing or post-production stage. They work closely with producers, directors, arrangers, programmers and performers to achieve the desired sound for musical recordings, commercials and film, television, theatre and radio productions.

In the past, studios often used analogue recording equipment and SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) or MIDI time code for synchronization. Now, most recording engineers use computers that allow them to work in a non-destructive format, work faster and more efficiently, and collaborate with others in locations throughout the world.

For information about engineers who control the sound components of live events, see the Sound Engineer occupational profile.

Recording engineers may be required to work long hours in a studio or on a film set to meet project deadlines. Evening, weekend and holiday work is common.

Working environments range from large, air-conditioned studios to basements in private homes.

It can be difficult to break into recording engineering. Experience working on a practicum placement through a school training program or as a volunteer at a cable television station is an asset. Beginning in radio commercial production is another option.

It is common in the industry for someone to start out as a "gopher" or assistant engineer, and work their way up. You must be willing to work for little money to gain practical experience and establish a reputation for good work. Advancement generally takes the form of working on more complex projects and building a reputation for good work. Some recording engineers move into related positions, such as producer, or open their own recording studios.

Recording engineers work for:

• video and film production companies
• multimedia companies
• television and radio stations
• theatre and dance companies
• recording studios.

Some freelance recording engineers set up their own basement or project recording studios. Experienced studio recording engineers may advance to producer positions.

Recording engineers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5225: Audio and video recording technicians. In Alberta, 75% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Information, Culture and Recreation [pdf]
• Educational Services [pdf]
• Finance, Insurance, Real Estate and Leasing [pdf].

The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Alberta Music Industry Association website: www.albertamusic.org

Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) website: cimamusic.ca

Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) website: www.smpte.org

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.