What does an audio engineer actually do?

Audio engineers make it possible to create and listen to auditory art such as music, tv, films, audiobooks, live theatre and concerts. Audio engineers also make it possible for us to communicate with each other via phones, hearing devices, intercom systems and internet systems.

Audio engineering encompasses numerous specialties in the science of sound, including: Recording, Mixing, Mastering, Live Sound Reinforcement, Acoustics, Psychoacoustics, Audiology, Product Research & Development and many more. In whichever field an audio engineer specializes, a good understanding of all of these areas and how they interact is a necessity.

LHV Audio Services’ specialties are audio production and post-production and live television broadcasting. Our emphasis is on recording, mixing, mastering, acoustics and psychoacoustics but we have a good knowledge base of all the science of sound and we keep up with new technologies and developments in the field.

What types of projects do audio engineers work on?

If you can hear it and hear it well, an audio engineer probably worked on it. At LHV Audio Services, we work on films, television shows and commercials, audiobooks, podcasts, social media and multi-media presentations, and live broadcasts.

How is audio engineering different from music producing?

In today’s music industry, the separate jobs of engineer and producer are often merged together. Historically though, music producers shaped the creative direction of an album while the engineers focused on the technical execution of the project – recording, editing, and mixing the music.

How does audio engineering differ from sound engineering?

The terms “audio engineer” and “sound engineer” are often used interchangeably and the usage of these terms can vary depending on the region and an individual’s specific role and title.

That being said, an audio engineer tends to focus on recording, mixing and audio production, whereas a sound engineer’s work may cover a broader range of sound-related disciplines that include audio engineering, acoustic engineering, live sound reinforcement and audiovisual production. With the knowledge base that you’ll find at LHV Audio Services, you can call us either. The end result of your project will be the same – great sounding audio!

How can an audio engineer improve the sound quality of my project?

Hire an audio engineer/studio early, give them all of the creative information about the project that you can and let them give you a great recording. That initial recording will lead to a great mix after adding music and sound effects. Experienced engineers will have the professional tools to ensure clarity and consistency in the recording and final mixes.

What kind of equipment do audio engineers use?

At LHV Audio Services, we have a wide variety of high-quality microphones and microphone pre-amps, two ProTools DAWs, Genelec monitoring systems and lots of vintage outboard gear along with the latest plugins. We use all of this to deliver great recordings and mixes for our clients.

Should I hire an audio engineer for my podcast?

Absolutely. LHV Audio Services ensures your podcasts will sound professional by recording the cleanest dialogue possible, minimizing any unwanted background noise, balancing voices, and bringing creativity & expertise to your in-episode advertising.

Can an audio engineer fix poor-quality recordings?

To an extent. Our engineers can clean up some noise and adjust levels, but the better the source material, the better the final result.

Is it possible to work with an audio engineer remotely?

Yes. We regularly collaborate with clients remotely via Source Connect Pro, Studio Link and Zoom. Files can also be sent online prior to and after any sessions.