Over the past few years, I’ve focused on improving my skills in sound engineering and design. Joining a Sound Engineer Cooperative in Fall 2021 sparked my interest in live show sound system setups, fueled by my passion for attending concerts and exploring behind-the-scenes work.
Initially, my knowledge was limited to my dad’s DJ gigs and friend’s band performances. The training involved setting up sound for various acts, which felt overwhelming at first. With each shift, I gained confidence, learning from experienced engineers and refining my techniques, like organizing and labeling equipment on the go.
This experience ignited my curiosity to explore sound design further through classes and personal projects, recognizing parallels with video sound recording. Listening attentively has been crucial for honing my skills, as has building a vocabulary around sound terminology for effective communication. Learning about what frequencies, compressors, reverbs, and compressors are and how to use them builds up knowledge of sound.
For instance, in a recent project, I enhanced a character’s presence with a bass drop. Though it sounded great in the studio, playback on a laptop revealed issues with bass clarity, prompting adjustments using an equalizer to enhance mid-frequencies.
In summary, my journey in sound engineering blends practical experience with theoretical learning, emphasizing the importance of communication and adaptability for delivering quality sound experiences. To honor my accomplishments this past February I was awarded sound engineer of the month with a golden microphone!
