Top 10 Reasons Not to Be an Audio Engineer

[@VP-vd7iv]

I've been working in audio for 8 years now. It's never been a full time gig and I have had to make my own opportunities more often then not. But for some reason I just can't stop lol I love getting that sound just right. It feels rewarding.

[@afromagazine]

Do you have a degree in the field ?

[@vanity105]

yo would you audio engineer for me?

[@VP-vd7iv]

@@afromagazine no I don't have a degree in the field at all though I have considered it purely because there is always something to be learning in this field.

[@VP-vd7iv]

@@vanity105 depends on what you need! currently, I stay focused in the podcast editing space. that's my bread and butter skill wise.

[@afromagazine]

@@VP-vd7iv I suppose it can be a full time gig given you have certain qualifications.

[@marcocelis2104]

Brother , is almost the same with all the professions ...real professional work is time-consuming, tedious, intense, and not sexy... life and happiness don't have a formula. My only advice to whoever wants to jump into any profession is to be objective about your skills, dedication, and passion for what you do.

[@ME-ro4wh]

glad i scrolled down and saw this thanks!

[@itsrelativ3967]

No it's not the same. Your passion in working hard in music does not equate to working hard for a law firm, sanitation, computer science, construction, plumbing or landscaping job. Music is somewhat the only creative profession where the value/skill of your work isn't guaranteed to pay off. With a job that comes with a salary, you've studied and worked hard to get to that guaranteed paycheck. Mix engineers and song producers are getting ripped off every day. That's a positive mindset to have but hard facts can't be defeated. There's plenty of amazing musicians and engineers I know working at Home Depot or in information technology because music will not pay bills and put food on the table.

[@johannesfalk8146]

My experience as a live audio engineer confirms the "feast/famine" observation. I was fighting for years to fill my schedule with actual music gigs, and filling the rest with back breaking stage hand work. It always felt like an uphill battle. But at some point I passed some sort of threshold and I had more gigs than I knew what to do with. In my experience there is and abundance of people who know a lot about sound, gear and music. But if you know those things and also have your ego under control, know how to listen to people, know how to read the mood in a room, know when to speak and when to stfu, and know how to show up prepared to the teeth, then you are hot stuff in the professional music market. In my experience, there is actually an enormous shortage of competent live audio engineers. The only propblem is that in order to become a competent audio engineer you need a decade + of technical experience, a big scoop of nerdiness, and a few ego crushing personal crisies to grind down your smartass attitude. Not an easy combo to come by.

[@FOHguy]

Working live sound, I've been home 23 days since March this year. The good news is, making exceptional money.😊

[@dodzidenudzakuma]

As a former Tuba player, I appreciate the double shout out to the lowest of the low brass!

[@StrVyLab-RinthProductions]

To be honest as a person who aspires to be an audio engineer, I don’t find this information discouraging but makes me more expected and ready to face the challenges. You’ve presented great info!! I appreciate this. Sorry that you couldn’t change my mind😎

[@SonicScoop]

I’m glad I couldn’t! -Justin

[@jkmcl3]

You may not have a steady income in this job but if you truly love it you’ll never work a day in your life

[@jmrabinez9254]

How was it possible that he didn't convince you? How?

[@mutiara75]

My hobby is songwriting. Mixing and mastering on my DAW are necessary evils.

[@evansaber7642]

Same I love songwriting. Absolutely

[@jessjohnreed7964]

Mixing and mastering is way easier than writing lyrics for me. I am a lonely introvert though so I guess the experience just isn't there. I'm also humbled so I can't justify writing lyrics that would get popular in this climate.

[@xphyco]

I started off songwriting. I like to mix as well !

[@drako5439]

@@jessjohnreed7964 then if your a rapper be the first rapper to rap about what people in in r&b rap about

[@alanfike]

@@jessjohnreed7964 Same for me, if you mean applying lyrics to the music that you write. If you have trouble coming up with lyrics I think that is a skill that comes with the right kind of focus that will come when you keep trying. Keep trying new methods, but try not to do too many flimsy methods that'll just make you feel stupid. I'm a firm believer that finding a unique way to create is better than following the example of others, and lyrics, to me, are sort of a way of telling people something but definitely a defined pattern of syllables that will fit a song. Heck, you know what lyrics are, right? I'll show you how I've written lyrics if you want, if KZbin has DMs. I feel like I'm pretty good, or at least clever at it but again, I'm only halfway an expert here because I have difficulty applying words to music and music to words. This is literally a problem I've had for years and every song where I write the lyrics afterwards come off either sappy or belligerent. Almost like maybe I'm so proud of the music part that I'm compelled to evoke passion where there isn't really any spoken language to articulate it (not that my songs are Beatles level, or even Rutles level, but I think they're alright). Lord knows.

[@israelc0605]

The fact that recording labels are closing and recording is relatively inexpensive are very good reasons to keep going. It means we don’t need recording labels because we are so capable of producing our own music.

[@C1K450]

It’s good and bad good because we have creative control and bad because if there’s too much creative control engineers make no money because everyone else is their own artist/producer/engineer and everyone wanting to be independent is going to make trash mixes because they think EQ and reverb is all they need.

[@itsrelativ3967]

Naw. The problem with music is that it's too easy to get. You don't have to leave the house to buy records anymore. The overall culture and value of music has plummeted. You have way too many artists thinking they can make beats, mix and master their own stuff. There's only a small handfull or Russ and J.Cole type artist that can wear three different hats. Just because everyone can get a laptop, a daw with plugins and an audio recording interface doesn't meant that they're making great music. There's way more garbage than treasure and that's with all genres. The whole ecosystem is designed for artists to buy a bunch of gear and plugins they don't need. Musicians selling to other musicians. Fans trying to become viral artists with no musical knowledge or training what so ever.

[@casperbjerkehagen9386]

I love this episode, especially the fact that there is absolutely no more demand for more audio engineers. The add on to that is to have any chance of work as I experienced it you have to network like crazy. You have to be good, and create your opportunities. Its a bit discouraging to be honest to feel the reality that there is no demand for you, so many more people are doing it, but I just do it because its a great mystery to enhance music and contribute to it in that way

[@enridemi3886]

As a producer I've started to learn how to mix my own tracks, even if I can afford to send them for mixing. Thing is once you learn how to mix you also learn how to produce...So many of my productions had mistakes I would have never realized they were there if I had not mixed them. So at least until you perfect your sound, it might be a good idea to try and mix.

[@TheSoundHog]

You’re not looking in the right areas. The money is in live audio and geographic location is super important. Like yeah if you’re using cracked plugins and live in bumfuck Ohio then sure, you’re never gonna survive as an engineer. Move to Nashville, Dallas, Austin, or LA and there is TONS of demand here. Here in Nashville we don’t have enough sound techs

[@unclemark4206]

Great stuff. Got out 5 years ago. Sold my audio company after 12 years. it was fun, made good money even did audio at Universal Studios, but was time to move on. Writing was on the wall. The college I went for audio got rid of their recording program (Headed by Oingo Boingo former engineer) too. Seen many studios close. Now working in automation for medical field. Great advice!! Audio knowledge very applicable for technical fields and even better if you understand electronics. I still would encourage folks to learn audio, but not make it a career. If it was the 60s, 70s or the 80s then a strong Yes. In my opinion, some parts of the Industry have “sunsetted” and on a pay downward trajectory. Happily married with kids. Home on the weekends!

[@sethhartman]

"I write because I must. It's not a choice or a pastime, it's an unyielding calling and my passion." - Elizabeth Reyes

[@yeseldiaz3453]

So many people need to hear this desperately. It would narrow the funnel so well.

[@JesusArmasOficial]

We need more content like this in the industry. To be realistic. It is indeed easier than ever before to become an audio engineer, but becoming a good one is really different and relies on many other skills besides the technical skills we all like to talk about (compression, EQ, etc). Thank you for this amazing episode Justin.

[@Greenmonkay1]

Such as an amazing video, made me subscribe, recently graduated from technical college and applying for audio engineer internships as of right now, I know for a fact I did not pick a simple career path and I know it will not be easy but I am desperate to succeed in this field and will do everything in my power to do so. Thanks!

[@thavvisionary8912]

Peace & Love, Based On That Comment Alone You'll Be More Than Successful N YO Craft. As W/ Life And Everything In It: Greatness Starts W/ The Mind, Mentality And Mindset FIRST. Declaring That You'll Be "Desperate To Succeed" And "Will Do Everything In YO Power To Do So." Are The Magical Key & Detrimental Phrases That Will Swiftly Align YOself W/ Massive Abundance In YO Chosen Field. Continue To Have A Phenomenal Mindset King (Or Queen)!!! Peace & Love!!! #BLICKET

[@ChariKat213]

I've been messing with audio production for 9+ years now but I only like doing it as a hobby in my bedroom but I enjoy it.

[@nunocosta8932]

That bit about feeling like a failure hit me hard! I wish I heard this years ago. I love audio for all the reasons Justin listed but as a family man, I feel like I've made a giant mistake investing in school and equipment at the prospect of working in a career that I put on a pedestal. If I can give any advice its this: DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY GOING TO SCHOOL FOR AUDIO!!!! I cannot stress this enough. It's not like any other skilled trade or specialized career path. You can learn everything you need to learn on the internet and by committing yourself to a community of like-minded people. Studio's don't give a rats ass what school you went to or if you were the top of your class. Good luck out there!

[@JasonC25]

I’ve done an audio class in college and I’m doing an internship with an audio company. I’m learning more than I would in a school setting.

[@AcousticWisdom]

I’ve heard that Buddha was considered a not-teacher. Spoke of what things aren’t to get one to understand what they are. This was a very buddhistic way of speaking truth of audio engineering. Loved it.

[@mrtaxi8590]

Really this is just more reason for me to work harder at audio, to become an outlier and become good at my trade. Also, a lot of these reasons make me more interested in an audio career because I don’t really like traditional job/school structures

[@OmelasMusic]

Gonna go out on a limb here and say - goddamn, I love being an audio engineer so much but you're right.. I don't know if it does a bit of good, not for me or the community around me. Nobody in the music scene i'm involved in can afford to record, anymore than I can afford to work for a small low budget studio. Like, seriously, I worked 8 hours straight today for a total of 40$ (in NYC). Maybe I'm deep down the rabbit hole but I'd like to believe these skills are worth more than that? How does one both do what they love & have the self-respect to quit when the work environment itself is so broken? At my wits end tbh.

[@katabeats]

Is it worth doing something u don't enjoy for a much higher pay? I'm thinking of just becoming an electrician because it's a great gig instead of going to school for music. Working in a studio excites me and I've been producing for 4 years. I'm 17 right now and it's tough to pick my passion or a steady well paying job which I may grow to hate in the future but I may end up hating being an audio engineer so maybe it's worth trying to be an electrician since it pays well at least idk man it's so hard to choose and I don't want to regret my decision

[@mjterrier]

Great vid man! I’ve been doing audio for a living my entire 26 year career. My 1st gig at 20yrs old in ‘97. What I love about sound is it’s literally everywhere. I’ve tried out pretty much every lane in audio from live, location, and post. I spent 15yrs in audio post on staff at 2 different houses and got burnt out on studio work. Nowadays I have a small home studio and spend my time doing a little of everything and am having the most fun yet. In the next few months I’m doing post on a micro budget indie film I did production sound for on set, ran sound for a big band at the performing arts center, a 2 day corporate shoot, a Arena Soccer league game, a reality show shoot, then next month I’m going out of town for a 6wk feature film shoot. Having a diverse skill set w audio, quick troubleshooting skills, and just don’t be an a*hole are key to finding work. Good luck to my fellow sound engineers and those who seek out this profession! If I were to offer one piece of advice to anyone thinking about getting into the job, it’d be that you want to do it for the love of the craft, not how big the band or film is. I think of my job as a trade craftsman. The pride is in the work. I always like talking w other audio engineers. We are a great community of, generally speaking, smart and fun ppl to hang out with!

[@smuleplayz]

I got into audio engineering after finding true love for reggae/ dub tracks and watching videos of Mad Professor and The Scientist work in an almost mystical way on the soundboard. I set out to learn bass but now I want to record and clean up the sound which now has me wanting to learn how to build my own analog equipment. I have a passion for this field that I’ve only also felt for the world of cannabis which is the closest thing I’ve come to to being able to know what the love of someone else feels like. I’ve always searched for people to talk technical music with and it’s a lonely passion but through the loneliness I learn temperament and that dedication is all that matters. There’s nothing superficial that I hope to gain from it. At the worst I’d be working at a restaurant to fund my passion and at the best I’d be learning under the last student of King Tubby or from the remnants of Lee Perry

[@user-dr9gs6wh1k]

I do it as a hobby because I study physics and math, I’m interested in studying many of things because of this and acoustics is one of them lmao, plus it’s fun when you’re a super nerd about it (instrumentals, engineering, producing etc etc) I see the entire music making process through those glasses.

[@laffytaffyog9276]

Went to to school for audio. It was fun and I learned a ton..so it wasn’t a complete waste. People don’t often realize that you need to climb the latter(just like any gig). You will work with shitty bands, who are broke, you will be doing more unpaid work rather then paid work. When you eventually do get paid, it won’t be shit to sustain you at all. Even when you get decent at your craft, you still need other things to attract or earn peoples respect to even consider you for work. Want to work picky clients who are the ones who tend to have the money for higher budgets? Then you better have the money and aesthetic to show prove that your worthy. My advice is get a good stable job and then save towards to slowly getting your business up.

[@xAudiolith]

This video actually motivates the hell out of me for some reason. These all seem like worthwhile compromises!

[@anthonymetcalf660]

Can relate

[@FreedomFighters752]

My Reason for being a sound engineer is I've heard too many unexperienced Live sound engineers butcher the mess out of talented artists. It's funny you talked about going into physical therapy for a career, my mother pushed that on me heavily because she thought I could never get into the career I desired (a sound engineer). I appreciate audio because of all the ear infections I had when I was a kid, I had tubes put in my ears three different times I couldn't hear and speak clearly till I was 6-7 years old. Now I mix for Stadiums & Arenas living my dream. As far as money and payment, it is not the same things as happiness. I want to please peoples ears so they can fall in the same appreciation I have for the art, and for some people uplifting their spirit does more work than any physical therapist can ever do. The band is only as good as it's sound engineer.

[@thavvisionary8912]

Peace & Love King Justin, I Think It's Hard For A Majority Of People To Understand That Some Peoples Form Of Currency / Payment Has NOTHING 2Do W/ A Piece Of Paper Assigned A Specific Numerical Value. If I Read YO Comment Correctly, Like You, I Will Become A Audio / Sound Engineer So That I May Positively & Progressively Enhance The Listeners Ear With Amazing Music!!! Seeing, Hearing And Reading People's Reactions To The Creations I've Made, Make Me Feel EXTREMELY Rich & Wealthy!!! Massively Uplifting Everyone's Energy & Spirit(s) Are The Most Abundantly Phenomenal Energetic Forces N My Life; Doing This, While Experiencing The Actions / Re-Actions Of Those People, Produce The Same Energy / Feelings As If I Had Received A $100K Check. ThankX 4 Sharing. Peace & Love!!! #BLICKET

[@BigTimmy11]

This hit too close to home. Don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. But this is the best channel on youtube for audio engineers. Hands down.

[@OKvalosound]

Justin, thank you for this video! I am happy that those ten reasons you mentionend aren't totally new to me and my personal thoughts are going in the same direction. In a nutshell, there is the general conflict of what gives you fulfilment and what gives you a full bank account. And unfortunately there is only a little intersection that meets both. I think many creatives either audio engineers, musicians, designers, photographers etc. share the same conflict. Maybe it's because society takes creativity too much for granted and would rather go into debt for the latest iPhone, 4K-TV or car than spend a fair amount on artistic products and services. But in fact, it wasn't any better in the past. Only a few artists were able to live (somehow) from their creativity because they were lucky enough to be paid by a secular or ecclesiastical sponsor for individual works (Bach, Mozart, Rubens, ...). So, maybe it' getting better in future. But there is someone who needs people who want to be audio engineers: the little industry branch that produces products nobody else would buy 😉

[@yuulian4776]

Well, I may be the only weirdo? I love frequencies, I love mixing and routing and everything. I just love every sound. I love production, mixing and mastering! I want to become more professional, but yeah, I really love this.

[@mgmthegrand]

Weirdos over here! WOOHOO!

[@yuulian4776]

@@mgmthegrand haha, hello my friend!

[@Hysteric_Subjects]

To be honest my hobby is synthesis and electronic music but it’s new to me; mixing and mastering touches on it so much that NOT learning about it is detracting from being better at it. So the need arises to learn stuff.

[@delvenhamric1200]

I only refer to mixing as a hobby, only because I do it for the love of music! Don't get me wrong, getting paid for my work, would be the biggest honor, but an honest thankyou is all I expect!

[@eeekqu]

Interesting how this came out 2 years ago. I went to audio school back in 2014 because remember then there were a minuscule amount of tips and tricks for audio engineering. For the next half decade is when educational videos started coming out for free and audio school seems to becoming obsolete because of the knowledge available online. In Los Angeles, there's more competition, and less support; whereas before there was less competition, more support. It's a beautiful thing that technology is able to help children understand music in infinite ways, a double-edge sword. Happy sound making everyone!

[@thesaturnsound]

I agree man, i can only name on one hand the times I liked the rappers and singers that I have recorded over the years, they want to sound like jayz, or sound like the migos, and im like theres so much more to it than that. But they will never understand and they rap about having so much money but always had the shittiest excuse to not pay. On top of that I went to audio school to try to discover the secrets and mastery behind engineering 4 years ago...loved the professors but it was a stressful waste. I used to love mixing and making things sound good but no one really cares about that, only dudes like us who say " whoa that sounds like the SSL compressor noooo thats a shure 7m, blah blah blah PEOPLE GET FAMOUS OVER 10 second tiktok vids im really dumb if I think running audio through a FET compressor makes a difference anymore 10 fucking seconds bro...like fuck this shit sorry my comment turned into a vent but...its not what it used to be anymore

[@thavvisionary8912]

Peace & Love, Excuse My Ignorance But I'm An Audio Noob...Could You Expound More On "Thinking Running Audio Through A FET Compressor Makes A Difference"... Peace & Love!!! #BLICKET

[@jonnyoh4731]

@@thavvisionary8912 he was basically saying no one gives a rats ass about the technical aspects of what a makes a song good. And these short attention span generations, they don’t even really care if the song sounds good

[@nebularain3338]

I just quit being a music sound engineer after 17 years. Some of it was fun, but most of it was just a slog dealing with bands who don't talk to each other and/or don't know what they really want. They bring in shit gear and expect a great sound, most are drunk all the time, and they almost always try to get out of paying. It's not as creative as some folk think either. You are there to get what the band want, not imprint your style on the production. Unfortunately, what the band want can go completely against your instincts and ruin a mix, but you have to just suck it up and do it. Some bands leave you to your own devices which is great, but I got sick of being micro-managed.

[@jessjohnreed7964]

You should set ground rules! I bet you do good work, don't be afraid to have self respect>Money (I mean that humbly) I've watched my mentor tell people to beat it because he doesn't mess around. But he was a big wig in the area we were in.

[@drdelewded]

Amazing.. I made a phone call the day out of school to one place that was close to me to do the 100 hours of internship I needed for my diploma. That was 21 years ago and I never left. On staff 40 hour week, union gig.

[@SonicScoop]

Nice! These things do happen from time to time. What kind of gig and what year was it, if you don't mind me asking? When I was teaching in the colleges, we'd occasionally place students into similar gigs (often on the live event side of things), though this was a relatively small number of placements... and not always the "dream" that the average music production or studio tech major had in mind. But I also know a good number of people in similar positions who really enjoy their lives and what they do. Thanks for the comment, Justin

[@drdelewded]

@@SonicScoop I started in 2001. Post sound at a national TV network.

[@elj3ster]

I probably made a huge mistake taking audio engineering as a carreer path and graduating as such. Don't get me wrong, I loved my studies, specially my last semesters where on the last one I created a full E.P. with my own hands as a final project: composition, recording, mixing and master. However when I got out (not so much ago) it discouraged me that very few vacancies were available (specially when I found out that many collegues have found jobs) and relating to giving my CV to different companies that may need an audio guy and they just ghost you, or tell you that there are no vacancies atm, or being paidless (and If I was lucky to be on a interview, they declined me). I am still struggling to find a audio job and I should probably apply to other stable high demanding jobs, however that will be kind of hard giving that music was (and is) my whole life and not sure what other skills I might have. Probably I'll just offer some music services online given that I have some experience recording, mixing and such. Probably the best advice I can give is: If you really want to work with music, audio and such, study another carreer that pays really well, is high demanding (look at the job market) and with your money, invest on equipment, courses and books that will make you an audio engineer. Not only will you be living the dream, but if it fails, will not regret it, and if you succeed, you got the same preparation as someone that graduated from audio carreer. I dont want to discourage someone to pursue this path because it's beautiful, however, you need to place your feet on the ground. I love audio and maybe I can live the dream (I don't want to give up) but right now I feel like a failure and need to build up certain skills and create my own work one way or another. Wish me success and luck. I know I will need it.

[@SonicScoop]

Good luck! In my experience, it is often a field where you have to make your own job. That’s what I’ve been doing for the past 20 years, more or less. -Justin

[@jasonpace6922]

I got into mixing by doing live sound at the church and fell in love with it after mixing for a family of musicians that came to perform. Getting the mix right was so gratifying. I do recording/mixing as parts of projects. I still enjoy the process! While I’ve dreamed of doing it for a living, I realize the market is way over saturated! I wish I had the resources to provide a recording/mixing space for others who are without the resources. A “maker space” for audio.

[@jeffsnider9869]

Another reason: it makes you less enthused about listening / checking out new music sometimes. A friend will ask me if I've checked the new so and so album, and I'll make a quick joke about how "I don't check out new music, my ears are shot from mixing" I used to jam music while doing chores around the house, now I'm just thankful for some silence, lol.

[@SonicScoop]

That can happen yes! Discovering music through my clients instead is what changed that for me.

[@jeffsnider9869]

@@SonicScooplast year client guitarist had a godspeed you! Black emporer tattoo and I ended up referencing and liking that band. It feels like my current playlist is whatever I'm currently referencing lol

[@Jellyjab]

It's really interesting, I have been doing audio engineering for commercials and short films, and some music projects on the side as well. I noticed how important availability and connections are. Luckily where I live i was able to make some good connections. But thank you for the vid. Ill still do audio engineering/ sound design though and I will gladly join you in the ride of not being employed!

[@jamison5626]

I've been thinking about sound producing and creating music a lot lately, and been playing around with various sites. I have years of musical experience before I quit to be a dumb high-schooler, focused on the wrong things. I quite piano and band jazz band, becoming more focused on sports, though, since quitting I've found the roots of sound are too engrained in me, and I struggle to not find rhythm in my day to day life. My older brother is also in love with music, very prideful in his opinions with it leading him to seek performing and rocking on drums in bands. For years, (he is now 28, 10 years older than me) he has been trying and trying to make a name and do something big, and he has been able to perform which is good for him, but I've also seen firsthand the amount of disappointment it can lead to and disheartenment the failures bring. I'm scared of making the same mistakes, yet I'm also so encouraged and confident after watching this so ye. peece.

[@devipoof2992]

i liked how you lead into the sponsorship, it was engaging and I didn't expect it.

[@connor_mcentire]

Reason #1: Less Audio Engineers = Less competition!

[@SonicScoop]

🤣 ...Not for me though. More audio engineers means more people taking my audio engineering courses and more mastering clients. I'm just trying to be legit helpful. As a career, it's just not a path for everybody. Hope that makes sense! -Justin

[@xeximaxi]

this is best reasonable video forced me to focus me main on my own music. im gonna mix sometimes for people but i want crreate a lot.

[@TheAVsChannel]

Thanks! This really helped! Some insights i made myself, but couldn't fully articulate. But I would add that learning mixing&recording yourself as an autodiadact can help to enable yourself as a musician. As a electronic music hobby musician, I learnt stuff that helped me to make my tracks sound better at big club speakers f.e. and it enables you to release music yourself as a musician, which does not sound crappy recorded and mixed. Besides that I 100% agree, that it is not sexy. I have been improving my piano playing for some time now and it is much more fun and more presentable.

[@mk1st]

I flew hang gliders for 25 years but got burnt out (became an instructor, which made it more of a "job"). Now I'm getting into music production: less dangerous and easier on my back:-)

[@Threemicsrecords]

Yes, it all boils down to experience and being competent.

[@KingGrio]

The "You should become a musician" deserves a video "Why you shouldn't become a musician" with pretty much all the same arguments: Becoming really good is countless hours of frustrating practice and unpaid work, you don't get to play what you like, you are a freelancer etc etc.

[@jaceychan7099]

And I forgot to comment on your question about where you plug your sponsors Most people have short attention spans and when you break their train of thought to plug sonic toys or other things like that is a good way to make them go to the next video but I get it your sponsors are helping you to get your message out but I think it would work better for everyone involved in that would be you and your sponsors and also your listeners if you were to plug it in the beginning and maybe a little at the end that way they hear about things your sponsor would like you to highlight and then you can turn to the message that you would like to convey and everybody’s happy

[@bigstr9178]

I am 15 years old and I offer mixing and mastering service in toronto and it is the easiest music related job I have ever done in my life since it isn't really versatile and evryone wants to sound like Travis scott or some auto tune god😂 I rarely get clients that want to sound different or unique. Since I don't have a bunch college of degrees I charge an affordable price attracting about 1-3 clients a week, that sure works for me! I am still trying to decide if I want to go to school and get a degree to make this my full career or do it part time to make some extra income. After watching this video it sounds pretty stressful and competitive lol so I probably won't but I'll see how it goes😆. By the way I loved the video it's hilarious, logical and realistic, I love it. New subscriber here❤

[@BoomBang101]

Who taught you?

[@bigstr9178]

@@BoomBang101 myself, it's hard to get this type of knowledge from producers and mixing engeneers because they are scared you will be better than them, so unfortunately it's everyman for themselves.

[@BoomBang101]

@@bigstr9178 so I'm guessing you watched yt videos online and made listing for courses?

[@bigstr9178]

@@BoomBang101 Yes, I watched some free mixing courses and youtube also helps alot. Also my library offers free lessons to learn basic audio engineering.😀

[@malachilatroy]

@@bigstr9178 what's software?

[@lewisedwards4058]

As someone wanting to be a Voice Actor full time, I’m wanting to become an Audio Engineer because I need a more stable job than voice acting to 1. Make myself money while starting my voice acting career, 2. Have a job that relates/benefits my voice acting goals. What would you recommend me do instead?

[@TessaAnderson]

I really felt this ... I am a hobby drummer trying to learn how to mic a really good sounding drumset

[@lavapirate]

this was very educational for me to understand the role of an audio engineer and why I wouldn't want to take on that role in addition to creating and playing music... i think like with any profession in life, having a passion for it coupled with a talent for it are what should help one decide. For the overly curious inquisitors like myself, i think it's more of a combination of control issues, procrastination/distraction and wanting to know a little about every component.

[@jessjohnreed7964]

I resonate greatly with the things you say here, however I do have that passion haha. I worked as an audio engineer since my internship when I was 13, having a family required a consistent job but the passion is there. I passionately love audio!

[@jaceychan7099]

I enjoyed listening to your perspective on being an audio engineer it felt somewhat like a warning but you said some things that needed to be said to a person like me I have invested thousands of dollars into building my home based recording studio and I can’t say that it is money well spent for me it is but there are other things that would be better causes for the money but I have a passion for making music I have been playing bass since I was 14 and I recently turned 60 and I have had sub entry level recording studios since the 90s so I decided to finally get a studio that I don’t have to make excuses for I believe I can help people get from where they are now to having something they would be proud to upload and to know that they’re Music will be sonically on the same level as anything else there song will be competing with, do I think I am going to make so much money that I will have a standalone recording studio outside of my home, do I think that I will one day receive a Grammy for my contribution? No but I believe it’s all possible because I compare recording and engineering and creating music to cooking I love the science of cooking I love how you blend the different ingredients in specific amounts and how you can overcook or undercooked something on the stove and it can change the result from wow this is the most delicious thing I have had in my life to this is horrible! I consider it to be a challenge that I’m definitely up for

[@fencefirst2722]

I tried making beats .. within a year I went deaf in one ear and hearing aid in the other... now I can't enjoy music.. 😢 Be careful

[@sailorsaturn_]

[@asylumrain]

Damn how loud did you have the music?

[@fencefirst2722]

@@asylumrain Audio Technica.. smh.. too loud.. Ears were already not the greatest..

[@oliver0408]

u fr?

[@cld9elato172]

My hobby is being an artist. Mixing snd mastering, and recording engineer on my daw so I can be my own engineer and for others so I can get income

[@biggbillskrill]

Same bro

[@alcraig1]

I've been an audio engineer for 47 years. I met my wife on the road and we've been married for 41 years. But what you fail to mention is that there are so many allied fields for audio engineers. Besides working in a recording studio, there is live work (on the road with a band, house engineer at clubs, performing arts centres, and houses of worship), there is Audio/Visual work out there (either at an A/V hire shop or in-house at a hotel or convention centre), and finally, broadcast television (either locally, or network level, or outside broadcasting). Trust me, I've done them all. I've come to the end of my career with enough to live on for the rest of my life. And frankly, I've never considered myself an "engineer". I am an audio operator. Anyone interested in breaking into the entertainment industry should also up-skill in the areas of IT (Dante and Ravenna), fibre optics (learn how to terminate fibre and you'll be in high demand), electronic repairs, production management, etc.

[@RooftopRecording]

Justin, you are my absolute favorite Vlogger/ writer on audio. You’re constantly insightful and wise about mindset of our profession. I am always happy to send interested younger folks to you to figure out the right mindset for a career in audio. I will be adding this to my short list of necessary audio educational videos! Thanks.

[@wintourmusic]

Quite insightful, thank you. I am in the UK working towards a PhD in mechanical & sustainable energy engineering. However, over the years I became very good at music production, mixing and mastering. I always saw myself pursuing music and I am super intrigued by Foley - the video makes me wonder if I am just setting myself up for disappointment. The topic brings some very real questions to light. Nice content

[@dormaettu302]

Thanks for sharing the truth. The number 5 scared me a lot. I love music but i'm torn between being a dj and never sleep. Or record music that i hate. Need to think more about it. I can't vision myself having a normal day job.

[@emotionalideas]

You can make the exact same argument about literally anything and everything in the Fine Arts.

[@deedontcare584]

Why is it anything to do with music /audio seems to the be the most inconsistent when it comes to pay ? Weather you’re an artist /producer / Dj / or audio engineer

[@YiggaP]

You were on fire this time Justin, I laughed so many times 😂 Learnt many things, most important is that we're now friends 🤗 I do it because I just like it and for me it's 100% part of songwriting, especially mixing (to answer #4). See you soon my friend 😇

[@royaltyfree5254]

Truly hit the nail on the head with these. I work as a composer for myself, a mixing and mastering engineer for a studio with a regular wage and with those two I thought I'd made it. But no, I still have to work at a bar too for an actual livable income. Should have started a band.

[@alitherapper7984]

hey how long u been working there ? they dint give u a raise it really depends what company u work with

[@michaeldelacruz6370]

I think this one was briefly touched on the little poem you resited to us. But I think it's a pretty big one and it's the fact that if you are doing audio you are probably doing allot of it to stay afloat. You can protect your ears all you can but it honestly just delays the inevitable and eventually being able to hear the pure sound of silence just becomes a distant memory, something you just have to deal with and fall asleep to. . Edit: "allot of it" also meaning practicing in your own time even when there is no gig just to be able to get around the curve on new techniques, software, information, etc.

[@richertz]

I subscribed after seeing this, now to use time travel I am going to go back 20 years and warn myself before I spend half my life on it!! 🤣🤣

[@chedersom]

Same here ahahah

[@TheLaddie777]

Thanks for the advice and a good laugh!

[@jirehla-ab1671]

My sony mdr zx110 has 24 ohms with a sensitivity of 100dbs is performing quieter than my cheaper earphones that i have used and i also found out that my cheaper earphones sounds more louder and even more better than that $20 headphones that I have bought, do u have any suggestions?

[@mrsoso5500]

This video just confirmed my bias. I've been studying a diploma in this field and in my 2nd year I failed. Mainly because I didn't see the point in it any more but my parents forced me to finish it thinking I'll secure some work. Here I am now with no job and I have to work a low paying job. It's honestly a depressing thing considering how much we spent on the equipment and education.

[@chesspeese3050]

I hear u bro I’ve been looking at the courses even here in London trust me they’re not cheap I’m a professional musician wanted to learn so I can Better my songs and do for others but there’s so much info on KZbin I guess I’ll practice my ear

[@TheSoundHog]

You have to move dude. Go to a highly populated area with an art scene if you want to make it and quit listening to these clowns on KZbin trying to discourage people. Precursor: I generally like Justin’s channel. However I will dissent here: This video is nothing more than Justin’s half witted opinion likely stemming from issues/opinions he’s had on his own career. Oh, and it’s also clickbait for that sound toys sponsorship he advertises. This video is a cheap ploy to rack up sponsorship dollars and gatekeep the audio industry because he doesn’t want to lose work. A reality check is great, but this video is largely trash. You can make it in audio if you really want it. Don’t let KZbinrs get you down. The real pro audio guys aren’t youtubers posting discouraging glorified blogs like this on KZbin and that’s all I’ll say about that.

[@TheSoundHog]

A lot of this depends on geographic location. If you’re in nowheresville Ohio then yeah sure, you won’t survive. But if you go to a place like Nashville, LA, Austin, ATL, you’ll find plenty of work as an audio engineer. A lot of it is live, but you use the live audio to meet connects to build your studio business. They go hand in hand.

[@brandoncroes1938]

This is so true i live in Aruba its a vacation island and no big production/music scenes really anywhere and if you do find people wanting to record its they never want to pay

[@jefftX]

I’m a music producer, I like making beats and songs in Logic Pro. My problem is I have zero clue how to do the mastering side. I can make cool beats, mix them decently, but that’s it. I was debating going back to school for audio engineering so I can learn mastering and then fully unlock my ability to release good sounding music. But I hear you can also just teach yourself online or on KZbin? Idk what to do. I can’t release stuff without getting mastering now.

[@SonicScoop]

I wouldn’t go to school just to learn to master well. You probably won’t. That’s just not something that colleges or audio trade schools focus on. Either 1. Get help from a good mastering engineer (underrated option among beginners!! And can be very cost effective) or 2. Learn mastering. If you want to learn mastering, I have a full length course here that can help: MasteringDemystified.com Hope that helps! -Justin

[@bipinbhatt5234]

if choice, love and passion to be an audio engineer, one must come out and do so, live for happiness and not for success..... also our within side musician should remain live.... and this knowledge may help to be a good musician, good faculty, good music teacher, good music student....etc. Any knowledge is power if taken positively.... Do not afraid of competition as all are unique and different.... all enjoy journey of life...

[@henningriez7655]

as a guy thats slowly getting there after 15 years of hustling your words are very much appreciated. Lots of relatable thoughts here, lots of thruth that should be told to everyone starting out, not that would have helped in my case though xD

[@LIGHTintheHALLS]

Number 12: You have to sit in a control room for many hours with sometimes very difficult people.

[@MrBlanchecat]

What a gem for a struggling engineer who is always feel like he is not on his place

[@24DaniS24]

If it’s not easy to find a steady paying job, does that mean that it would it be kind of hard to find any projects at all, or what

[@WaliG]

How is audio not sexy? Engineering is not sexy..., but audio? It is directly related to our human sensory experiences. Furthermore, if you take on the "facilitator" role of a audio engineer, you are ultimately trying to help your artists realize their project visions, complete projects, and potentially help make these musicians enough money to free them from their 9-5 lives. That's very sexy.

[@decibeats9668]

The producer is way different, but I can see all you’re saying. Good video, brother!

[@C3yl0]

That’s why I decided to add the certificate option to my double majors in college just to have the fundamentals.

[@aldomendez2211]

Nice video Justin, but as you say in past videos I just don't have another choice. Cheers & best wishes to all.

[@GODJJIM]

My audio production teacher told me everything that you said already told me lol.

[@GODJJIM]

p.s. I also want to be a music producer and Artist and I'm still not scared.

[@xoffworld]

I can relate to feeling like a failure when for doing unpaid work

[@lar57jsy]

Ha ha! 'Seems to be a good honest look at the realities of audio engineering. Well done! Thanks for including some humour! :D The advertising placement probably make little difference for me...but I wonder if you placed it near the end, if that would increase the chances of a viewer actually pursuing that info when the video ends?

[@dmayrias]

I'm a musician n going to study audio engineering, but I loved this video! Lol

[@geraldkurkjian2922]

Do you know if it's normal to have 22KHz in an appt building? And health hazards? Thanks

[@Tristanrgreene11]

Fantastic points.... I’m quitting everything including music to be a monk Now....glad I found your cast man your a great teacher, your explanations are on point, and to the point. I went to school at a community college in NY, and had some good teachers but at the time it was 2002 and it was well complicated when it comes to recording at the time of everything switching to pro tools as I graduated I realized I’m a dumb drummer that never had hardly any electronics besides my Awia disc man ! Not even an amp..l..haha so I had good ears and was a decent drummer that had to learn everything and honestly know more now just in the past few years with the advent of the iPad and having everything scaled down a bit all right there in front of me... no chords just chords on a screen that looked more real and had less kinks than any of mine back in school ! Great topics my man, and by the way your hilarious! In a good way of course. Ha

[@onenothingless]

I quitted music to be a monk 20 years ago. After some 20 years I discovered that music is important for my life as a monk and I can be a monk and keep my music passion and God is happy of this

[@WillyJuro]

Does this apply to post production mixing and mastering, and production recording for the film industry?

[@hazikry]

i wanna be an audio engineer

[@michaelmurray2595]

I worked for three record companies in Europe and everthing Justin said is true. A possible solution is to look for game audio and foley work using FMod and Wwise.

[@bunnybunbun0707]

I have 10 reasons why not to pursue it, but I have 11 reasons why to choose it.

[@malachilatroy]

is it worth it?

[@bunnybunbun0707]

@@malachilatroy Everything that makes you happy, is WORTH IT. It makes me happy, therefore yes, it's worth it. Thanks for the comment, it reminds me of my goals💖 love lots❣️

[@malachilatroy]

@@bunnybunbun0707 okay thank you so much💖🤝🏽

[@kevinleblanc47]

You missed that Everybody hears different and Everybody in the room is a Freaking Soundman. So you can please some of the people some of thhe time senerio.

[@dodjiegarcia2320]

Since 1999 when I was starting, a lot has changed in this field. But what has changed a lot is THE BUDGETS. That is enough reason to consider this as a job.

[@LaurentDormey]

Definetely not scared to be an audio engineer.

[@JamesDoylesGarage]

Reason #1 to be an audio engineer Live Sound. I'm the guy with the volume control! And I will Rock you LOL!!!

[@dunnynetwork]

I couldn’t relate to this post even more 😂😂😂😂… u just explained my whole 20s and 30s

[@DamionSuarez96]

Would you guys think that audio engineer would be good if you were a musician? And I see now that the new technology for recording music such as apple garage band has been a good tool.

[@terrytapak9235]

Thanks Justin... You just saved me $199.00... I was considering taking your course, but your arguements were so convincing, that I think I'll buy a membership to a jujutsu dojo instead... TinC...

[@SonicScoop]

🤣 Oh well. I’ll just have to come out with a jiu jitsu instructional someday. Give me another 4 or 5 years and I’ll get right on it! -Justin

[@ayobabanla8817]

Very good topic, I'm a kitchen chef and music producer /mixing engineer. And I work 10 hours à day and the remaining times I try my best to mske people hear me. I'm at my 28 and I'm bald 😇

[@ashkanaref4056]

Thanks man, I will stop trying to migrate from my country with this profession, need to start all over again now :|

[@dddux]

That moment when they ask you at the customs: "occupation?" "errr mast... errr mixi...... ah - artist. :) I am actually a computer engineer, too, so I usually just say "computer engineer".

[@alexdela5250]

Very honest point of view !!!

[@iamchinma]

This was awesome…people think this job isn’t work

[@aidanduffy5443]

I never realized what a funny dude you were until you started going on about audio not being sexy and all that 😂 you should have a comedy podcast too