Role of a Studio Engineer and Studio

[allysiu]

Hi

I am researching for my dissertation and am wondering what your definitions of the role a studio engineer and studio are?

Do you think the role of an engineer has diminished due to the increase of plug n play technology, or has the pre set options on effects made the role loose the level of skill once required?

Why do people still go to studios? It could be argued that home studios are cheaper and can provide a similar end product in terms of quality?

Do you agree or disagree?

Please post as all views are welcome

allysiu

[John Bell]

Hi Allysiu, studio equipment of a very high quality, is now available and affordable, to many people interested in creating and recording their own music at home.

In my home rehearsal/recording studio, I can record bands of up to 5 members, live, as if it were at a live gig and provide them with a demo recording, good enough to get them gigs.

The main down-side to home studios, is the environment that they are set-up in. Sound-proofing and acoustic treatment can use a lot of your budget. Noise pollution, both ways, can be a serious problem and access may be an issue for visitors.

However, having the facility to use, at any reasonable time, with no fees, gives you an incredible sense of freedom to be creative and productive.

Commercial studios have much more top of the range equipment available and have separation between instruments and artists, using booths or screens. They have a control room, to separate the recording equipment from the recording areas and provide the correct acoustics for playback and mixing.
They will also have industry recognized recording software and hardware.

With regard to skill level, the modern digital equipment is not just about pre-sets, giving you quick set-up and fixes. It enables far more retrievable and non-destructive control over the minutest of adjustments. There are new skills replacing old skills.

Cheers, John.