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11 Essential Questions to Ask Your Sound Engineer Before Your Next Project

August 12, 2023
2 min read

The art of sound engineering is a world in itself, a mélange of technology, acoustics, timing, and above all, creative intuition. Each project is unique, necessitating a distinct approach and an assured hand at the helm. As you embark on your next sonic venture, it is imperative to engage in a robust dialogue with your chosen sound engineer. Here are eleven critical queries to guide this conversation.

  • How do you perceive the objective of our project?
  • What equipment do you plan on utilizing?
  • How familiar are you with the genre/style of our project?
  • How do you approach sound design?
  • Which DAW do you prefer and why?
  • How do you intend to manage the project's timeline?
  • What's your plan on mixdown and mastering?
  • How do you handle revisions and feedback?
  • What's your philosophy regarding the use of outboard gear versus plugins?
  • What's your take on Loudness War?
  • Can you share samples of your previous work and references?

Each of these questions is aimed at understanding the engineer's technical prowess, creative acumen, and professional approach. A sound engineer's role is paramount in shaping the sonic spirit of a project, thus these queries are essential to kickstart the collaborative journey. They serve as signposts, guiding the project towards its desired destination. Without them, you might find yourself lost in the labyrinthine world of sound engineering.

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Related Questions

Understanding the sound engineer's perception of the project is important to ensure that they comprehend the narrative, emotion, aesthetics, and overall vision of the project. This alignment of perception can guide the project to its successful culmination.

The choice of equipment by a sound engineer can shed light on their technical acumen and their approach towards choosing equipment. It can also give an idea about the project's specific acoustic requirements.

Knowing the sound engineer's familiarity with the project's genre is important to ensure that they can handle the stylistic intricacies of the project.

Sound design is the process of creating sonic landscapes that enhance the narrative of a project. It involves using sound to tell stories and techniques such as Foley or ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement).

The choice of DAW can influence the overall sound of the project. Knowing the engineer's preference can help in understanding their work process.

Understanding the sound engineer's approach towards revisions and feedback is essential for maintaining a harmonious collaboration. It helps in knowing how they handle critique and changes.

The Loudness War is a contentious issue in the audio industry, revolving around the trend of increasing audio level at the cost of dynamic range. It can give a glimpse into the values and priorities of the sound engineer.
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