Music Production vs. Audio Engineering

Parts of the recording process that are both vital and unique.
Written by Camille
Updated 2 years ago

Table of contents

  1. What’s the Difference between Producers and Engineers
  2. A Closer Look at Music Producers
  3. A Closer Look at Music Engineers
  4. Modern Producers and Engineers

Traditionally, a record producer is in charge of the logistics, such as booking the studio where the music will be recorded, deciding which songs will be included on the album, and directing the artists on specific sounds and approaches.

Music engineering, on the other hand, focuses on the technical aspects of the recording process. They're well-versed in using the studio's recording equipment, as well as collaborating with musicians to get a specific sound.

Despite the fact that the roles are fundamentally separate, they can often be filled by the same person, especially in smaller-scale records.

What’s the Difference between Producers and Engineers

When it comes to the recording process, the terms "producer" and "engineer" are frequently swapped. They're both necessary for the process, yet they serve quite different purposes.

A producer is best described as a manager because they oversee the creation of the record, the logistics of recording it, and the final result.

On the other side, music engineering is purely technical. They operate the studio equipment in order to give the musician a specific sound.

A Closer Look at Music Producers

Producers are the behind-the-scenes problem solvers of a record, much as they are in the film industry. The best and most respected music producers are heavily involved in every aspect of a record's creation, from choosing which songs to include to collaborating with studio to obtain a particular sound.

Most producers, in reality, have a thorough understanding of how the studio's audio recording equipment works, and they use this knowledge to assist the artist in obtaining the exact sound they desire for their record.

A Closer Look at Music Engineers

If music producers are in charge of directing and managing, music engineers are the ones in charge of the controls. These folks have received extensive training in studio recording technology as well as how to deal with various instruments and musical styles. Music engineers are usually studio employees that are intimately familiar with the recording area and how to get the greatest sound out of it.

While the best engineers are technically skilled, they can also carry the producer's and artist's visions and apply them to the final product.

Modern Producers and Engineers

Just because these two jobs aren't the same doesn't mean they can't be covered by the same person. These roles become more available as modern recording has become more democratized.

Home studios, small-scale studios, and those who want to have as much creative control over a record as possible might combine these roles to produce and engineer a piece of music.
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