 This blog is written to serve as an introduction to the world of Audio Engineering. There are three types of Audio Engineers. The first two types of Audio Engineers are often found at recording studios or at a live events – Recording Engineer and Sound Engineer. The third type of Audio Engineer is one is who has a Bachelor or Masters degree in electrical or acoustical engineering. Here’s a quick snapshot of each Engineer. Recording Engineer
 In every professional recording studio you will find a compressor. Compressors have the versatility of being used during recording, mixing, and mastering. Lets start with mastering. During mastering, a compressor will be used lightly to control the dynamics of the entire song as a whole. With this in mind, mastering engineers rarely apply no more than two to three decibels of gain reduction. When mastering a song, mastering engineers only have access to a group of instruments, (drums, vocals, keyboards, etc.) or, one stereo track with all elements of the song summed together. Moreover, a mixing engineer has the ability to use a compressor in as many ways he or she can think of. While mixing, compressors can be used to control the dynamics of individual instruments, a group of instruments, over the entire song, and for effects all at the same time. Furthermore, a recording engineer uses a compressor specifically to control recorded levels. Often vocalists can vary their amplitude while singing. A compressor allows the vocalists volume to remain consistent throughout the entire song or voiceover.  Matching EQ is gives one the ability to equalize a mix based on the frequency response of another mix. So what does that mean? Let’s say you have recorded a R&B song and your Mixing Engineer sent you the first mix. To compare, you check out Mary J Blige’s new single “Thick of It” and you realize you would love your music to sound similar to “Thick of It”. Using Matching EQ will give you the results you are looking for. There are however, some caveats to Matching EQ.
I use izotope’s matching eq. Here is a brief description of how to use it. On izotope’s Matching EQ there is a button titled capture. Capture is similar to taking a screenshot on your smart phone. Here is how you will use the capture button.
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