Back To School

**Spent** · 14 Nov 2006, 10:55 AM

Hey guys,

I'm considering going back to school within a year, and I think I would like to go back for sound/recording engineer program. I don't have background in this, though I do have a programming background and have a fairly good ear for pitches and whatnot. I think there are a few people who are sound engineers here and was wondering if they could point me in the right direction. I see some websites recommending taking a general broadcasting course, however I'm worried that that will be too general and not encompass enough of this specific facet.

I'm looking for a school in the greater Toronto area, and I doubt anyone can help me with that, but if you could link me to the programs/courses that you took at your respective colleges maybe I could find something that syncs up with that. Thanks guys.

**Cheebs** · 14 Nov 2006, 12:01 PM

*Raises hand*

Professional soundman, at your service.

Toronto....I just don't know. NYU in New York (duh) is a big name. So's Full Sail in Florida.

Whatever you do, GET OUT THERE AND WORK! Like, right now. Before you go to school. Durring school. After you get out of school. Hit the local clubs where the big cover bands go (high-paid cover bands know thier shit, are easy as hell to mix, great way to learn). Get to know the soundman there. See if you can work in.

Buy your own entry level board. Get some recording software. Get some budget mics.

Just....DO!

The thing about sound, and especially dealing with bands, and ESPECIALLY dealing with bands in a live venue, is that STUFF WILL GO WRONG THAT YOU WEREN'T TAUGHT TO HANDLE!

Experiance is a must.

**Dolemite** · 14 Nov 2006, 12:20 PM

I can't agree enough when some wants to go to school and start a possible new career, no matter what their age. Best of luck, dude.

As for what Cheebs says, that's probably good advice. I was in a club Friday night and there were live bands playing. I was hanging out behind the sound engineer's table and was just fucking agog at all the stitches, levers, knobs, and lights and how the guy just knew how everything worked.

**Fe 26** · 14 Nov 2006, 12:46 PM

Let us know how it turns out and your thoughts on things. I'm probably going to dable in the same thing a little after christmas

**Shin Johnpv** · 14 Nov 2006, 01:05 PM

I wish you the best of luck man. I know nothing about sound enginering so can't offer anything there, doesn't mykozo (did I spell that right it was clown porn before that) I believe is a sound enginer too you may want to PM him.

**Dolemite** · 14 Nov 2006, 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by Shin Johnpv

mykozo (did I spell that right it was clown porn before that)

And it was mykozo again before that.

I believe is a sound enginer too you may want to PM him.

I think he actually does video, which is something I'd love to dabble in myself, but I may be wrong.

How's your shit going, BTW?

**Josh** · 14 Nov 2006, 05:31 PM

You're wrong.

P.S. Spent: get ready for frustration.

**Error** · 14 Nov 2006, 05:34 PM

If you're looking for a school in the GTA that offers a good program audio wise, you should look at Seneca. I don't know if they will teach you exactly what you're looking for, but they've got a very good radio broadcast program. Their TV Program is better though(because hey, I'm in it).

**Spent** · 14 Nov 2006, 05:45 PM

Originally Posted by Dolemite

I can't agree enough when some wants to go to school and start a possible new career, no matter what their age. Best of luck, dude.

Originally Posted by Shin Johnpv

I wish you the best of luck man.

Originally Posted by buttcheeks

Let us know how it turns out and your thoughts on things.

Thanks for the kind words, it can be difficult to just up and start fresh, but it's a challenge I'm ready for.

Originally Posted by Cheebs

Buy your own entry level board. Get some recording software. Get some budget mics.

Thanks a million man, I suppose I will invest in a mac, but could you recommend any brands or boards in particular? I'd google some myself but a recommendation here is what really matters. Without this place I would have never played Smashing Drive.

Originally Posted by Error

If you're looking for a school in the GTA that offers a good program audio wise, you should look at Seneca. I don't know if they will teach you exactly what you're looking for, but they've got a very good radio broadcast program. Their TV Program is better though(because hey, I'm in it).

Seneca @ York was acctually where I studied programming. I remember their audio rooms looked nice, but I was under the impression they were more for radio DJs and the like, I will definitely take another look.

Originally Posted by Josh

Spent: get ready for frustration.

Heh, elaborate please? [or is the term discuss?]