How to become a mixing engineer

Is becoming a mixing engineer right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do mixing engineers do?

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How to become a Mixing Engineer

Becoming a mixing engineer involves a combination of education, practical experience, and networking. Here are the steps to pursue a career as a mixing engineer:

  • Educational Foundation: Obtain a strong educational foundation, typically in audio engineering, sound engineering, sound production, or a related field.
  • Gain Technical Knowledge: Acquire technical skills in using Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), mixing consoles, audio plugins, and other relevant software and hardware used in the field. Familiarize yourself with signal flow, equalization, compression, and other essential mixing techniques.
  • Build a Portfolio: Create a portfolio that showcases your mixing skills. Include samples of your work across different genres, demonstrating your ability to handle diverse musical styles. A strong portfolio is crucial when seeking employment or freelance opportunities.
  • Internship or Entry-Level Positions: Gain hands-on experience through internships, entry-level positions, or assistant roles at recording studios, production houses, or live sound venues. This practical experience provides valuable insights into the day-to-day operations of the industry.
  • Build Relationships with Artists and Producers: Establish connections with musicians, artists, and producers. Collaborate on projects, offer your services, and build a reputation for delivering high-quality mixes. Word of mouth and positive recommendations are essential in the industry.
  • Create an Online Presence: Showcase your work on online platforms, such as a personal website or social media profiles. Having an online presence allows potential clients and employers to easily access your portfolio and contact you for opportunities.
  • Specialize or Develop a Niche: Consider specializing in a particular genre or aspect of mixing, such as live sound, film, or a specific music genre. Developing a niche can make you stand out and cater to a specific market.
  • Seek Certification (Optional): While not mandatory, obtaining certifications in specific audio engineering software or technologies can enhance your credibility (see below). Organizations like Avid offer certifications for their Pro Tools software.
  • Freelance or Studio Work: Decide whether you want to work as a freelance mixing engineer or in a studio environment. Freelancers often work on a project basis, while studio engineers may be employed by recording studios.

Certifications
The following certifications can be valuable in showcasing your proficiency with specific tools and technologies commonly used in the industry. Here are some relevant certifications for mixing engineers:

  • Avid Certified Operator for Pro Tools: Avid offers certification programs for Pro Tools, one of the industry-standard Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). Becoming an Avid Certified Operator for Pro Tools demonstrates your proficiency in using this widely used software for audio mixing.
  • Apple Certified Pro – Logic Pro X: Apple's Logic Pro X is another popular DAW, especially among music producers and mixing engineers. Achieving certification as an Apple Certified Pro in Logic Pro X validates your skills in using this software for audio production and mixing.
  • iZotope RX Certification: iZotope, a company known for its audio processing plugins, offers certification programs for their RX audio repair and restoration software. This certification is valuable for those working in audio post-production and restoration.
  • Dolby Atmos Certification: Dolby Atmos is a surround sound technology increasingly used in film, TV, and music production. Certification in Dolby Atmos demonstrates your expertise in creating immersive audio experiences.
  • Berklee Online – Mixing and Mastering with Pro Tools Certificate: Berklee College of Music offers online courses and certificates in mixing and mastering with Pro Tools. Completing such a program provides formal recognition of your skills in audio mixing.
  • Recording Connection Audio Engineering Certification: The Recording Connection offers a comprehensive audio engineering program that includes hands-on experience and mentorship. Completing their program can lead to a certification in audio engineering.