What makes a good engineer?

It’s too subjective a question to offer a good answer. There are too many variables, personal taste issue, artistic visions, etc…

I might not be able to shed any more light on this topic, but I can shed a little light on what make a good Pro Tools Engineer -- the ability to see beyond Pro Tools.

It’s really easy to get wrapped up in the flashy buttons and knobs on any piece of audio equipment. I can still sit and stare at a large console and it makes me happy and comfortable to see all my friendly buttons, knobs, lights, meters, etc… But, as cool as that might be, a console does not make a studio. It’s just one small part of a much bigger picture. There are tape machines, inputs, outputs, microphones, pre-amps, the list goes on and on. All of these wonderful devices working together make a studio.

This is no different in the digital world of Pro Tools. It’s not just a person’s ability to use the software, but also the ability to know the platform this software works on. I am directly targeting the computer itself. No matter what our software can or can’t do, it would not be able to exist without a computer. Knowing your computer is equally as important as knowing Pro Tools.

Basic computer knowledge is a must in the modern recording studio. No more than 10-15 years ago, a person had to know how to align a tape machine. Today they are expected to know how to install an Operating System. Just because our “tape machines” are now called Hard Drives, doesn’t mean we can ignore how they work. The easiest way to get comfortable with Pro Tools is to first get comfortable with your computer platform. Whether you are using a Mac or a PC, know how the computer works on its own. Simple things like creating folders and basic file management can really break down the groove of a session.

Plus, you’ll just be smarter in general, and that’s always a good thing.