Assistant Engineer Tips

[Ronan]

There are managers(insecure) that get irritated at workers taking on responsibilities before they're asked to. But in the same light, if you see something broken, fix it. Stay flexible.

Be willing to volunteer but don't be a pest.

There was a saying Robert Fripp used to have for people helping us out with the King Crimson stuff (especially less experienced guys on the road). "Don't be helpful. Be Available" which really applies well to studio situations.

If you are an assistant/intern, if you are not already fully integrated into a work flow you can unexpectedly create problems if you initiate your role in the process, but if you are attentive and available at all times should the producer or engineer need you, people will grow to trust you and give you more responsibility.

 

[LeeRosario]

So, first he gets reamed for not being honest, then he gets fired for being too honest. It sounds a bit like a social obstacle course to me.

it was just bad timing and bad judgment really....

 

[Erockrazor]

Not that I have that much wisdom to spread but in my limited time interning ... I have just tried to make it clear to my superior that I'm not trying to step on his toes. I want him to have my help where he wants it when he needs it. Not when I insist on getting in his way. That has worked for me. I just lay down my deal and say look I want to help and I don't want to fuck up, let me know when I can do something for you.

Unless it's something brainless like breaking down. Just don't wrap the cables around your elbow and shoulder. Get the twists out then you can wrap them up just with your hands.

And don't tell Madonna she was off on that last take. Or else you're implying that maybe you should be Madonna and I don't think Madonna wants any more impersonators. Just Kaballah followers.

 

[c7sus]

Be able to roll a decent fatty.

Not those skinny pinners or bloated-in-the-middle whales.

A fatty that looks machined-rolled but done by hand.

And always carry rolling papers.

 

[darrin_h2000]

I always used a dollar bill to get that right.

 

[darrin_h2000]

Read "Here, There and Everywhere: My Life Recording the Music of the Beatles" by Geoff Emerick.

Ill be looking out for that one...my personal favorite read was a compellation of 37 engineers called "Behind the Glass".

 

[blogposter12]

I would say look at their experience. Education is important too, but definitely not as valuable.

 

[philbagg]

Be able to roll a decent fatty.

Not those skinny pinners or bloated-in-the-middle whales.

A fatty that looks machined-rolled but done by hand.

And always carry rolling papers.

I always do

 

[c7sus]

I always do

You're already halfway to being a successful recording engineer.

 

[philbagg]

You're already halfway to being a successful recording engineer.

Is the other half tea+coffee?

 

[LeeRosario]

Is the other half tea+coffee?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flood_(producer)


this is the legend of "Flood". Yes, you heard me correctly. This guy is a powerhouse in the music industry.

Long story short, he famously walks in with a million gallons of tea to every session he conducts, hence the nickname "Flood".

Just to show you how you can never go "too far" with the coffee.

 

[philbagg]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flood_(producer)


this is the legend of "Flood". Yes, you heard me correctly. This guy is a powerhouse in the music industry.

Long story short, he famously walks in with a million gallons of tea to every session he conducts, hence the nickname "Flood".

Just to show you how you can never go "too far" with the coffee.

Where's my damn paycheck then?!?!