Sound engineers capture sound for archival purposes, to improve quality for reproduction and to enhance its' audibility in live performance. This requires a keen knowledge of recording equipment, microphones and, more recently, of numerous and varied software programs used to edit sound digitally.
Sound recording is a key facet to sound engineering. This involves the task of using microphones to record instruments and voices in a recording studio. Recording can also involve "live" recording: the capture of live sound as it is being made. This is common in radio and television broadcast concerts, sporting events and theater performances. Sound engineers must tailor their recording equipment for each venue.
"Mixing" refers to the sound engineering process of editing sound to improve clarity, volume and tone. Sound engineers use a myriad of digital and machine equipment to analyze recorded sound and to gauge areas of improvement. In the music industry, mixing is used to create an optimum collection of sound from the numerous musicians performing.
Sound editing is the practice of manipulating sounds to create different sounds. In editing, sound engineers use equipment and software to cut pieces of certain recording and attach them to different pieces to create different sounds. Editing can also involve the deletion of undesired sound. This is common in broadcasting and film.
Notable contemporary sound engineers include Geoff Emerick, Phil Ramone, Nigel Godrich and Steve Albini.
The Grammys have three annual categories dedicated to sound engineering: Best Engineered Non-Classical Album, Best Engineered Classical Album and
Best Remixed Recording. The Oscar's have two prestigious awards for sound engineering in film: Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing.