So, you want to be an engineer. We at IRS know how daunting the prospect of trying to break into the business can be. Computer-based recording and Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) can be confusing and downright frustrating if you do not have the proper experience in either engineering basics or even a working knowledge of DAWs. No matter what your current skill level is we probably have an avenue of training that can improve or even develop your skills. We provide one-on-one training and also group training if you and your mates want to learn what it takes to record your own material.

Intro to Engineering - This is the basics of track-recording. How sound gets to “tape” and what happens to it on the way. If you have no working knowledge of the recording process and the necessary equipment, then this is the training you’ve been looking for. Upon completion you should be able to identify the basics of recording and how they vary from each individual band element.

IRS Engineering 101 - Time to roll your sleeves up and record some music. This training will take you through the whole process of track recording from mic selection /placement to getting it all down for later mixing. The training covers in-depth work an our DAW, to include basics of editing, compression, effect choices, equalization and the basics of mixing. Upon completion you should be able to mic instruments based upon their individual characteristics and record all tracks to a DAW. You should be able to perform basic edits and apply basic effects to achieve a rough-mix. Once this training is complete and dependent on your skill level, you may be cleared as a qualified engineer for IRS Studios. This will provide you the ability to work as an engineer on IRS equipment for future recording sessions.

IRS Engineering/Producing - Now is the fun stuff. If you already have a working knowledge of recording and basic DAW skills then this training will develop your engineering “tricks” and producer skills. Ever wonder how they get that robot voice effect? Or how to make a single guitar track sound like three separate instruments without adding chorus? Every engineer and or producer has a few favorite tricks and skills that they have picked up over the years. Our head engineer and producer, Woody Bradfield, will work with you one-on-one to hone those skills. If you already have the ability to competently record but still need to learn what it takes to make a great recording, then this is your training. Upon completion you should be able to take individual tracks from a rough mix and produce polished mixes through the proper use of editing, applying effects and creative mixing techniques.

Customized Learning - Just tell us what you are interested in learning and we can tailor fit a training program for you. Want to concentrate on recording drums? How about vocal recording techniques? Let us know and we can help.