Matt Rhodes
UAL Level 2 Music
Final Major Project
Research
audio engineer
What they do/their role
“Devices and software tools to create a balanced and pleasing audio mix.” (university of Huddersfield,2025). This is an extremely important role as it is what the audience hears, and they adapt for all the different bands and genres. Sound engineers manipulate the sound to get the audio to the correct levels, balancing and controlling the sound.
“Involved in the design of sound systems and equipment.” (University of Huddersfield,2025) The sort of equipment they use are mixing consoles amplifiers, speakers, and microphones.
How many hours do they do
“Work-life balance for Audio Engineers varies greatly and is influenced by the genre of their employment” (Teal lab, INC, 2025) this means they must be flexible as each time they work its different hours and different venues/ equipment.
“Audio Engineers often work 40 to 50 hours per week” (Teal lab, INC, 2025) Like I said above this can also fluctuate day to day and week to week as it widely depends on deadlines and the type of project they are working on at that point.
“The average Audio Engineer salary is £35,092” (After tax cal,2025) this is a rough estimate of how much audio engineers make this shows that it is a decent paying job and u get to do what u love and go on gigs and tours. As stated in the article this is before tax reductions.
rodie
What they do/their role
“This person is a technician who travels on tour with a band” (musical expect.org, 2003-2025) Rodies are an important part of live music as they follow the bands around and make sure that everything is set up correctly and that nothing is damaged and keep it safe and make sure its secure and safely away for transport.
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“The term can refer to a wide variety of job titles” (musical expect.org, 2003-2025) this is because they typically are a multi-talented technician who do different jobs each show for example rigging the lighting or setting up the amps and di boxes.
Road crew for a band, while also serving as the main band's opening act.” (Musical expect.org, 2003-2025) the reasoning behind this is a lot of Rodies are also musicians themselves, so they play to job roles one as Aa Rodie who helps set up for the show but also be the opining act to welcome the band on stage to play there setlist.
How many hours do they do
”16- to 20-hour days.” (minute media, 2025) the reason why a lot of rodies work these hours is because if a band goes on tour, they need to stay to help the band members set up the show and dismantle it and travel to the next gig. These hours can fluctuate from show to show and band to band
How much money they make
“The estimated total pay for a Roadie is £35,839 per year” (glass door, 2003-2025) this is Ruffley how much they earn in a yr, but this can be very dependent on what roles they are fulfilling and how many days/weeks they work.
monitor engineer
What they do/their role
“A monitor engineer mixes the sound the musicians listen to onstage during a performance.” (sound girls.org, 2003-2025) this means that they monitor what the musicians her and this is another important role as if the monitor engineers weren't there its very unlikely the performers.
“A monitor engineer mixes the sound the musicians listen to onstage during a performance.” (sound girls.org, 2003-2025) this means that they monitor what the musicians her and this is another important role as if the monitor engineers weren't there its very unlikely the performers.
“Providing them with their desired amount of instruments and vocals.” (sound girls.org, 2003-2025) this is also a great simple way to explain what they do which is making a mix for each individual performer so they can hear the right levels and EQ.
“such as feedback or equipment malfunctions” (Audio Drama Production, 2025) this shows that monitor engineers must be quick on their feet thinkers and that they don't just have one job and if they weren't they it would sound awful and would be more malfunctions.
How many hours do they do
“More than 40 hours per week” (owl guru, 2025) this is an estimated number for how many hours they work but this shows that they must be flexible as they need to be available to work a Varity of long hours including early morning and late nights.
How much money they make
“More than 40 hours per week” (owl guru, 2025) this is an estimated number for how many hours they work but this shows that they must be flexible as they need to be available to work a Varity of long hours including early morning and late nights.
“The average salary for a Monitoring Engineer stands at £46,127.00” (After Tax Cal, 2025) this is the midpoint which means it's in the middle of the lowest earning and the highest earning for monitor engineers witch also shows how the earnings will fluctuate dependent on several different things.
musician
What they do/their role
“Musicians come in many shapes and forms,” this is so true each musician has their own vibe and own role in each gig or show for example guitarist, bassist, singer and drummer. They all give of a different vibe a personality to fit the genre and to create a good stage presents. “Composers are musicians who write original instrumental music across a diverse range of genres and styles” this is another type of musician they combine their musical expertise and creativity to create a whole Varity of original music.
How many hours do they do
“On average, professional musicians play music for around 4 to 8 hours a day, which includes both practicing and performing!” the mental strath it takes to be a musician is massive u need to have a real passion and a good work ethic as the hours can change from person to person but for most people u need to practice around 4 hours and more than that for preforming it take a lot of will power and dedication and commitment if you want to be a professional musician. “Practice makes consistency” this is another reason why you would be working for multiple hours as people say practice makes perfect, so you need to spend most of your time consistently playing and practicing if you want to get better at it.
How much money they make
live production skills and techniques
what do they do
direct injection box
​“a high-impedance instrument level signal to a low-impedance microphone level signal” (Audio University,2025) basically a direct injection box or more commonly known as a DI box is used for guitars or basses which plug into the mic input on the box which the turn an unbalanced connection to a balanced connection which means there is less ambient noes i.e. buzzing or humming. This is great for live performances as it creates a nice clean connection to the mixing desk and monitors.
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Different types
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“Unlike passive models, active DI boxes require power to function” (mixinglessons,2025) This is because unlike the passive di boxes the active di boxes have a preamp built into them which means it requires power to work. “Depending on the model, active DI boxes usually source their power from batteries, a dedicated power supply or 48v phantom power.” (mixinglessons,2025) this means if you decide to use a batterie powered di box you would have to carry spares with you to every gig because as the boxes start to lose power the sound starts to detreated .
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"when you want to connect an instrument like an electric guitar to your interface, but no instrument input is available." This is a good example of why people would use a direct injection box another good example is if u do not have enough space for amps, then a di box is smaller and more compact. “Including built-in gain circuits, switchable polarity, high-pass filtering, vacuum tubes, and more” (sweet water,2025) direct injection boxes are also very versatile and u can easily change the gain and the tone of the instremeant straight through the mixer.
why you use them
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microphones
“A microphone is a device that captures sound and converts it into an electrical signal” (geeks for geeks,2025) this is what a microphone does in its simplest form after the it has capture the sound and converted it into the electric. After this the waves go through the XLR cable into the snake/mixing desk to then come out of the monitor's. “amplifying sound, and enabling communication through phones, computers, and speakers”. (geeks for geeks,2025) microphones are basically little amplifiers which pick up sound and the microphe is able to connect to different devices to recorded the electronic waves.
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what they do
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Dynamic Microphones: “Durable and less sensitive, good for loud sound sources.” (geeks for geeks,2025) this type of microphone is better used for things like loud singing or a single guitar or bass amp as its less sensitive then some of the other mics.
Condenser Microphones: “Highly sensitive, ideal for capturing detailed sound, often used in studios”. (geeks for geeks,2025) you would tend to use this type of microphone for capturing soft and quit sound as it is more sensitive then the dynamic mic. You can not record loud instrument or vocals on his mic as it wont handle it and it will distort making the sound un able to use.
Different types
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why you use them
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​“is used to maximise and minimise the sound by using various instruments”. (geeks for geeks,2025) one of the main reasons for using any microphone is to amplifier the sound so you can set levels to make sure that each instrument including vocals are not distorted or to quite.
mixing desks
“It’s all about managing different audio signals.” (Practical Music Production, 2025) a mixing desk is where audio engineers keep track of the EQ and sound levels. A mixing desk allows you to adjust the levels of each individual instrument and add eq to individual tracks. In the short and simple a miking desk is very versatile and makes it easier to manipulate the sounds and levels. “Enhancing specific elements to ensure each instrument or voice finds its place”. (Practical Music Production, 2025) when you pull apart what you do within a mixing desk this is the main point of what makes it different from just using a phone to record. It provides you with the necessity's to be able to manipulate the sound to how you would like it to sound in the end.
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what they do
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different types
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​"An inline mixing desk takes the functionality of a standard mixing desk to the next level”. (recorded Mix and Master,2024) Different to a standard mixing desk n inline desk are that the inline desk has both monitor and input in each channel strip which makes it easier to use and is mainly used in studios for production. “Channel Strips: Standard desks have separate channels for input and monitors”. (recorded Mix and Master,2024) This makes it less efficient as it separates from the channel strip.
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why you use them
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"and allow for a more complex and more interactive event”. (prosystemservices, 2025) this is an amazing example of why to use a mixing desk either in your home studio or at a live event. It is versatile and easy to grasp and get used to using it. it also makes a sound engineers job a lot easier.
live performance techniques
“It’s an energy on stage that makes their performance unforgettable; a charm and charisma that draws you in” (maestro,2025) this is what stage presence is in a nutshell it is a way to make your performance have a little flair and make it memorable and a way to get the audience to join in which can make it an unforgettable experience for everyone involved which will make them come back a watch more of your shows.
what it is
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stage presence
How to do it
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“You can be a gourmet dish, one that’s unique to anyone who tastes it.” (Mastering.com,2010) this means be yourself on stage and be creative with the way you move and interactive with the other band members and the audience. This could mean instead of standing there looking depressed and grumpy put a smile on and feel the music coursing through your bones and have a little dance or sway to match the vibe of the song to show the audience you are human and that you are enjoying the show too.
why you use it
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“For beginners and professionals alike, stage presence is extremely important.” (Mastering.com,2010) Thai shows that even if u know nothing about performing and are a beginner or if u have played 100 shows that stage presence is important no matter what. This is because all eyes are on you and if u act the part the audience will not take their eye of of you and will want to sit there and enjoy the show. This is also because they feel like they are part of the show and feel included.
band communication
Band communication is a form of communication while playing a gig. This is a complex use of verbal cues and nonverbal cues which the band can deceive what type and what they want to do to get each other’s attention. This is used so that the band members can communicate without interrupting the show and so there are smooth transitions and are able to see when specific people need to come on and do their bit. This is crucial for the show to go smoothly and so everyone knows what they’re doing.
what it is
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How to do it
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“Musicians and singers often use hand signs to show each other what part of the song is up next” sign language or hand gestures are used a lot on stage and that is because you can’t stop the entire show to tell one of your band mates that they are out of tune or are playing the wrong part of the song so to overcome that your band need to be able to communicate without shouting across at each other which is why you can use something like this.
why you use it
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“That determines whether a band thrives or falls apart” (BLUNT,2025) this is why band communication is essential when performing. This is because they need to be able to communicate otherwise the band will fall apart because not everyone will know that the singer is out of tune or that the guitarist is playing the wrong part but when u have band communication you are playing as a whole instead of just focusing on yourself which is good for collaboration and teamwork.
guitar techniques
Electric vs acoustic
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“With an acoustic guitar, all the gear you need is contained within your guitar itself.” (Fender,2025) This can mean that it is easier to carry around which means that it is more portable than an electric. On the other hand, if you have a part acoustic electric then you will need a direct injection box or an amp for the guitar to plug into. “Acoustic guitar lends itself to big, beautiful chords comprised of three notes played together across multiple strings.” (Fender,2025) this is because with acoustic guitars you normally play three noted open chords. However, you can play open cords on an electric. People usually play bar chords or power chords because they tend to fit the genre that the musician is playing. “Electric guitars are heavy” (Fender,2025) this is not just about weight specifically, as the electric guitars are normally heavy in sound as it has specific pickups to pick up the sound waves to the create the tone you are looking for.
why you use it
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When you are picking a guitar, you don’t just look at the price or the way it looks, you also look for the types of pickups it has and what type of body or tone you want for the song you are doing. The reason our band specifically used acoustic guitar through a direct injection box instead of an HX stomp is because we did not need the presets and compression that were on the stomp. The acoustic guitar was used by our band as it fits the genre of the songs, we were doing which were laid back soft and acoustic. We decided to use a direct injection box to plug our guitar in as we only needed a clean channel and then we just put EQ on through the mixer to make it sound louder.
overcoming performance anxiety
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what it is
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“Performance anxiety can be extremely limiting” (clinical partners,2025) this is one of the main things that performers feel before a performance. This is due to the adrenaline rushing through ur body as your body is going into fight or flight to prepare you for danger as your body perceive the adrenaline coursing through you as you being in danger. Which then makes your nervous system go all hay wire and you can freeze up.
How to do it
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“box breathing is very simple to learn and practice.” (Dot Dash, Media,2025) one of the main techniques to overcome your performance anxiety is box breathing. This calms your nervous system and makes your body feel less inclined to go straight to fight or flight mode. This is where you inhale for a count of four and then exhale for a count of four. “And don’t worry about whether you’re doing all this “correctly”.” (Play In The Zone,2018) this shows there is not one correct way of doing breathing techniques and you shouldn’t fret about how you’re doing your techniques. You should do these how you want to do them and what helps you personally.
why you use it
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“When performance anxiety strikes, it can be tempting to think that there’s something wrong with you.” (Play In The Zone,2018) when your body reacts like this it is easy to think that there is something wrong with you but there isn’t this is a normal way for your body to react in a situation that your brain thinks you are in danger. Its is very easy to go straight to thinking that everything isn’t going to plan but if you take a step back and do these breathing techniques your nervous system should calm down and realize that there is nothing to be scared about.