How to Choose the Right Audio Engineer for Your Project
How to Choose the Right Audio Engineer for Your Project
Finding the right audio engineer for your music isn’t just about who has the best gear or the most Instagram followers. It’s about finding someone who understands your vision, your workflow, and how to make your music sound the way it should.
I’ve worked with a lot of artists over the years, and I’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to hiring an engineer. Some artists come in fully prepared, knowing exactly what they need, and others aren’t sure what to look for. If you’re in that second group, don’t worry—here’s how to vet and find the right engineer for your project.
1. Listen to Their Work—Does It Resonate With You?
This seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people hire based on reputation alone. Just because an engineer has credits doesn’t mean their style fits your music.
Find songs they’ve mixed, mastered, or produced. Do you like how the vocals sit? Does the low end feel right? Does it sound like something you’d want for your own music?
Don’t get caught up in genres. A great engineer can adapt and their expertise in one style of music can easily transfer over to another.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to their clients and ask for an opinion. Usually the best ones to ask are from the most recent projects on their site.
2. Look for Someone Who Actually Listens to You
A good engineer doesn’t just push buttons—they help bring your vision to life. That only happens if they’re willing to listen to what you want.
Red flags:
🚩 They only talk about their process but never ask about yours.
🚩 They immediately start changing your vision instead of understanding it.
🚩 They act like their way is the only way and shut down your ideas.
A great engineer will ask you questions about the sound you’re going for, any reference tracks or demos of your own music, and what your end goals are for the project. If you feel like you’re fighting for control before the first mix is even sent, that’s not a good sign.
3. Communication Is Everything
You don’t need to be best friends with your engineer, but you do need to be able to communicate clearly.
How quickly do they respond to emails or messages?
Do they explain things in a way that makes sense, or do they just throw a bunch of technical jargon at you?
If you send revision notes, do they listen and adjust accordingly, or do they argue every point?
Bad communication kills a project. Do they have systems in place to ensure theres good communication through out the project?
4. Cheap vs. Expensive—What Are You Actually Paying For?
I get it—budget matters. But choosing the cheapest option can backfire fast.
A more experienced engineer costs more for a reason:
They know how to get results faster and work more efficiently.
They hear details or have things to try that you may not have considered
They save you from expensive mistakes.
That said, expensive doesn’t always mean better. Some engineers overcharge simply because they can. Look for someone whose pricing makes sense for their skill level and who delivers actual value and results!
5. Trust Your Gut
At the end of the day, you’re hiring someone to handle your art. That’s a big deal. If something feels off—whether it’s their attitude, work ethic, or approach—trust your instincts. There are a lot of engineers out there, and the right one will make you feel excited about the process, not stressed out.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an engineer isn’t just about hiring a service—it’s about building a creative partnership. You want someone who:
✔️ Understands your artistic intentions.
✔️ Listens to your ideas and can execute them.
✔️ Communicates well and often.
✔️ Delivers quality work at a fair price.
