Entertainment

I am not sure that the term sound recordists is in the dictionary. In fact, I am not even sure that it is English. I do, however, know what sound recordists are and have the utmost respect for them.

Sound Recordists Thesaurus
Perhaps it is my place in life to define sound recordists. Let me start with synonyms. Digital Technicians sound good. A sound recordist needs to have the capability of capturing vocals, music, voice work and effects in a studio and then use digital technique to separate, mix and master each element into a satisfying whole.

Maybe Re-masterers is better. This is, after all, an artist with both the mechanical and creative skills; able to pick apart multiple tracks he or she has recorded and audibly focus them. Re-mastering is an impressive job by itself, yet for sound recordists, it is just another part of what they do. Microphone Experts comes to mind. Any sound recordist has to know how to place, differentiate and utilize the astounding variety of audio equipment. When to use directionals over cardoids, booms over wireless. And then, theres Restorers who take existing, damaged sounds and master them new again.

In going over the list, I think I know why there is no definition for sound recordists: there are too many definitions that apply. I bet even a search engine would come up blank, but Ill try it any way. Talented Listener, Professional Ears, Audio Archivist all are the same. True but not quite enough to give Sound Recordists their entry in Websters.