ABSTRACT
Despite the clear value an engineer brings to recording studio coproduction, their role has been one of the first to be compromised due to the downsizing of recording studios that have occurred since the second wave. With the lone producer/engineer filling two roles rather than there is a clear division of labour, specialist skills have given way to cross-over skill sets that previously would not have been tolerated in professional coproduction. This begs the question as to whether overall standards of audio engineering, production, performance and songwriting have been compromised as a result, and whether lower standards are now more acceptable. Downsizing that is a result of the second wave has led to a proliferation of less traditional structures, and greater democratisation of roles and responsibilities. The technical changes that have made recording studio production more convenient and cost-effective have also led to large-scale cultural change in the domain.
