When working in the various sub-disciplines of audio engineering, how do audio engineers tailor their practices to suit their environment and aims? Through a practice-led research project, this paper aims to propose a conceptual framework surrounding value hierarchies, drawing parallels between audio engineering practices and philosophy. The philosophical concepts used within this framework borrow from ontology - philosophy of ‘what exists’- and axiology - philosophy of value – aiming aim to contextualise how an audio engineer’s objectives can influence the practices and techniques applied.

The following section will begin Firstly, I will propose an initial model of decision making, from which the function and relationships of this model will be briefly explored. Following on from this, the ontological and axiological framework will be introduced – allowing for the transition of the initial rudimentary model into a refined, audio engineering specific model. Penultimately, the research-led methodology will be explored, with three project examples being introduced – helping to providing a use-case for the framework and model to be applied. The paper will conclude with the findings and a summary, providing some insights into the applications and implications of this research.

An Initial Model

A simplified version of the proposed model featuring four base concepts is presented in Figure 1. This basic model starts with knowledge, which in turn leads us to what to do and how to do it. These two concepts then combine to create an outcome. To engage with this model, it is first necessary to define the terms as they are being used – from which, further development and refinement of the model will follow.

Within this model, knowledge is considered the origin of all choices, as without appropriate knowledge – meaningfully choosing what to do and how to do it is somewhat unrealistic. While epistemic (philosophy of knowledge) breakdowns of knowledge do inform this research - such as Robert Audi’s analyses (2002, p71; 2011, pp1-11) - the scope of this project places epistemological examinations outwith its remit. Thus, knowledge hereafter is referred to in a general and holistic manner as ‘that which informs’.

What to do is largely axiomatic. It refers to the tasks conducted by audio engineers. A task can be any process which may provide/result in an outcome or function relevant to an audio engineers’ aims. Similarly to Knowledge, this project is not principally focusing on tasks themselves, thus justifications of (i) tasks chosen, or (ii) chronology of tasks are not included. Some examples of audio engineering tasks include; setting gain, EQing, placement of microphones, panning, configuring compressors/gates/reverbs/effects, etc. These examples are by no means exhaustive and can largely include any task which relates to audio engineering processes.

Knowing what to do is not always enough to complete a given task, especially as there are often multiple methods that can be employed to achieve tasks. For instance, ‘miking a drum kit’ may be a task that one attempts to complete, but this can be achieved in a plethora of manners. Miking a drum kit for a jazz performance often differs to the method of miking for a heavy metal performance. Furthermore, continuing from the list of audio engineering tasks given in the last section, knowing that you must EQ, pan, or place microphones does not inform the way in which you must complete that task; knowing that you must EQ something is not enough to successfully complete it. With this in mind, it is pairing what to do and how to do it that brings us to our outcomes.

Naturally, an outcome is achieved when what and how are combined. Outcomes are unique from what and how, as they are the culmination of (a) knowing what must be done from a holistic, task-oriented perspective, and (b) implementing the task by using knowledge, techniques, and practices appropriate to the scenario. Outcomes then, effectively embody the value and utility that starts within knowledge – and can be considered the practical outcome or result of having completed a particular task.

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