The Art of Learning: Why Your Next Studio Conversation Shouldn't Be About Gear

I've witnessed this scene play out countless times: A young engineer gets the chance to connect with someone more experienced in the industry. It's a golden opportunity, a moment that could open doors and spark real growth. But within minutes, they're deep into a one-sided conversation about what preamp they think is best for vocals or why they believe their favorite compressor is superior to everything else.

Let's have an honest conversation about this.

Every time you meet someone more experienced, you're standing at a crossroads. One path leads to genuine connection and learning. The other? Well, that's the path where you're so busy talking about gear that you miss the forest for the trees.

Here's what I've learned from years of watching these interactions and coaching engineers: The most valuable conversations in our industry rarely start with equipment discussions. The truly transformative moments come from connecting as people first.

Think about it. That engineer you're talking to? They've spent years developing their craft, facing challenges, overcoming obstacles, and building relationships. They have stories that could reshape your perspective on the industry. They have insights about client relationships that could save you years of trial and error. They have business wisdom that could help you avoid common pitfalls.

But none of that comes out if you're too busy telling them why you think the SM7B is the only mic worth using on vocals.

Here's how to make the most of these opportunities:

Lead with curiosity about their journey.

Ask how they got started, what challenges they faced, what lessons surprised them the most.

Listen more than you speak.

When someone with decades of experience is willing to share their insights, your primary job is to absorb that wisdom.

Save the gear talk for later – much later.

If it comes up naturally in conversation, great. But don't force it. Trust me, they've had enough gear discussions to last a lifetime.

Focus on understanding their problem-solving approach.

The specific tools they use matter far less than how they think about addressing challenges.

Be open to perspectives that challenge your assumptions.

Sometimes the most valuable lessons come from having our preconceptions questioned.

Remember, every successful engineer started somewhere. They remember what it was like to be new, eager, and perhaps a bit too focused on the technical aspects of the craft. But they've learned – often the hard way – that success in this industry is built on relationships, understanding, and the ability to learn from others.

The next time you find yourself in conversation with someone more experienced, take a breath. Resist the urge to prove your technical knowledge. Instead, open yourself to learning. You might be surprised by how much more you gain from the conversation.

After all, anyone can look up gear specifications online. But the real gold? That comes from connecting with people who've walked the path before you and are willing to share their map.