BY EKİNSU POLAT (AMER/II)
Dr. Ufuk Önen is a sound designer, composer, author and educator with 30 years of experience in music production, audio post-production for visual media, and audio installation systems. He is the author of the first reference book in the Turkish language covering the fields of audio recording and music technology. He has published three other books, 50 articles and 350 blog posts.
He is a member of the Audio Engineering Society (AES) and has served as the vice president responsible for the Southern Europe, Middle East and Africa region (2017–2019).
Ufuk Önen holds a BA in Linguistics (Hacettepe University), an MA in Communication and Design (Bilkent University) a PhD in Music/Arts & Design (University of Salford) and is a graduate of Los Angeles Recording School. He teaches undergraduate- and graduate-level sound, music and media courses at Bilkent University.
What has been the most exciting moment of your career so far?
The most exciting moments of my career have been threefold. Firstly, publishing my first book, “Ses Kayıt ve Müzik Teknolojileri.” It is exciting to know that by sharing my knowledge and experience through this book, I’ve helped thousands of individuals kickstart their professional audio careers. Secondly, joining the Bilkent family. Bilkent has allowed me to bridge the professional and academic worlds of sound. Lastly, being elected as the vice president of the Audio Engineering Society (AES) and serving on its Board of Governors from 2017 to 2019. It was a dream come true. As a young enthusiast, I aspired to become a member of AES. Not only did I achieve that, but I also served on its prestigious board.
What’s one piece of information from your field that you think everyone should know?
One interesting aspect of my field is the concept of audio invisibility. When people watch films or listen to music, they often don’t consciously notice the sound production. For an audio professional like me, that’s a sign of success. It means we’re seamlessly integrating sound to enhance the viewer’s experience without drawing attention away from the main event. The same applies when people enjoy music — if they’re caught up in the song without focusing on production, it’s a win for us.
When and where do you do your best thinking?
I find that my best thinking happens when I’m walking, particularly in the city in the mornings. It’s during these walks that ideas flow freely, and I’m able to explore new concepts and solutions with clarity. The bustling city environment and soundscape provide a unique blend of solitude and inspiration.
What distracts you?
What distracts me the most is second-hand music — music being played back by someone else without my intention or choice. Whether it’s in a public space or a neighbor’s apartment or even from a passing car with its windows down, the intrusion of unwanted music can disrupt my focus and concentration.
What’s the most common misconception about your work?
I would like to answer this in the context of sound-for-film. One of the most common misconceptions is that all sounds are captured during the filming process so that when the filming is done, the sound is ready. In reality, only a few sounds are recorded during film shooting. The majority of a film’s sound, including dialogue, effects and music, is designed and crafted during the audio post-production phase. A team of audio professionals works for weeks to record, edit and design the sounds we hear in the final film. So, the belief that sound is fully captured during the shooting of a movie is indeed a common and substantial misconception.
What’s the secret to leading a happy life?
I believe the key to a happy life is doing what you love. This way, it doesn’t feel like you’re working. Work makes you unhappy if it’s something that you do not want to do. When you do what you love, you don’t have the Monday syndrome. Also, instead of blaming yourself for mistakes, see them as chances to learn. This way, you avoid regrets. Regrets keep you from being happy.
What do you like the most about being at Bilkent?
What I like the most about being at Bilkent is the sense of community it offers. The university fosters a supportive environment where students and faculty come together to collaborate, learn and grow through academic projects, extracurricular activities or social events. Moreover, Bilkent provides a space where individuals can be themselves without feeling pressured to conform to stereotypes. Here, diversity is celebrated and everyone is encouraged to express their unique perspectives and identities. Also, the academic open-mindedness and intellectual curiosity at Bilkent fuel innovation and push boundaries, leading to a richer experience for everyone involved. Last but definitely not least, Bilkent’s international and diverse community adds a unique dimension to campus life.
What projects are you working on currently?
Currently, our department is deeply engaged in exploring the realm of immersive audio within our newly established Dolby Atmos studio. As pioneers in Türkiye, we recognize the significance of immersive media and its role in shaping the future. At the Department of Communication and Design, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of such advancements. Additionally, I’m dedicating time to authoring a new book on vocal production and mixing. Furthermore, I’m in the early stages of a project aimed at leveraging modern technology to enhance the teaching of audio. While still in its conceptual phase, this project holds great potential for revolutionizing audio education.
