Sound Engineering Technicians
What is a Sound Engineering Technician?
Sound Engineering Technicians are skilled professionals who specialize in the recording, manipulation, and reproduction of sound. They work in various settings, including recording studios, live concerts, film and television productions, and theater productions. Their role involves operating and maintaining audio equipment, setting up sound systems, and ensuring high-quality audio recordings and performances. Sound Engineering Technicians are responsible for mixing, editing, and mastering audio tracks to produce the final sound product that aligns with the creative vision of producers, directors, and artists. They often collaborate with musicians, voice actors, and other technical staff to create soundscapes that enhance the overall experience of media and performances. Additionally, they must stay updated on new technologies and audio production techniques to remain competitive in the evolving field of sound engineering.
Tasks
- Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording media, using recording equipment.
- Confer with producers, performers, and others to determine and achieve the desired sound for a production, such as a musical recording or a film.
- Separate instruments, vocals, and other sounds, and combine sounds during the mixing or postproduction stage.
- Regulate volume level and sound quality during recording sessions, using control consoles.
- Set up, test, and adjust recording equipment for recording sessions and live performances.
Technology Skills
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Operating system software
- Apple macOS
- Linux
- Microsoft Windows
- UNIX
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Music or sound editing software
- Adobe Audition
- Audio editing software
- Avid Technology Pro Tools
- Musical instrument digital interface MIDI software
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Video creation and editing software
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- Avid Technology audio visual editing software
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Graphics or photo imaging software
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Photoshop
Tools Used
- Microphones
- Audio mixing consoles
- Equalizers
- Radio frequency transmitters or receivers
- Multimeters
Knowledge
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Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
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Communications and Media
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Abilities
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Hearing Sensitivity
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
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Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Associate's degree
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Bachelor's degree
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Less than high school diploma
Work Activities
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Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Detailed Work Activities
- Operate audio recording equipment.
- Collaborate with others to determine technical details of productions.
- Mix sound inputs.
- Operate control consoles for sound, lighting or video.
- Select materials or props.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Artistic
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$36160.0 - $132940.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.