Sound Technician

Overview

Who is Sound Technician?

Sound Technicians use the soundboard and other audio equipment to ensure sound levels are correct and the sound is mixed well. Their work is the finishing touch on the artist’s performance, guaranteeing that the music sounds good for both the performer on stage and for the people in the crowd. In some cases, they also assist with lighting and special effects. Sound technicians may work in radio, television and recording studios, or in theatres and other live performance venues. They may also work in wholesale and retail businesses trading in sound reproduction, recording and public address (PA) equipment. In some cases, they specialize in operating or maintaining sound equipment.

Typical day at work

What does Sound Technician do?

Sound Engineering Technicians set up, operate, and maintain the electrical equipment for radio and television broadcasts, concerts, sound recordings, and movies and in office and school buildings. They operate, monitor, and adjust audio and video equipment to regulate the volume and ensure quality in radio and television broadcasts, concerts, and other performances.

• Collaborate with producers, performers, and others to find and achieve the required production sound for music recording or a film
• Arrange for recording sessions by choosing and setting up microphones based on the acoustics of area
• Using recording equipment, record voice, music and other audio sounds on recording media
• Using control consoles, adjust volume level and sound quality during recording sessions
• Segregate instruments, vocals, and other sounds or merge sounds during the stage of mixing or postproduction
• Using sound mixing boards, mix and edit voices, music, and taped sound effects for live performances and for pre-recorded events
• Maintain recording logs
• Assemble, maintain, service, and report repairs in sound equipment and confirm the needed repairs are made
• Mount, test, and regulate recording equipment for recording sessions and live performances
• Using control consoles, synchronize and equalize pre-recorded speech, music, and sound effects with the visual motion action of pictures or television productions
• Convert video and audio recordings into digital edit or archive format
• Use sound editing and duplication equipment to replicate and reuse sound recordings from original recording media
• De-mount sound equipment after completion of event
• Create and install sound systems.

Abilities & aptitude needed

What are the skills, abilities & aptitude needed to become Sound Technician?

• Sound Technician requires strong technical, troubleshooting, and communication skills. They use systems in the computer to program equipment as well as edit audio recordings.
• Specialists also require skills of manual dexterity as they set up audio and sound equipment and cables, a job which requires a steady hand and good eye-hand coordination.
• They would also require problem-solving skills and creative thinking as technicians need to recognize equipment problems and propose possible solutions to them.

Courses

Which course I can pursue?