How to become A Sound Engineering Technician

Sound Engineering Technicians blend technical skills with artistic genius in a way that is literally “music to our ears.” They bring clarity and quality to recordings and live performances.

• Audio Engineer
• Sound Engineer
• Sound Technician
• Sound Assistant
• Sound Supervisor
• Dialogue Editor
• Dubbing Mixer
• Foley Artist

What do Sound Engineering Technicians do?

A Sound Engineering Technician would typically need to:

• Assemble, operate and maintain the technical equipment used to record, amplify, enhance, mix or reproduce sound
• Consult with the producer and performer to ascertain sound requirements; study the acoustics of the performance area to assemble and operate the required equipment
• Choose, position, adjust and operate the amplification and recording equipment; use technical knowledge to achieve the desired creative objectives
• Record sound into digital audio tape or hard disk recorders; dub and edit tapes or compact discs
• Check audio signals for sound-quality deviations or malfunctions; anticipate and correct any issues
• Synchronise pre-recorded audio (dialogue, sound effects and music) with visual content; post-sync by re-recording and synchronising the audio
• Mix and balance speech, effects and music; create and alter sound effects for use in films, television, live performances and other related platforms using sound mixing boards
• Service, maintain and repair sound equipment

Sound Engineering Technicians may work in multiple locations such as recording studios, film or television sets, or on-site indoor and outdoor performance venues. The work conditions are usually harsh, and you will have to be prepared for variable weather in outdoor locations.

You will usually work within a sound team in large-scale operations. The job comes with extensive travel and long periods away from home, primarily if you work with motion pictures.

Sound Engineering Technicians work full-time but have non-traditional work schedules averaging to around ten hours a day. They may need to adopt a flexible working pattern to meet broadcast deadlines or set up for live events.

With most radio and television stations on the air 24/7/365, evening, weekend and holiday work is typical. Technicians working on motion pictures are likely to be on a tighter schedule to meet contract deadlines with the movie studio.

The amount and type of travel will depend on the industry in which you work and your employer.

There is no lack of employment opportunities, but the field is very competitive. You can boost your job search by asking your network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms and inquiring at staffing agencies. Some sound technicians are freelancers who run their own studios. They use specialist directories to lead them to valuable contacts.

Sound Engineering Technicians are generally employed by:

• State-Owned Broadcasting Corporations
• Film Production Companies
• Independent Television Companies (‘indies’)
• Digital Television Channels
• Commercial & Corporate Production Companies
• Specialist Programme Makers
• Music Industry Producers & Studios
• Sound Recording Studios
• Facilities Houses
• Independent Radio Stations
• Theatre & Live Entertainment Companies and Venues
• PA Equipment & Audio Reproduction Businesses

Professional associations and organisations such as The Audio Engineering Society are crucial for a Sound Engineering Technician interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• An irregular work schedule involving long hours may make it challenging to maintain a proper work-life balance
• There is pressure to continually upskill oneself to keep up with the intense competition
• A strong likelihood of difficult work conditions, especially when working in an outdoor location
• Networking to build valuable contacts is very important but may not be everybody’s cup of tea
• Extensive travel will have you spending long periods away from home in strange surroundings
• The need for stamina, self-motivation, and patience to deal with highly stressful situations and tight deadlines

Most postsecondary programs offer hands-on experience with the equipment used in entry-level positions. You can get additional practical experience through part-time work or placements in recording and editing studios or community and hospital radio stations.

Opportunities to work with equipment manufacturers will help build up your technical knowledge. Get involved with projects such as the rigging and sound for amateur theatre or local musicians as a significant step towards creating contacts in the industry.

Since educational requirements may differ according to the specific job description, you will find entry-level Sound Engineering Technicians holding anything from a high school diploma to a college degree.

Desirable postsecondary programs in acoustics & music, audio engineering/production, media production, music & sound recording/technology, sound engineering, or technical theatre may take anywhere between several months to years to complete. They should give you a comprehensive understanding of the physics of sound. Try to take as many high school classes as possible in math, physics, and electronics.

Voluntary certification in sound engineering from an objective and reputed organisation can help you show potential employers that you meet specific industry standards and are knowledgeable about new technology. They may take six months to a year to complete.

Most Sound Engineering Technicians begin their careers as trainees, sound assistants, runners or administrators in small markets or at small stations in big markets. Career advancement happens by way of promotion to the position of Supervisory Broadcast Technician or Chief Broadcast Engineer.

After gaining significant experience, expert knowledge and technical skills, they can transfer to more prominent, better-paying radio or television stations. Note that a bachelor’s degree in engineering or computer science will help you realise your aspirations to become a Chief Broadcast Engineer at a large television station.

A structured career path grades the workers as junior, middle and senior sound technicians in other locations. Promotion would mean management positions such as a Radio Studio Manager or moving from small, regional stations to large, national ones.

Freelancers must cultivate strong networking skills and attend media events to make and maintain helpful industry contacts, which would help further their career.

Candidates with technical skills and experience have the best job prospects.

Employers usually offer training and in-house development schemes based on the type of products or services marketed or the employee's level of education. You will learn practical skills by working in sound teams or alongside more experienced technicians.

A constantly evolving technology makes it essential that Sound Engineering Technicians invest in continuing education courses and on-the-job training to become skilled in setting up cables or automation systems, testing electrical equipment, learning the codes and standards of the industry, and following safety procedures.

Short professional or technical courses will help you specialise in a particular area and prove your expertise. Check out local professional associations, guilds and organisations for additional training and networking opportunities.

Networking - Make it Top Priority

Whether it began early on during your training period or even before that, building a network of contacts will help when it is time to prove yourself in the industry. The strong relationships you build with fellow students, instructors, and colleagues will offer you valuable lessons and guidance.

Making it Worth Your While

Be aware that your rates may depend on the type of production, the film’s budget, the length of the working day, and your role in the project when you work on feature films. Freelancers must be prepared to negotiate rates according to their experience and the type of production.

Technical Terms Explained in Brief

A Sound Engineering Technician may choose to work in production and record all sound on set or location. On the other hand, those who work in post-production are responsible for balancing, mixing, editing, and enhancing pre-recorded audio.

A facility house is a business that offers post-production services and audio correction to the broadcasting and entertainment industries.

Where Do You Fit in?

Studio Sound Engineering Technicians work in broadcast, sound designing, film mixing, surround sound, radio, reality shows and mixing and mastering studios. Live Sound Engineering Technicians may be found at live concerts, live shows, arenas, conferences, theatres, outdoor venues or working with sound companies.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Sound Engineering Technicians have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

A full-time Sound Engineering Technician, on the other hand, has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety. When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

The loudest naturally occurring sound in the world is caused by an erupting volcano.

Sound Engineering Technicians love music so much that they are content to work behind the scenes; they are the anonymous heroes who can make or break a live event, a theatre production, a movie, a radio show or a tv performance.

There is no such thing as space or an empty time. There is always something to see, something to hear. -John Cage