Nature of the Work

Sound engineering technicians operate machines and equipment to record, synchronize, mix, or reproduce music, voices, or sound effects in recording studios, sporting arenas, theater productions, or movie and video productions.

The transition to digital recording, editing, and broadcasting is still in progress, and affects sound engineering technicians and radio operators. Software on desktop computers has replaced specialized electronic equipment in many recording and editing functions. This transition has made it necessary for technicians to learn computer networking and software skills.

Sound engineering technicians perform a variety of duties in small radio and television stations. In large stations and at the networks, technicians are more specialized, although job assignments may change from day to day. The terms “operator,” “engineer,” and “technician” often are used interchangeably to describe these jobs.

Watch this video from Nova scienceNOW and learn how a sound engineering technician, armed with pitch-correction software, can make sure your favorite singer always hits the right notes during his or her concerts.

Sound engineering technicians also work in program production. They operate and maintain sound recording equipment, and may also operate equipment designed to produce special effects, such as the noise of a police siren. Some sound engineering technicians produce soundtracks for movies or television programs. After filming or recording is complete, these workers may use a process called “dubbing” to insert sounds. Those that work in the field, rather than in a studio, set up and operate portable transmission equipment. Because television news coverage requires so much electronic equipment and the technology is changing so rapidly, many stations assign technicians exclusively to news.

In the motion picture industry, people are hired as apprentice editorial assistants and work their way up to more skilled jobs. Employers in the motion picture industry usually hire experienced freelance technicians on a picture-by-picture basis. Reputation and determination are important in getting jobs.

Work Environment

Sound engineering technicians generally work indoors in pleasant surroundings. However, those who broadcast news and other programs from locations outside the studio may work outdoors in all types of weather, or in other dangerous conditions. Technicians who are setting up equipment may do heavy lifting.

Technicians at large stations and the networks usually work a 40-hour week under great pressure to meet broadcast deadlines, and may occasionally work overtime. Technicians at small stations routinely work more than 40 hours a week. Evening, weekend, and holiday work is usual because most stations are on the air 18–24 hours a day, seven days a week. Even though a technician may not be on duty when the station is broadcasting, some technicians may be on call during non-work hours; these workers must handle any problems that occur when they are on call.

Technicians who work on motion pictures may be on a tight schedule and may work long hours to meet contractual deadlines.

Training, Other Qualifications

Sound engineering technicians usually receive some kind of formal training prior to beginning work.

Education and Training

Prospective technicians should take high school courses in math, physics, and electronics.

After high school, the best way to train for a career as a sound engineering technician is to enroll in a technical school community college, or a university program in electronics, computer networking, or broadcast technology. New employees usually learn on the job from more experienced technicians and supervisors. Some begin their careers working in smaller, local stations and, after gaining valuable experience, move on to larger stations and networks.

Experienced technicians can become supervisory technicians or chief engineers. A college degree in engineering is needed to become chief engineer at a large television station.

Continuing education to become familiar with emerging technologies is recommended for all sound engineering technicians.

Other Qualifications

Sound engineering technicians and radio operators must have manual dexterity and an aptitude for working with electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems and equipment. Building electronic equipment from hobby kits and operating a “ham,” or amateur, radio are good ways to prepare for technician jobs, as is working at college radio and college television stations. Information technology skills are also valuable because digital recording, editing, and broadcasting are now the norm.

On the Job

Typical tasks for a sound engineering technician might include some of the following:

• Confer with producers, performers, and others to determine and achieve the desired sound for a production, such as a musical recording or a film.
• Set up, test, and adjust recording equipment for recording sessions and live performances; tear down equipment after event completion.
• Regulate volume level and sound quality during recording sessions, using control consoles.
• Prepare for recording sessions by performing activities such as selecting and setting up microphones.
• Report equipment problems and ensure that required repairs are made.
• Mix and edit voices, music, and taped sound effects for live performances and for prerecorded events, using sound mixing boards.
• Synchronize and equalize prerecorded dialogue, music, and sound effects with visual action of motion pictures or television productions, using control consoles.
• Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording media, using recording equipment.
• Reproduce and duplicate sound recordings from original recording media, using sound editing and duplication equipment.
• Separate instruments, vocals, and other sounds, and combine sounds later during the mixing or post-production stage.

Source: BLS and ONet

Companies That Hire Sound Engineering Technicians

• Clear Channel Communications, Inc
Time Warner, Inc.
• Walt Disney Company

Ask Questions

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Sources

• BLS. (2009). Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), 2008-09 Edition, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved May 1, 2009, from http://www.bls.gov/oco/
• O*Net Online. (2009). National Center for O*Net Development. Retrieved May 1, 2009, from http://online.onetcenter.org/
• NOVA scienceNOW. (2009, April). Auto-tune. Retrieved July 29, 2009, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/0401/03.html

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