A sound engineering technician ensures accurate and clear sound in live or broadcast productions, using various machines and instruments. They work in TV, film, theater, concerts, and sporting events. Technological advances have expanded their artistic capabilities. Education requirements vary, but experience is preferred.
A sound engineering technician is responsible for all sounds heard in any live or broadcast production. Whether the sound is music, voices, effects designed to mimic the noise of nature or machinery, your job is to make sure every note and sound wave is accurate and clearly audible. If there are problems with the transmission, she is usually required to isolate and correct the problem. She can work in environments such as television, movie sets, theater productions or sporting events, among others.
A person in this position has many job options, as quality sound is required in many locations. Television and film studios typically offer many jobs for sound engineering technicians, as do studios that produce music videos and CDs. Theaters that present plays and concerts need professionals in this field, as do concert and sporting event settings that often include outdoor and indoor stadiums.
Many of these jobs often require the sound engineering technician to fulfill two tasks in sound production. It is common for radio and television broadcasts to be broadcast live and simultaneously recorded for future transmission or archival purposes. In these circumstances, it is often necessary for the engineer to ensure that the sound quality is consistent for both.
Live and off-air broadcasts present different challenges for a sound engineering technician. When a broadcast is live, such as sporting events, concerts, and theater productions, the sound quality only has a chance to be good once, as there is no catch-up. Outdoor settings lack the acoustics found in enclosed spaces; therefore, it is often necessary for the sound engineering technician to use any method possible to capture the sound waves and create an audio experience with depth and resonance.
Countless types of machines, tools and instruments are used by a sound engineering technician. Typically, she is required to use her knowledge of equipment to play, mix, record and sync a wide variety of sounds. This usually includes special sound effects, instrumental and vocal music, and voices.
In recent years, there have been significant advances in digital broadcasting, editing and recording technologies. These innovations often expand the sound engineering technician’s artistic capabilities and make his job easier. To be successful in this position, it is important that these technological advances form part of an engineer’s professional knowledge and skills.
The requirements to be a sound engineering technician vary. Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. Advanced education requirements fluctuate. Some jobs require a professional training certificate and others require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Almost all positions in this category prefer on-the-job training or several years of experience working with industry professionals.
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