Overview

Sound technicians are required to assemble, operate and maintain the technical equipment used to record, amplify, enhance, mix or reproduce sound.

They identify the sound requirements for a given task or situation and perform the appropriate actions to produce this sound.

Responsibilities

Production activities include:

• assessing the acoustics of the performance area and assembling and operating the necessary equipment;
• consulting with producers and performers to determine the sound requirements;
• selecting, positioning, adjusting and operating the equipment used for amplification and recording;
• applying technical knowledge of sound recording equipment to achieve the determined artistic objectives;
• recording sound onto digital audio tape or hard disk recorders;
• monitoring audio signals to detect sound-quality deviations or malfunctions;
• anticipating and correcting any problems;
• maintaining and repairing sound equipment.

Post-production duties include:

• integrating (synchronisation) of pre-recorded audio with visual content;
• re-recording and synchronising audio (post-synching);
• mixing and balancing speech, effects and music;
• creating and altering sound effects for use in films, television, etc.

Qualifications

A degree is not essential to be hired, however is preferred. It is important to show a good understanding of the physics of sound, technical aptitude (including an awareness of current sound technology and equipment), good aural skills, excellent communication skills and acute attention to detail.

A good general education will be useful. GCSEs or A-levels in maths and physics and qualifications in electronics will be particularly beneficial.

Having a degree or HND in one of the following subjects is preferred:

• acoustics and music recording;
• media technology and/or production;
• music/sound technology;
• sound engineering;
• technical theatre.