What they do:
A sound technician is usually responsible for making sure the sound coming from a live or taped source is processed as clearly as possible. Sound technicians operate control panels and direct the operation of equipment to regulate the clarity of the sound range and signal strength. Typically the sound is being recorded or edited. The sounds that are processed can include music, voices, and special effects. Sound technicians work for a variety of commercial and entertainment purposes. Technicians also maintain and take care of their equipment. They also often are in charge of a crew of technicians who perform other sound engineering chores, such as setting up microphones and running cables.

Sound technicians, among other venues, work at radio stations, production studios, concert halls, sporting arenas, and also theaters. Live sound engineering requires electronic equipment including amplifiers, microphones, monitors and a mixing board to control various sounds emitted by the performers. Each of these items has specific functions enabling the sound engineer to control the overall audio experience and capture the sounds made for the audience.

Why this job is great:
Sound technicians get to work in the entertainment or broadcasting, and motion picture industry which is expected to grow rapidly. Because instruments and voices are different – either louder or softer than others – a live sound engineer’s job is to deal with these factors to get the best overall sound possible, and this job is probably one of the most important jobs that there is to a live performance or a band.
Employment of broadcast and sound technicians in the cable and pay television area specifically is expected to grow as the range of products and services expands, including cable Internet access and video-on-demand. Turnover is good for positions as job openings result from the need to replace experienced technicians who leave for other jobs that require knowledge of electronics. Jobs in television and radio are located in virtually all cities; jobs in radio also are found in many small towns. The highest paying and most specialized jobs are concentrated in New York City, Los Angeles Washington, DC, and Chicago, where most network or news programs are produced, while the motion picture production jobs are based in New York and Los Angeles.

Job drawbacks: The sound technician can put in long hours, and sometimes they have to work for creative and often temperamental artists.

This job market is expected to remain competitive because of the large number of people who are attracted by the glamour of working in motion pictures. Those seeking entry-level jobs face touch competition major metro areas, where pay generally is higher and the number of qualified jobseekers exceeds the number of openings. It is easier to get a starting sound technician job in small cities and towns.

Pre-requisites:
There are no formal education requirements to become a sound technician, although a related postsecondary degree or a certificate is an asset when seeking employment as a recording engineer. The sound technician needs a very good understanding of digital sound. Live sound engineering requires solid knowledge of sound engineering equipment, such as microphones, amplifiers, monitors and audio lines. But that’s only part of the job. Engineering live audio also requires strong people and communication skills. It takes a team to stage live concerts, and live sound technicians are part of the team, requiring being well-spoken and good written communications. A great cooperative attitude is important as well. Sound technicians often find that it is important to work with a mentor when starting out in this field.

A great way to prepare yourself for a career as a sound technician is with a mentor apprentice audio engineering program.

Related posts:

1. Lead Audio Technician
2. Recording Engineer
3. Sound Engineering Technicians
4. Audio and Video Equipment Technicians
5. Broadcast Technicians