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Sound Engineering Technicians

admin — Fri, 07 May 2010 08:09:10 +0000

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

Average Salary:

$47,490

Average Hours (per week):

Evening, weekend, and holiday work is common.

Union:

None

Certifications:

None

Training Period:

Sound engineering technicians usually complete a vocational program, which can take about a year, although there are shorter programs. Prospective technicians should take high school courses in math, physics, and electronics. Technicians need to have excellent computer training to be successful in this field.

Strongest Market(s):

People seeking entry-level jobs as sound engineer technicians are expected to face keen competition because of the large number of people attracted by the glamour of working in the entertainment and recording industries. Competition will be stronger in large metropolitan areas where pay is generally higher and the number of job seekers usually exceeds the number of openings. Prospects for entry-level positions are expected to be better in small cities and towns, provided that the jobseeker has appropriate training. Industry markets are: motion picture and video, sound recording, radio and television, performing arts, and cable.

Entry Level Salary:

Entry level salaries for qualified individuals range from $11.44 to $15.75 per hour.

Top Salary:

$92,700

Job Growth Forecast:

Job growth is expected to be slower than the national average over the next decade, at 3 to 6 percent.

Broadcast Technicians

admin — Fri, 07 May 2010 08:06:50 +0000

Broadcast technicians set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to transmit radio and television programs. They control audio equipment to regulate volume level and quality of sound during radio and television broadcasts. They operate transmitters to broadcast radio or television programs. Sample job titles include: broadcast engineer, and audio engineer.

Average Salary:

$32,900

Average Hours (per week):

Broadcast technicians at large stations and the networks usually work a 40-hour week under great pressure to meet broadcast deadlines, and may occasionally be required to 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 to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Some technicians need to be available on call whenever the station is broadcasting. Technicians must handle any problems that occur during this time.

Union:

Roughly 11 percent of all broadcasting employees are union members, primarily in larger markets covered by NABET, IBEW, IATSE, and AFTRA contracts.

Certifications:

Licensing is not required for broadcast technicians. However, certification by the Society of Broadcast Engineers is issued to experienced technicians who pass an examination, and the certification may help with advancement. Experienced technicians can become supervisory technicians or chief engineers.

Training Period:

A college degree in engineering is needed to become chief engineer at large television stations. Technical school, community college, or college training in broadcast technology, electronics, or computer networking provides the best preparation.

Strongest Market(s):

People seeking entry-level jobs as broadcast technicians are expected to face keen competition because of the large number of people attracted by the glamour of working in television or radio. Competition will be stronger in large metropolitan areas where pay is generally higher and the number of job seekers usually exceeds the number of openings. Prospects for entry-level positions are expected to be better in small cities and towns, provided that the jobseeker has appropriate training.

Entry Level Salary:

Entry level salaries for qualified individuals range from $8.42 to $11.01 per hour.

Top Salary:

$66,550

Job Growth Forecast:

Little to no growth is expected over the next decade. The prospects range from negative two percent to two percent.

Audio and Video Equipment Technicians

admin — Fri, 07 May 2010 08:05:07 +0000

AV technicians set up, and/or operate audio and video equipment, including microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, recording equipment, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, and related electronic equipment. They may do this for concerts, sports events, meetings and conventions, presentations, or news conferences, among other possible events. They may also set up and operate associated spotlights and other custom lighting systems. Sample job titles include: production assistant, audio visual technician, master control operator (MCO), broadcast engineer, stagehand, videographer, audio/visual manager, audio/visual operator, equipment technician, master control engineer

Average Salary:

$38,050

Average Hours (per week):

Broadcast and sound engineering technicians and radio operators at large stations and the networks usually work a 40-hour week under great pressure to meet broadcast deadlines. They 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 to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Technicians who work on motion pictures may be on a tight schedule and may work long hours to meet contractual deadlines.

Union:

Roughly 11percent of all broadcasting employees are union members, primarily in larger markets covered by NABET, IBEW, IATSE, and AFTRA contracts.

Certifications:

Training Period:

Technical school, community college, or college training in broadcast technology, electronics, or computer networking provides the best preparation for these jobs.

Strongest Market(s):

Job applicants will face keen competition for jobs in major metropolitan areas, where pay generally is higher. Prospects are expected to be better in small cities and towns. About 29 percent of these workers are in broadcasting, mainly in radio and television stations, and 15 percent work in the motion picture, video, and sound recording industries.

Entry Level Salary:

Entry level salaries for qualified individuals range from $10.34 to $13.52 per hour.

Top Salary:

$66,030

Job Growth Forecast:

Growth is expected to be average over the next decade at 7 to 13 percent.

Life as an Audio Engineer

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:49:51 +0000

For those of you who are looking to get your foot in the door towards a career in audio engineering, you will find that getting your foot in the door will become a way of life for you if you’re to have any chance of success working as an independent in the recording industry. You need to get into the mindset that YOU are the one who makes things happen. You have to become an entrepreneur. If you only expect to engineer, you’re already behind the curve. If you own some good gear, that helps. If you can play an instrument or two, that’s even better. If you’re out there in the clubs and know artists and bands and can get them in to record, that’s another big plus. If you can produce, that’s another feather in the possibility hat.

After you get your audio degree the best thing to do is get an internship. “Interning” at a commercial studio is not about sitting around and reading magazines. Be proactive everyday. Treat the studio like it’s your own business — because it is your business! Look for anything to do: straighten cords, make duplications, take notes for the engineer, check every connection in the studio individually and make sure they’re optimum, straighten the mic cabinet, dust the furniture, take out the trash, straighten up file cabinets and clean out dirty or cluttered areas.

Make constructive use of downtime in the studio, because that is really the “deal” you’re making by interning for free. You’re not really working for free. You’re working in exchange for access to what is often very expensive studio time. You get to use the studio! Start a simple project — anything! Get a friend who plays guitar and sings to come in and cut some tracks. Finish something so you can play a CD that’s an example of your work. Once you can do that, you’ll be the one who just might get hired to do some of the simpler sessions.

Little things like being able to print neatly and legibly are a big deal, as is a sense of organization. Studios are service-based businesses, and prospective clients will always determine the level and quality of service based on what they can actually see. A clean and organized studio is an indication of a professional and successful business. Be prepared to record some crap bands, because face it, you’re going to be a crap engineer for a period of time until you hone your chops and can start attracting better clients. And never underestimate the power of a crappy band to be just the people who save your ass during a slow month.

The only reason to engineer is because when you step inside a nice studio full of gear it hits you where you live so deeply that you become single-minded and want to do nothing else than life as an audio engineer.

Check out our Audio Engineering School listings!

Lead Audio Technician

admin — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:21:18 +0000

A lead audio technician has to be able to make transfers to and from various types of audio recording and playback equipment and that includes digital storage devices. The industry is characterized by a large number of seasonal and part-time jobs and relatively young workers. There is competition for this job in major metropolitan areas, because the pay generally is better. Overall, earnings are relatively low, but better in small cities.

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What they do:
The lead audio technician usually manages, sets up and operates audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, videos, projectors, monitors, and recording equipment. They set up and connect wires and cables and operate sound and mixing boards along with other electronic equipment for concerts, business meetings, meetings, conventions, presentations, and sometimes news conferences and sporting events. The routing of systems is required in the audio technician job, because this person must be able to make transfers to and from various types of audio recording and playback equipment. This would include digital storage devices. Audio technicians must have demonstrated knowledge and personal operating ability to utilize computers and keyboards. Working on evenings, weekends, and holidays is common.

Why this job is great:
If you are a visionary person who sees endless opportunities in audio and sound, you will love this job. Detail-oriented people with an ear for perfection will also love to work in this position, and there is teamwork, pressure, flexibility of hours and excitement. This job will allow you to be creative and think outside the box well as to explore innovative sound solutions to drive listeners.

Pre-requisites:
Community college, technical school or college training in broadcast technology, electronics, or computer networking provides the best preparation.The skills require the ability and a demonstrated knowledge of using computers and keyboards. The lead audio technician needs to know Nuendo and Pro Tools in an audio post environment. At least three years of experience in audio post and mixing to picture is typically required. The job also requires experience in location audio recording, a basic understanding of audio signal flow. The audio technician’s personality must be engaged and self-motivated, plus able to work well in a team environment, and feel perfectly at ease and comfortable asking questions.

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

Sound Technician

admin — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:47:21 +0000

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.

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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.

Recording Engineer

admin — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:43:09 +0000

What they do:
Recording, or audio engineering, is a part of audio science dealing with the recording and reproduction of sound. Operate audio equipment to record and edit music, dialog and sound effects for films, videos, radio and television programs and recordings. The mixing board is a recording engineer’s best friend, as they operate equipment to record, mix and edit sound, music and videotape for motion pictures, television and radio programs, videos, music recordings and live events. This field draws on many disciplines — electrical engineering, acoustics, as well as music. A recording engineer is close to the creative and technical aspects of audio and they need to be good at different types of recording media, such as analog tape, digital multi-track recorders and workstations.

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Today’s digital era requires computer skills such as understanding of software and hardware integration for synchronization and analog to digital transfers. They alter the sound and clarity of voice and instruments to create polished recorded sound. Recording engineers control audio consoles to mix sound and dubbing machines to play back edited dialog, music and sound effect tracks. They may operate equipment designed to produce special effects, such as the illusions of a bolt of lightning or a police siren. Accordingly, they can add echoes, delays, speed up or slow down tempos and fine-tune voices. In so many words, it is the recording engineer who manipulates sound to appease their client’s desires. In a television show, laugh tracks are sometimes added in to create a more humorous effect. The goal is to both enhance sound and direct listener’s focus on specific areas of dialog.

Why this job is great:
If you love music and entertainment, celebrities and bands, and are detail oriented, you will love this job. Recording engineers get to create, shape, control, and enjoy the sound quality of audio sound and music. Recording engineers get to work with producers, directors, and performers to achieve the desired sound for audio and musical recording media. Recording engineers work for recording firms, film and video production and post-production houses, concert production companies, live sound recording companies, television and radio stations, advertising agencies, clubs, bands and musicians, theater and dance companies, recording studios, multi-media companies, and on film sets.

Job Drawbacks:
Long hours are common because recording engineers may be required to meet project deadlines, and there may be a great deal of traveling. They generally work indoors in soundproof studios without windows. Since studio time is expensive, bands will play and play until they get the perfect recording. Entry-level recording engineers usually start out as a gofer or assistant engineer, and have to work their way up. Another drawback – when there is a technical difficulty, it is the recording engineer who has to fix the problem, which can be stressful.

Pre-requisites:
There are no formal education requirements, although a related postsecondary degree or a certificate is an asset when seeking employment as a recording engineer. It is helpful to have a good understanding of music theory and harmony. Most recording engineers acquire a working knowledge of today’s computer-based recording technologies, such as digital mixing and random access editing, and adapt quickly to many different recording formats and devices by learning on the job. Recording engineers use a variety of electronic equipment and techniques to record, mix, process, manipulate and edit sound, so they must keep up-to-date with these new technological and digital advances, moving away from the mixing boards to new digital and software sound recording programs. In recording studios, radio stations and some post-production studios, traditional analog recording is still used, but most recordings nowadays use SMPTE or MIDI time codes for synchronization. You’ll need the ability to use multi-track recording systems or Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) systems which tape the voices and instruments separately. It can be extremely difficult to break into the recording engineering business. Experience working at a co-op placement through a school training program or as a volunteer at a cable television station is an asset. Beginning in radio commercial production is another option.

Recording engineers should keep updated on technological advances within their field. Formal training is very specialized and relatively few schools offer such programs. Colleges, technical institutes and electronic music stores offer evening courses or short seminars in sound recording. It is important for anyone who is an aspiring recording engineer to work with a mentor or discuss their career with people in the industry.

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