Sound Engineering Technicians
Human Advantage 73%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Low Risk
2.5 / 10
This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.
Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.
Also Known As: Acoustical Consultant, Acoustical Engineer, Audio DSP Engineer (Audio Digital Signal Processor Engineer), Audio Engineer, Audio Operator, Audio Recording Engineer, Audio Video Engineer, Disc Recordist +37 more
Core Tasks
- Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording media, using recording equipment.
- Confer with producers, performers, and others to determine and achieve the desired sound for a production, such as a musical recording or a film.
- Separate instruments, vocals, and other sounds, and combine sounds during the mixing or postproduction stage.
- Regulate volume level and sound quality during recording sessions, using control consoles.
- Set up, test, and adjust recording equipment for recording sessions and live performances.
- Prepare for recording sessions by performing such activities as selecting and setting up microphones.
- Keep logs of recordings.
- 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.
- Reproduce and duplicate sound recordings from original recording media, using sound editing and duplication equipment.
- Report equipment problems and ensure that required repairs are made.
- Tear down equipment after event completion.
- Convert video and audio recordings into digital formats for editing or archiving.
Supplemental Tasks (1)
- Create musical instrument digital interface programs for music projects, commercials, or film postproduction.
Education & Training
Job Zone 3 Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (34)
Tools & Equipment (35)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Lighting & Sound Technology Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 2
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists 77% match
Zone 3
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