Sound Technician

Sound technicians prepare, operate and maintain technical equipment to amplify, enhance, mix or reproduce sound for audio recordings, films, radio and television programmes, and live performances, including theatre.

Their tasks include:

• setting up, testing and operating equipment to suit the acoustics of a location
• selecting, placing and adjusting microphones
• monitoring audio signals to make sure sound quality is maintained
• servicing, maintaining and repairing sound equipment.

Sound technicians rarely work regular hours. They may start very early and finish late, and night and weekend work is common. In television, sound technicians work in large, enclosed, soundproofed studios. Radio studios may be smaller. An outside broadcast could involve working anywhere, in any weather.

Starting salaries may be around £15,000 a year, rising to around £30,000 or more. Many technicians are freelance and set their own rates.

A sound technician needs:

• sharp and balanced hearing, with the ability to differentiate between sounds
• musical knowledge (in certain roles)
• an understanding of electronics and acoustics
• stamina and the ability to concentrate for long periods of time
• an interest in broadcasting technology.

Sound technicians work for television companies such as the BBC and ITV, and for independent television and film production companies, generally as freelance sound technicians. There are frequent vacancies, but the industry is extremely competitive.

Although there are no specified qualifications for sound technicians, most have completed a relevant technical course or degree. Others start off in junior roles, such as runner or assistant, and work their way up. Employers are likely to choose people who can demonstrate practical experience, such as working on college productions, or community or hospital radio.

Most training is on the job, working with experienced sound technicians and engineers. There are also a number of training schemes and professional courses that sound technicians may take. These range from short courses and online learning to NVQs/SVQs in Sound Assistance (Level 2), Sound Operation (Level 3) and Sound Direction (Level 4).

The usual progression route is from sound assistant to sound technician/operator, and then to sound supervisor. In dubbing theatres and recording studios, people may progress from sound assistant to sound mixer.

Information from Connexions Jobs4U Career Database http://www.connexions-direct.com

For More Information:

Skillset

Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries, which comprise broadcast, film, video, interactive media and photo imaging. Jointly funded by those industries and the Government, their job is to make sure that the UK audio visual industries have the right people, with the right skills, in the right place, at the right time, so that the industries remain competitive.

Skillset

PLASA

PLASA is a professional association covering audio, lighting, staging, rigging, AV, communications and related disciplines.

Professional Lighting and Sound Association

BBC Radio 1 Industry Jobs

Advice, information and support for getting work in the music industry including an overview of the different jobs, interviews with music professionals working in the industry and advice on applying for work placements.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/onemusic/industry/

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