What is a sound engineer?

What is a sound engineer?

A sound engineer is a professional who is responsible for the technical aspects of sound. This can be during a live performance, recording session or variety of contexts in a range of industries..

 

What do they do?

Sound engineers work with equipment such as microphones, mixing consoles, equalisers, and various other electronic devices and software tools to create a balanced and pleasing audio mix.

While sound engineers primarily focus on the technical aspects of sound, some may also be involved in the design of sound systems and equipment. For example, a sound engineer who works for a manufacturer of audio equipment may be responsible for designing and testing new products, such as microphones, amplifiers, speakers, or plugins.

In addition, some sound engineers may be involved in designing the sound system for a specific venue or event. This may include selecting and positioning speakers and other equipment, as well as designing the acoustic properties of the room or space. Sound engineering skills can be combined with Sound Engineering and Music Production or Sound Engineering and Audio Technology. 

Different types of sound engineering jobs

There are a wide variety of job roles available for people with sound engineering skills, depending on their areas of expertise and interests. Some common job roles in the sound engineering field include:

  1. Recording engineer: Responsible for recording and producing high-quality audio recordings, both in the studio and on location.
  2. Mixing engineer: Responsible for combining multiple tracks of recorded audio to create a balanced and polished final mix.
  3. Live sound engineer: Responsible for ensuring high-quality sound during live events, such as concerts, theatre productions, and sporting events.
  4. Mastering engineer: Responsible for preparing final mixes for distribution, including adjusting levels and tonal balance, and adding final effects.
  5. Broadcast engineer: Responsible for ensuring high-quality audio during live broadcasts, such as radio and television shows.
  6. Sound designer: Responsible for creating original sound effects and soundscapes for film, television, and video games.
  7. Audio equipment technician: Responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing audio equipment, such as microphones, speakers, and mixing consoles.
  8. Audio Equipment designer: Responsible for the research and development of audio equipment.
  9. Software Developer: Responsible for the development and coding of plugins and other audio-related tools.
  10. Music producer: Responsible for overseeing the creative process of recording and producing music, including working with artists, selecting songs, and arranging musical elements.