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Sound Technician
( Sound Engineer, Audio Engineer )

Duties and Tasks
Quick Facts
Work Conditions
Personal Requirements
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	Checking sound equipment and levels on the set of a short film

Sound technicians operate technical equipment to amplify, enhance, record, mix or reproduce sound in support of performing arts, and may also assemble and maintain sound equipment.

Duties and Tasks

Sound technicians may perform the following tasks:

determine sound requirements
set up, test and operate equipment in accordance with the acoustics of the area and select, place and adjust microphones
monitor audio signals to detect quality deviations or malfunctions
service, maintain and repair amplifiers, tuners, receivers, digital audio systems, turntables and pick-ups, reel-to-reel and cassette-type tape recorders, and speaker systems
build and install sound systems
dub and edit tapes or compact discs
operate controls to maintain correct sound levels
talk with performers and instruct them on microphone use
introduce pre-recorded special effects required by scripts.

Quick Facts

Learning Area	Performing Arts
Work Demand	Including full use of hands/fingers Including mainly indoor work Including noisy environment Including reading or writing
Work Field	Art, Design, Music and Entertainment
Work Interest	Creative or Artistic Practical or Mechanical
Skill Level	Para Professional Jobs Professional Jobs

Work Conditions

Sound technicians may work in radio, television and recording studios, or in theatres and other live performance venues. They may also work in wholesale and retail businesses trading in sound reproduction, recording and public address equipment. In some cases, they specialise in operating or maintaining sound equipment.

Sound technicians may be required to work shifts that involve long hours in the evenings and on weekends. They often work under difficult conditions and, with outdoor concerts, in variable weather.