Whether you’re exploring ideas for future careers, or you’re looking for a complete career change, the role of a sound engineer might be of interest to you. There are various types of sound engineer career to explore, and in this article we’ll look at the types of job you’ll undertake if you become a sound engineer for live events.
Why choose a role in sound engineering?
If you enjoy variety, and have a keen interest in technology, a career as a sound engineer might be perfect for you. You’ll attend numerous different events and venues, and learn how to optimise sound for a variety of different situations. From corporate award ceremonies to pop concerts and festivals, you’ll be able to adapt a range of technologies to help enhance the sound at any event.
How to get started as a sound engineer
While there are many degrees in sound engineering you can undertake, this is an industry that also recognises that vocational training can be just as good. Make sure to look into what firms are looking for in terms of the qualities and qualifications to work with them.
It’s not all about qualifications, however. You’ll need a range of soft skills, such as:
- Flexibility
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Technical knowledge
- Ability to work well with others
It’s also vital to have good communication skills, as you’ll be expected to converse on a technical level with other sound professionals, as well as people with less technical knowledge such as event organisers or premises owners.
What’s involved?
The day to day role of a sound engineer can vary, depending on the type of event you’ll be working on. For example, if you’re just starting to work on a new event, you will need to visit the venue and discuss the sound needs with the event planner or organiser, or their sound designers. You’ll also need to identify where there are any hurdles to providing good levels of sound within the venue and where there will need to be any changes in sound levels or music.
It’s likely you will need to undertake a full assessment of the venue, taking into account the acoustics, type of event and intended audience.
What’s next?
You’ll then need to consider the type of sound equipment that will work best with the venue and event. You’ll have to plan where to position sound equipment for best effect, and detail what’s needed to the event planner. Once this is done, you’ll be ready for the event day to come.
On the day
On the day, or perhaps beforehand, you’ll need to check the equipment you’ve chosen has been set up correctly. Some sound engineers prefer to be on the ground while the equipment is being set up, while others may prefer to arrive once it’s all done to make any final adjustments.
You will need to undertake a sound check to ensure everything is working correctly, and that you have any pre-recorded sound effects ready to go.
During the event, you may need to operate the sound desk, to help line up different sounds and adjust levels for different performers or speakers. If anything starts to malfunction, it will be your responsibility to try and ensure you have spare parts and can make any repairs quickly.
When it’s all over
Once your event is all over, and the attendees have departed, you will need to ensure that all equipment is correctly dismantled, unloaded and safely transported to its next venue, or into storage until it is needed for its next outing.
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