311CPA: 2nd Job Description

Job title: Live Sound Engineer

Clients: Live venues, Bands, Record companies and Theatre companies

Purpose of job

As a sound engineer, you would control the sound at live events such as theatre performances and music concerts. You would operate microphones, amplifiers and control desks to balance the sound levels, and you might also provide background music and sound effects.

Duties and responsibilities

• Discuss the production’s sound needs with the director or sound designer
• To know exactly where in the script any sound effects, music and changes in sound level are needed
• Able to pre-record any sound effects and music to be used
• Able to set up, test and adjust equipment and instruments
• Choose suitable microphones and equipment
• Position and rig up microphones
• Organize sound checks before a performance
• Operate the sound desk during shows
• Follow a sound plan (known as a ‘plot’) and cues from the deputy stage manager
• Look after and repairing the equipment
• Unload, set up, dismantle and load equipment at each venue when on tour
• Good people skills, working with clients and artists

Experience and Qualifications

• Good hearing, for judging sound quality
• A good sense of pitch, timing and rhythm
• Have a musical background
• A knowledge of electronics and acoustics Experience with the variety of musical software’s
• Able to record, edit and mix sound
• Good practical skills
• Patience and concentration
• The ability to cope with long hours and tight deadlines
• Qualification’s in Music Tech or other equivalents
• Good communication and ‘people’ skills
• Awareness of health and safety

Conditions

• Able to work in different locations
• Able to work long hours week days, evenings and weekends
• Needs to be very flexible with working hours
• Able to drive to different locations
• Prepared for any location such as theatres, concert halls, arenas, outdoor concerts and festivals

Income

• Experienced sound engineers can earn between £25,000 and £30,000 a year (Direct Gov 2011)

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