Sound recording and audio system technician

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Source: LEARNETIC SA, licencja: CC BY 4.0.
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The profession of a recording production and sound system specialist covers a vast range of professional tasks. There is producing the recordings in cooperation with the sound production technician, operating MIDI systems, handling the sound systems in cooperation with the sound production specialist, as well as recording, editing, processing and archiving audio files. Other important tasks include setting and operating microphone systems with different methods of sound recording, overseeing and preparing audio files for post‑synchronisation - dialogues and sound effects, protecting the equipment against damage or getting lost during the shoot, assisting in the installation of the sound equipment and setting up the recording and playing devices, as well as PA, and sound processing systems.

Since the job involves a number of varied tasks and professional duties, there are certain skills and character traits that are desirable in a recording production and sound system specialist. These are:

interest in recording production, sound systems and music industry,

the willingness to go on frequent business trips,

patience,

persistence,

self‑reliance,

diligence,

fast‑learning,

thoroughness,

computer skills,

familiarity with special software,

adapting skills,

using innovative tools and services at work,

willingness to work in difficult weather conditions.

A recording production and sound system specialist must be prepared to work in different weather conditions. The job is usually performed indoors, but outdoor events are also on the table. The working conditions typical of the two spaces also vary as the places where sound systems are set can be either big or small, and they have different properties.

Future recording production and sound system technicians will find employment in radio studios, TV studios, TV‑radio centres and with companies that handle technical services during concerts. Self‑employment is also an option here.

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Sound engineering technician

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Source: LEARNETIC SA, licencja: CC BY 4.0.
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The profession of a sound production technician is commonly chosen by those who have musical education. No wonder, as by doing so they can develop their lifelong passions and get paid for it - quite well, for that matter. But since money isn’t everything, the job also provides enormous satisfaction.

Candidates for the job should display the following qualities: good hearing, patience, good computer skills and familiarity with modern technology. A  successful sound production technician should be into music and listen to it a lot, since the clients will expect them to adapt to certain sounds standards.

Sound production specialists usually work in recording studios, which means a  closed working space. When they are not setting up the equipment, the job is mostly sedentary. A room where the sound production technician works must have proper acoustics, be tidy and provide comfortable conditions, for the job itself requires great concentration. Sometimes they need to work outside like in case of mass events or concerts where they have to assemble and fix the equipment, which requires considerable physical effort.

The tasks of a sound production specialist include:

configuring sound systems,

sound editing,

selecting devices and software,

checking the quality of recordings and the sound,

drawing up the documentation.

Once they have completed their education, sound production technicians will find employment in such places as recording studios that are specialised in working with both musicians and narrators, in the media - radio and television in particular, and in any company whose activity involves making videos - like advertising agencies for example. One can also run their own studio and be self‑employed. Sound production specialists can work in cultural institutions and companies organising concerts and all kinds of outdoor events as well.