Studio Sound Engineer
Role Description
Sound engineers combine technical knowledge with creativity and an excellent ear to produce high quality live or recorded sound and sound effects. They work in contexts from live events to film, music, gaming, advertising, and other interactive media purposes.
Salary
Starting salary: £15,000.
More experience: £20,000-£40,000.
Dependent on company, industry, and venue.
Hours
Working hours are long and irregular, often during evenings or weekends. Working days of 10-14 hours are commonplace.
Prospects
The majority of jobs are in live sound and are usually freelance, short-term contracts involving national or international travel.
Skills Valued by Employers
- Positive attitude with enthusiasm for the role and working environment.
- A good ear for pitch, timing and musical sound.
- High degree of technical competence and an excellent knowledge of musical recording technology.
- Creative and logical approach to problem solving.
- Patience, particularly for working in the studio where achieving the perfect sound may take time.
- Able to work calmly with the pressures of live performance.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Attention to detail.
- The ability to respond well to, and act on, criticism.
- Teamwork.
- Resilience in the face of setbacks.
- Awareness of studio management and financing.
- Budgeting and negotiating skills – particularly needed if you’re working freelance.
