Nelson College
Sound Technician Kaihangarau Oro
Sound technicians operate and maintain the equipment used to record, mix and amplify sound for radio, film, television, music and events.
Sound technicians may do some or all of the following:
- discuss requirements with clients
- prepare recording booths and television studios for recording
- choose and set up equipment such as microphones
- preview sound recordings and adjust quality to correct level
- mix sounds on a mixing desk, and add sound effects
- mix sound for live bands and corporate events
- creatively use sound to support the story in film and television productions
- edit recordings and adjust sound levels as necessary
- set up and pack out sound equipment
- maintain sound equipment.
Physical Requirements
Sound technicians need to have excellent hearing. They also need good stamina as they may have to stand at a sound desk for long hours.
Useful Experience
Useful experience for sound technicians includes:
- any previous recording or sound work
- work with audio production software and equipment
- event work, such as work at festivals and concerts
- work in the music, television or film industry.
Personal Qualities
Sound technicians need to be:
- patient, reliable and creative
- able to show initiative
- able to work well under pressure
- detail focussed
- able to work to deadlines
- good problem solvers and decision makers
- good communicators and team players
Skills
Sound technicians need to have:
- knowledge of sound, music and acoustics
- technical skills to operate sound recording equipment and sound production and editing software.
Conditions
Sound technicians:
- may work long and irregular hours, including evenings, weekends and public holidays
- may work indoors in radio, film and television studios, recording rooms and concert venues, or outdoors in various locations.
Subject Recommendations
There are no specific secondary education requirements to become a sound technician. However, music, dance, and drama, digital technologies, media studies, English and maths are useful.
Sound Technicians can earn around $48K-$80K per year.
Pay for sound technicians varies depending on skills, experience and the type of work they do.
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Entry-level or assistant sound technicians usually earn minimum wage or above.
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Experienced sound technicians usually earn between $30 and $80 an hour.
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Sound technicians on a salary usually earn between $48,000 and $80,000 a year.
Many sound technicians are self-employed and work on short-term contracts.
Sources: Gravity Events; The Inside Track; Native Audio, 2018.
Sound technicians may progress to become production managers or to run their own business.
Sound technicians may specialise in a particular medium such as television, film, radio or music recording. They may also specialise in a particular area, such as live events or post production sound mixing.
Years Of Training
There are no specific entry requirements to become a sound technician as skills are gained on the job as a sound assistant. However, you usually need:
- a tertiary qualification in a relevant field, such as sound engineering or television, video and film production
- experience and demonstrated ability in sound operation.
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