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What does a Sound Engineer do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A sound engineer is responsible for the recording, mixing and reproduction of sound for a variety of purposes, including live concerts, movies, television shows, video games and studio recordings. They may also work with audio equipment to create sound effects.

Sound Engineer job duties include:

  • Operate sound reinforcement and recording equipment
  • Select music and sounds to enhance performances
  • Adjust sound systems to balance volume levels
  • Mix or reproduce music, voices, or sound effects using mixing boards
  • Edit recordings and sounds to alter pitch, tone, or timbre
  • Operate computer-based digital audio editing systems
  • Synchronize audio with video for live performances or media presentations
  • Coordinate the work of other audio technicians during production
  • Train new or inexperienced technicians in proper techniques

Sound Engineer Job Requirements

A sound engineer is responsible for the recording, mixing and reproduction of sound for a variety of purposes. They may work in the music, television, film, theatre or video game industries, among others. To become a sound engineer, one typically requires a college degree in audio engineering or a related field. In addition, experience working with audio equipment and software is necessary. Some sound engineers also choose to pursue certification from professional organizations such as the Audio Engineering Society.

Sound Engineer Skills

  • Recording
  • Mixing
  • Mastering
  • Live sound
  • Sound reinforcement
  • Pro Tools
  • Logic Pro
  • Ableton Live
  • Cubase
  • Nuendo
  • WaveLab

Related: Top Sound Engineer Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Sound Engineer

A sound engineer is responsible for the recording, mixing and reproduction of sound for a variety of purposes. They work in a variety of settings, including studios, live venues, and post-production facilities. There are many different paths to becoming a sound engineer, but most start with a passion for music and audio.

Some sound engineers start out as musicians or music producers. This can be a helpful background, as it gives you an understanding of how music is put together and how to get the best sound out of musical instruments. If you're interested in this route, look into taking classes in music production or audio engineering.

Another common path to becoming a sound engineer is through working in a recording studio. Many studios offer internships or entry-level positions that can give you hands-on experience with the equipment and software used by professional engineers. This is an excellent way to learn the basics of the trade and decide if it's the right career for you.

Once you have some experience under your belt, there are many different directions you can take your career as a sound engineer. You could specialize in live sound reinforcement, working with bands and artists to ensure that their performances sound great. Or you could focus on studio work, helping artists create the perfect recordings of their songs. There are also opportunities to work in film and television, creating sounds effects and dialogue recordings.

No matter what path you take, becoming a sound engineer requires dedication and hard work. But if you're passionate about music and audio, it can be an incredibly rewarding career.

Related: Sound Engineer Resume Example

Related: Sound Engineer Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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