Sound Technicians use the soundboard and other audio equipment to ensure sound levels are correct and the sound is mixed well. Their work is the finishing touch on the artist’s performance, guaranteeing that the music sounds good for both the performer onstage and for the people in the crowd. In some cases they also assist with lighting and special effects.

They work with the Club General Manager, Talent Booker, Advance Person, Production Technicians, Maintenance Team, the act’s Tour Manager and the musicians themselves.

On average, Sound Technicians earn around $41,100 yearly. The salary range for Sound Technicians runs from $25,000 to $69,000.

Freelance Sound Technicians are paid per event. Sound Technicians who work regularly at a venue are salaried.

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Thoms says, “The hours are long, and it makes it pretty difficult to have much of a social life outside these walls so you need to make the most of your downtime. Luckily, Ministry is one place where our downtime is actually respected, so we tend to work around 45 hours a week – with the weekend trading sessions taking up the bulk of the night hours.

“We close at 6 am on Fridays and 7 am on Saturdays so those are usually 12-hour shifts, sometimes a little longer if we have to come in earlier for maintenance or for other events. During the week, we usually skip Mondays (nobody does good work on a Monday anyway) and work 9 am to 6 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with one of us covering our Tuesday student night until 4 am.

“Getting in for 9 am after you’ve been working nights at the weekend is always a bit of a stretch but does help get you into the rhythm of the week.”

Three Differences Between These Careers

When it comes to audio production, both sound technicians and audio engineers contribute their hard-earned essential skills and expertise to create captivating auditory experiences. However, despite their shared passion for sound, these professions are distinguished by several key factors. From training and responsibilities to salary and overall impact, there are notable differences between sound technicians and audio engineers that shape their roles within the industry. Understanding these distinctions can provide valuable insight for aspiring professionals seeking to navigate their career paths effectively and pursue opportunities aligned with their interests and aspirations.

• • Training

Audio engineers typically possess more extensive experience, training, and formal education compared to sound technicians. They often undergo rigorous coursework or apprenticeships to develop a comprehensive understanding of audio principles, including recording techniques, signal processing, and acoustics. In contrast, sound technicians may receive training focused on equipment operation and maintenance, with less emphasis on the intricacies of sound design and engineering.

• • • Where and How They Work

Audio engineers often hold supervisory positions, whether in a studio environment or during live events. They are responsible for overseeing the technical aspects of productions, collaborating with artists, and ensuring optimal sound quality. Sound technicians, meanwhile, may work alongside those engineers, assisting with setup, troubleshooting equipment issues, and executing specific tasks as directed. While both professions may operate in various settings, sound engineers typically occupy higher-ranking positions, exerting greater influence over the creative and technical aspects of audio production.

• • • • Salary

Audio engineers often command higher compensation compared to sound technicians. This wage discrepancy reflects the advanced skill set and responsibilities associated with audio engineering roles. Audio engineers’ ability to navigate complex audio systems, troubleshoot technical issues, and deliver high-quality sound experiences is highly valued in the industry, resulting in higher earning potential. While sound technicians play a crucial support role in ensuring smooth operations, their salaries may be more modest in comparison.

• • • • • Overall Impact and Roles

Despite these differences, both professions offer opportunities for growth and advancement within the exciting and always changing business of audio production. While audio engineers are more involved in the creative and technical decision-making processes, sound technicians play a vital role in executing tasks efficiently and ensuring the smooth operation of audio equipment.

Chris Thoms, Production Manager at London’s famed Ministry of Sound club has extensive experience as a Sound Technician.

When starting off, he says, “If you’re freelance it’s very much gig to gig, if you’re in-house somewhere then it’s usually salaried with advancement taking place as you progress in your role or take on management duties” (such as his job as Production Manager). Advancement can also mean getting hired to work at a more prestigious venue.

After learning the necessary technical skills to work the soundboard, how do you get a job? Go out and talk to people who are currently working sound, and build those relationships.

Thoms advises, “Bother everyone… but in a way that isn’t annoying! I got almost every job I’ve ever had by being in the right place and showing an interest – most places welcome shadowing, and even if you don’t have the experience they’d need to send you out on a job, they will notice that you are keen.

“They’ll be more interested in whether you bring half decent chat to the table, and as long as you know one end of an XLR from the other they’ll find something for you to do. Ask the questions they don’t get asked all the time, and show an interest in learning on the job.”

• “Be proactive, and take every opportunity to shadow, help out for free, just turn up and make the tea, whatever it takes to get your foot in the door. Once you’re through the door, don’t mess it up by being annoying, lazy or getting too big for your boots.
• Be helpful when the situation demands it, invisible when you need to be, and bring some good chat – you’ll probably be working some long hours, so it can’t all be about noise and lights.
• Don’t work for free forever either. There will come a time when you’ll need to start getting paid. If they’ve not made a move within a couple of months then it’s time to move to the next gig…If they want you, they’ll call.”

Roles & Responsibilities

In the sound engineering and audio technology industries, the career descriptions of a sound technician or audio engineer are as dynamic as the sound waves they manipulate. From fine-tuning equipment to orchestrating the perfect mix for live events or studio recordings, these professionals wear many hats.

What actually fills their day-to-day agenda can vary greatly depending on their specific role, expertise, and the unique demands of the projects they tackle. Whether they’re cleaning up a concert’s audio setup or ensuring the dialogue in a film production is crystal clear, a sound technician’s routine is a blend of technical prowess, creative finesse, and adaptability. So, while the overarching duties may seem clear-cut, the devil truly lies in the details, shaping each technician’s journey in this multifaceted field.

• • Equipment Setup and Maintenance

One of the primary duties of a sound technician is to set up and maintain audio equipment for events or productions. This involves understanding the technical specifications of various equipment such as microphones, mixers, amplifiers, and speakers, and ensuring they are functioning properly. Regular maintenance tasks like cleaning, testing, and repairing equipment are also part of this responsibility. A sound technician must be proficient in troubleshooting technical issues that may arise during setup or operation, which usually leads to pretty stressful situations.

• • • Sound Mixing and Balancing

Sound technicians are responsible for mixing and balancing audio levels to achieve optimal sound quality during live events, performances, or recordings. This involves adjusting volume levels, equalization settings, and effects to ensure that each sound source blends harmoniously and is heard clearly by the audience or recording equipment. A keen ear for audio detail and an understanding of acoustics are essential for this task.

• • • • Microphone Placement and Management

Proper microphone placement is key when it comes to capturing clear and balanced audio. Sound technicians must strategically position microphones to capture the desired sound sources while minimizing background noise and feedback. They also need to manage microphone usage, including selecting the appropriate types of microphones for different applications and ensuring they are functioning correctly throughout an event or production.

• • • • • Troubleshooting Audio Issues

In the fast-paced environment of live events or productions, audio problems can arise unexpectedly. A sound technician must be skilled at quickly identifying and resolving issues such as feedback, distortion, or equipment malfunctions. This requires a combination of technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure–and there’s sure to be a lot of pressure.

• • • • • • Collaborating with Production Teams

Sound technicians often work closely with other members of production teams, including directors, producers, stage managers, and lighting technicians. Effective communication and collaboration are essential for coordinating audio cues and ensuring that the audio elements of a production complement other technical aspects seamlessly.

• • • • • • • Recording and Editing Audio

Sound technicians may be involved in recording live performances, studio sessions, or other audio content. This involves operating recording equipment, capturing high-quality audio tracks, and making any necessary edits or enhancements during post-production. Proficiency in audio editing software and a good understanding of recording techniques are valuable skills for this aspect of this career.

• • • • • • • • Managing Sound Effects and Music Playback

In theatrical productions, film, television, and live events, sound technicians are often responsible for managing sound effects and music playback. This includes cueing and timing the playback of pre-recorded audio tracks to synchronize with live performances or visual elements. Attention to detail and precise timing are crucial for creating immersive audio experiences.

• • • • • • • • • Ensuring Compliance with Safety Regulations

Safety is a priority in any production environment, and sound technicians must ensure that audio equipment is set up and operated in compliance with relevant safety regulations. This includes understanding electrical safety guidelines, implementing proper cable management practices, and taking precautions to prevent hazards such as tripping hazards or equipment overheating. This is a part of the career that can’t be faked or glazed over!

• • • • • • • • • • Staying Updated on Audio Technology

Audio technology is always evolving, with new equipment and techniques emerging all the time. Sound technicians must stay updated on the latest advancements in audio technology, including new equipment models, software updates, and industry trends. This may involve attending workshops, seminars, or industry conferences to expand their knowledge and skills.

• • • • • • • • • • • Adapting to Different Venues and Acoustic Environments

Sound technicians often work in a variety of venues and acoustic environments, each with its unique challenges and characteristics. Whether it’s a concert hall, outdoor stage, recording studio, or conference room, a sound technician must adapt their approach to account for factors such as room size, shape, and acoustics to achieve optimal sound quality. This ability should become better and better with time.

• • • • • • • • • • • • Collaborating with Performers and Artists

Building rapport with performers and artists is essential for a sound technician to understand their audio preferences and requirements. Whether it’s a musician, actor, or public speaker, effective communication and collaboration with talent can enhance the overall audio experience and ensure that their needs are met during rehearsals and performances.

The only way to get the necessary experience and skills to work as a paid Sound Technician is to get out into a nightclub environment and learn on the job. Having people skills is also important in a business that depends so much on whether people want to spend late nights working with and relying on you.

Thoms says, “I was a nerdy kid who was always into both lighting and sound and I have always had an interest in music and production. I went freelance when I was 18 and started working in nightclubs, theatres, bars, recording studios and on live events as crew. I’ve done lots of different jobs over the years, and grown my knowledge in several disciplines, which helps to set me apart from the pack a bit.

“For the role I’m in now (Production Manager), I need to be as competent in specifying, designing and operating lighting, video and laser systems as I am building sound systems, mixing bands or monitors.

“Similarly, the job is actually very little about knowing which buttons to press, or even technically doing the right thing all that often – the most important aspect is that you’re approachable, work well in a team and have the ability to put artists and clients at ease, and deliver their show confidently and professionally.

“Your personality is the most important thing you can bring to the table. That’s what gets you employed above anything else.”

A Sound Technician should be someone other people want to work with, but they should also be responsible enough to deal with long hours and late nights. Thoms says that the type of person who’s right for the job is “someone with an absolute thirst for knowledge, passion for technology, understanding, and appreciation of epic-ness, and the ambition to push the boundaries of what’s possible.”

Many aspiring Sound Techs start off by essentially apprenticing themselves to working Sound Technicians, assisting them for free in exchange for their experience and tutelage. A degree in production or audio engineering from a trade school or college can also help an aspiring Sound Technician learn the ropes.

Hands-on experience is essential for learning, so any program you’re interested in should have internship or work opportunities. And be sure that the program you attend is well-regarded and has instructors with current, real-world experience.

Thoms says, “Both ways can work. The only education in sound I actually undertook was a Music Technology AS level which was pretty pointless – I ended up helping to teach the course because there was nobody qualified to run it, and I knew my way around Cubase fairly well! Education isn’t for everyone, but there are some great courses out there these days, far more than when I was looking at uni back in the early 2000s.”

There isn’t a specific union for Sound Technicians at nightclubs and concert venues, although some might be members of the Audio Engineering Society.

Thoms suggests using online resources to further your education and skill set. “So much information is out there on the internet if you download manuals and free software from manufacturers’ websites you can learn how most lighting and sound consoles work, so when you’re faced with one in the real world, you’re already pretty up to speed on how the thing works.

“Once you know a couple of desks you can very quickly learn others, and eventually, it really doesn’t matter what desk they give you (as long as it’s not an LS9, they’re just horrible),” he says.