What does a broadcast and sound engineering technician do?

What is a Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technician?

A broadcast and sound engineering technician sets up, operates, and maintains the electrical equipment for radio and television broadcasts, concerts, sound recordings, and movies.

This is a great career choice for those who have a good ear for music and sound, but prefer to work on the technical side of things.

What does a Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technician do?

Sound engineering technicians operate machines and equipment that record, synchronize, mix, or reproduce music, voices, or sound effects in recording studios, sporting arenas, theatre productions, or movie and video productions. They record audio performances or events, and may combine tracks that were recorded separately to create a multi-layered final product.

Sound engineering technicians operate transmitters to broadcast radio or television programs and use computers both to program the equipment, and to edit audio recordings.

Broadcast and sound engineering technicians typically do the following:
- Operate, monitor, and adjust audio and video equipment
- Ensure quality in radio and television broadcasts, concerts, and other performances
- Set up and tear down equipment for events and live performances
- Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording equipment
- Synchronize sounds with action taking place on television or in movie productions
- Convert video and audio records to digital formats for editing
- Install audio, video, and sometimes lighting equipment in hotels, offices, and schools
- Report and repair equipment problems
- Keep records of recordings and equipment used

A broadcast and sound engineering technician will set up and operate audio and video equipment, although the kind of equipment they use may depend on the particular type of technician or industry. At smaller radio and television stations, they may perform many duties. At larger stations, they are likely to specialize more. They connect wires and cables and set up and operate sound and mixing boards and related electronic equipment. They work with microphones, speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, and recording equipment.

The equipment they operate is used for meetings, concerts, sports events, conventions, news conferences, lectures, and presentations in businesses and universities. They may also set up and operate custom lighting systems. They frequently work directly with clients and must listen to, understand, and provide solutions to problems in a simple and clear manner. In addition, many audio and video equipment technicians are self-employed and must spend time marketing their practice to prospective clients.

Are you suited to be a broadcast and sound engineering technician?

Broadcast and sound engineering technicians have distinct personalities. They tend to be realistic individuals, which means they’re independent, stable, persistent, genuine, practical, and thrifty. They like tasks that are tactile, physical, athletic, or mechanical. Some of them are also conventional, meaning they’re conscientious and conservative.

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What is the workplace of a Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technician like?

A broadcast and sound engineering technician typically works indoors in radio, television, movie, or recording studios. However, some work outdoors in all types of conditions to broadcast news and other programs.

Audio and video technicians also set up audiovisual systems in offices, schools, government agencies, hospitals, and homes.

Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians are also known as:
Broadcast Engineering Technician Sound Engineering Technician Broadcast and Sound Technician Broadcast Operations Technician