Sound Technician
OFO No: 352103
Other names for Sound Technician:
- Audio Operator
- Audio Technician
- Dubbing Machine Operator
- Dubbing Projectionist (Sound Mixing)
- Re-recording Mixer
- Sound Editor / Mixer / Recordist / Operator / Spec
- Sound Effects Person
- Video and Sound Recorder
What is a Sound Technician?
A Sound Technician’s main job is to ensure that the sound for a live or recorded session is as clear and as perfect as possible.
Sound Technicians can work on television, radio, film or video productions, or stage performances.
Stage performance examples:
- rock concerts
- political rallies
- public speeches
- sports events
- festivals
- large funerals & weddings and other indoor or outdoor events
The line between Sound Technician and Sound Engineer is quite fuzzy. It will really depend who you work for, what your job title may be. In some cases a Sound Technician will work under a Sound Engineer.
What does a Sound Technician do?
- checks electronic equipment to make sure it’s in proper working order
- makes sure sound is picked up perfectly
- controls the mixing board and adjusts volume levels
- makes sure, for instance, the voice is louder than music
- makes sure all the sounds are well balanced
- keeps up to date with new technology
- depending on job, travels to various venues
- if live performance, sets up equipment and tests it before performance
Are you . . . ?
- technically minded?
- a person who loves sound, not just music?
- punctual?
- reliable?
- a team player?
- dedicated?
How do I become a Sound Technician?
Suggestion:
You could start early by getting involved in the drama department/club at your school or in your community. There’s a lot to learn and the more skills you can gather while volunteering at your school or local dramatic society, the better.
If you are considering a career in ‘sound’ – this experience will assist you in your studies at a later date.
A good Sound Technicians & Sound Engineers have a solid knowledge of music and recording technology. An understanding of physics and electronics is advantageous.
TRAINING:
- CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
- Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
- To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education.
- CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
PATH 1
- Learnership – National Certificate: Music Industry: Sound Technology Level 4
- Learnership – National Certificate: Music Industry: Sound Technology Level 5
PATH 2
- Certificate in Sound Technology
PATH 3
- Diploma in Sound Technology
A couple of examples:
Certificates & Diplomas:
- ACADEMY OF SOUND ENGINEERING (accredited)
Higher Certificate in Audio Technology
Diploma in Sound Engineering
Diploma in Audio Technology
And lot more relevant courses
- CAPE AUDIO COLLEGE (Institute of Sound Technology)
Diploma in Sound Technology & Production
Higher Certificate in Sound Technology
- CAE: COLLEGE OF AUDIO ENGINEERING
Music Industry: Sound Technology National Certificate
Audio Engineering Skills Course
- SAE INSTITUTE CREATIVE MEDIA EDUCATION
Higher Certificate in Sound Production
- CITYVARSITY
2 year Diploma in Sound Engineering (+ 3rd year advanced)
- DAMELIN
Short programme in Sound Engineering Practice
Short programme in Sound Recording Practice
Damelin Music Industry: Sound Technology Certificate
Damelin Diploma in Sound Technology
Degrees:
- ACADEMY OF SOUND ENGINEERING (accredited)
Bachelor of Science in Sound Engineering Technology
And lot more relevant courses
- SAE INSTITUTE CREATIVE MEDIA EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in Sound Production
- RHODES UNIVERSITY
Sound Technology
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Disc Jockey (DJ) … or … Television Presenter
Is becoming a Sound Technician the right career choice for me?
