We use cookies to improve and customise your experience, for analytics and metrics, and to track any purchases you make both on this website and on others. To find out more about the cookies we use see our cookie policy
More info
- Work in studios and make recordings of music, speech and sound effects
- You'll need good hearing, a good sense of pitch, timing and rhythm
- You could specialise in a particular technical skill or start your own recording studio
As a studio sound engineer you'll use electronic equipment to record sound for many different uses, like: commercial music recordings, radio, TV, film and commercials, corporate videos, websites computer games and other types of interactive media.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Planning recording sessions with producers and artists
- Setting up microphones and equipment in the studio
- Making sure the volume and recording levels are set correctly
- Operating recording equipment and adding effects
- Recording each instrument or item onto a separate track
- Mixing tracks to produce a final 'master' track
- Logging recordings and other details of the session in the studio archive
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You'll mainly work in recording studios. You'll need to be flexible about working hours, which can be long and irregular. You may need to work in the evening, at night or at the weekend, depending on when artists and producers are available. Your working environment may be emotionally demanding and you may spend nights away from home.
You'll need
This role would be ideal for someone with a love of music with good hearing, for distinguishing sound quality, a good sense of pitch, timing and rhythm, a knowledge of electronics and acoustics, practical skills, patience, and the ability to cope with long hours and tight deadlines.
There are no set entry requirements, but you'll need a good knowledge of music and recording technology. You may also find it useful to understand physics and electronics.
You could start as a runner or an assistant in a recording studio and work your way up by learning basic tasks and making contacts.
You could gain knowledge of recording technology by doing a foundation degree or degree in sound engineering and production, audio engineering or music production.
You could also take a college course like Level 3 Diploma in Sound Production or Level 3 Diploma in Music Technology.
Alternatively you could complete a creative venue technician or technical theatre advanced apprenticeship, which have options in sound.
Working on community music events, DJ projects, hospital or community radio, or mixing and recording music in a home studio and posting your work online are all good experience.
You could also do short courses offered by private training providers to build up your skills and knowledge.
This is a job where getting experience and making contacts is important to help you to find work.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience, you could specialise in a particular technical skill, become a music producer, studio manager, or start your own recording studio.