Studio Sound Engineer
What is the work like?
As a sound engineer in a recording studio, you would make high quality recordings of music, speech and sound effects. You would use complex electronic equipment to record sound for many different uses, such as:
- commercial music recordings
- radio, TV, film and commercials
- corporate videos
- websites
- computer games and other types of interactive media.
Your work would involve:
- planning recording sessions with producers and artists
- setting up microphones and equipment in the studio
- setting the right sound levels and dynamics
- operating equipment for recording, mixing, mastering, sequencing and sampling
- recording each instrument or item onto a separate track
- monitoring and balancing sound levels
- mixing tracks to produce a final ‘master’ track
- logging tapes and other details of the session in the studio archive.
With experience, you might also act as studio manager.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You will need a good knowledge of music and recording technology, and you will find it useful to understand physics and electronics. Many sound engineers start by taking a music technology course at college or university, to develop skills before looking for work in a studio.
Music technology courses are available at various levels, such as:
- City & Guilds 7503 Certificate/Diploma in Sound and Music Technology
- BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in Music Technology
- foundation degrees, BTEC HNCs/HNDs or degrees in sound engineering, audio technology, music technology or music production.
Check with colleges or universities for course entry requirements. See the Association of Professional Recording Services (APRS) website for a list of industry-approved courses.
As an alternative to taking a music technology course before looking for work, you could start as an assistant or ‘runner' in a recording studio. As a studio runner you would carry out basic routine jobs, but you would also get the chance to learn how to use studio equipment and assist on sessions.
When looking for your first job, you will find it helpful to have practical experience of using studio equipment. Taking a music technology course can help with this, and you could also build up your experience through activities like:
- community music or DJ projects
- hospital or community radio
- mixing and recording music in a home studio.
What further training and development can I do?
You will usually develop your skills on the job once you are working in a studio.
You should keep up to date with changes in audio technology and equipment throughout your career. See the soundengineer.co.uk and Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA) websites for links to private training companies and colleges offering short courses in technical skills such as sequencing, mastering, editing and recording.
With experience, you could also choose to take further qualifications such as BTEC Level 5 Professional Diplomas in Audio Recording or Sound Studio Management.
It may be helpful to your career to join professional bodies like APRS, PLASA or the Institute of Sound and Communications Engineers (ISCE). Membership benefits usually include networking opportunities and advice services.
If you want to move into sound for television and film, you can also take short courses to develop your skills in this area. See Skillset's website to search for courses in TV/film sound recording and post-production sound.
Where can I go for more information?
Tel: 08080 300 900 (England and Northern Ireland)Tel: 0808 100 8094 (Scotland)
Tel: 08000 121 815 (Wales)
Reading
RG6 7BP
1 Edward Road
Eastbourne
BN23 8AS
Tel: 01323 524120
Totnes
Devon
TQ9 7YZ
Tel: 01803 868600
Westminster Bridge Road
London
SE1 7JA
Tel: 020 7803 1300
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries can be from £12,000 to £15,000 a year, although you may need to work for free or little pay at the start of your career.
- With experience, salaries can rise to between £20,000 and £40,000.
- Freelance earnings can be higher or lower, depending on reputation and how much work is available.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would need to be flexible about your working hours, which could be long and irregular. You may need to work during evenings, nights and weekends, whenever artists and producers are available.
You would mainly work in recording studios. Conditions can vary – some large commercial studios may be large and air-conditioned, but many are small, windowless and can be crowded.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good hearing, for distinguishing sound quality
- a good sense of pitch, timing and rhythm
- a knowledge of electronics and acoustics
- good practical skills
- patience
- a keen interest in music and sound
- the ability to cope with long hours and tight deadlines
- good communication and ‘people’ skills.
What opportunities are there?
You could work full-time for a recording studio, or you could be self-employed and work on short-term freelance contracts. Freelance work is very common.
Most of the major studios are based in and around London, but there are studios in major towns and cities throughout the UK.
Jobs are not often advertised, so you will often need to contact studios directly for work experience. Once you were established, you would often find work through word of mouth.
With experience, you could specialise in a particular technical skill, become a music producer, or start your own recording studio.
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