Sound engineers in recording studios make high quality recordings of music, speech and sound effects. They use complex electronic equipment to record sound for:

• commercial music recordings
• radio, TV, film and commercials
• corporate videos
• websites
• computer games and other types of interactive media.

The work involves:

• planning recording sessions with producers and artists
• setting up microphones and equipment in the studio
• setting the right sound levels and dynamics
• operating recording, mixing, mastering, sequencing and sampling equipment
• 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.

Experienced sound engineers may also act as studio managers.

Hours and Environment

As a studio sound engineer, you will need to be flexible about your working hours. Hours can be long and irregular, and often include evenings, nights and weekends, whenever artists and producers are available.

You will mainly work indoors in recording studios. Conditions can vary - large commercial studios may be air-conditioned, spacious and well-equipped, smaller studios may be more uncomfortable. Most control rooms are intense working environments, often crowded and windowless.

You may also sometimes visit theatres, arenas or outdoor concerts to make recordings.

Skills and Interests

To be a studio sound engineer, you 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.

Entry

To become a studio sound engineer, you will need a good knowledge of music and recording technology, and you will also find it useful to understand physics and electronics. Many sound engineers start by taking a music technology course at college or university, to develop their skills before looking for work in a studio.

You can often start as an assistant or ‘runner' in a recording studio. As a studio runner you will carry out basic routine jobs, but will also usually learn how to use studio equipment and get the chance to 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, 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.

You may increase your chances of finding work by taking a course such as:

• City and Guilds 7503 Level 1 Certificate and Level 2 Diploma in Sound and Music Technology
• BTEC Level 3 National Certificate/Diploma in Music Technology
• foundation degrees, 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 (in Further Information below) for a list of accredited courses.

Training

You will usually develop your skills on the job once you are working in a studio.

You can also take short professional training courses in technical skills such as using sequencing, mastering, editing and recording software and equipment, to keep up-to-date with changes in audio technology throughout your career.

See the soundengineer.co.uk website and the Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA) for links to various private training companies and colleges offering short courses (details in Further Information below).

With experience, you could also choose to take further qualifications such as BTEC Level 5 Professional Diplomas in Audio Recording or Sound Studio Management.

You may help your career by joining 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. Skillset provides a database of media courses including courses for sound engineers - see Skillset’s website for details.

Opportunities

As a studio sound engineer, you could be employed full-time by a recording studio, or you could be self-employed and work on short-term freelance contracts. Freelance work is common.

Most of the major studios are based in and around London and are independently owned. Many towns throughout the UK have smaller studios, where most of the work involves recording ‘demos’ for local bands, creating commercials for local radio stations and copying CDs.

There is strong competition for work in recording studios. Jobs are not often advertised, so you will need to be persistent and show initiative to get into the recording industry. People often start off by working for free to make contacts and ‘get their foot in the door’.

With experience, you could specialise in areas like mastering, or you could become a producer after building up a reputation with a number of clients. You could also choose to start your own recording studio.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

New entrants could start on between £14,000 and £16,000 a year.
Experienced sound engineers earn between £20,000 and £30,000.
Senior and freelance sound engineers can earn up to £40,000 a year or more.

Further information

Tel: 08080 300 900 for England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Tel: 0808 100 8094 for Scotland Prospect House
80-110 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1HB 38 St Leonards Road
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN21 3UT
Tel: 01323 410335 PO Box 7966
Reading
RG6 7BP Riverside Building, County Hall
Westminster Bridge Road
London
SE1 7JA
Tel: 020 7803 1300 PO Box 22
Totnes
Devon
TQ9 7YZ
Tel: 01803 868600