Studio sound engineer
Make high quality recordings of music, speech and sound effects.
Also known as: recording engineer, audio engineer
About the job
What it's like
You would make high quality recordings of music, speech and sound effects.
You would use electronic equipment to record sound for uses such as:
commercial music recordings
radio, TV, film and advertising
corporate videos
websites
computer games and other interactive media
You would:
plan recording sessions with producers and artists
set up microphones and equipment in the studio
make sure the recording levels are set correctly
use recording equipment and add effects
record each instrument or item onto a separate track
mix tracks to produce a final version
log tapes and other details of the session
With experience, you might also act as studio manager.
Hours
You would need to be flexible about your working hours, which could be long and irregular. You may need to work in the evening, at night or at the weekend. This could depend on when artists and producers are available.
Environment
You would mainly work in recording studios. Conditions in studios may vary. Some may be large and air-conditioned and others small and cramped.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Digital technologies Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking initiative
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- problem solving
- resourceful
- innovative
- creative
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Music
Music Technology
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
There are no set entry qualifications required to enter this job but qualifications and experience of sound technology and the music industry such as a Higher National Diploma in Sound Production (SCQF level 8) will be of value.
You can enter some Sound Production National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF 2-6) with no formal qualifications but most courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in areas like sound production, music technology or audio engineering usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
If you choose to study to degree level, then relevant HNC/D qualifications may support entry into second or third year of some degree courses.
To enter a postgraduate course (SCQF level 11) you will usually require an honours degree in a relevant subject.
Another way into this job would be to start as a runner or an assistant in a recording studio and learn on the job.
It may be useful to understand physics and electronics.
A good knowledge of music and recording technology.
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