Profession audio production technician

Sound mixers control technical functioning of equipment to record and edit sound and for transmitting radio and television broadcasts of sounds, as well as other types of telecommunication signals on land, sea or in aircraft.

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Personality Type

• Realistic / Conventional

Related professions music

• Choirmaster, music conductor
• Disc jockey
• Music arranger
• Musical instrument maker
• Musical instrument tuner
• Musician
• Singer

Knowledge

• Acoustics

  The study of sound, its reflection, amplification and absorption in a space.

• Musical instruments

  The different musical instruments, their ranges, timbre, and possible combinations.

Skills

• Fit up sound on stage

  Set up, rig, connect, test and tune audio equipment on stage.

• Adapt to artists' creative demands

  Work with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.

• Pack electronic equipment

  Safely pack sensitive electronic equipment for storage and transport.

• Set up sound reinforcement system

  Set up an analogue sound reinforcement system in a live situation.

• Perform soundchecks

  Test the sound equipment of a venue to ensure smooth operation during the performance. Cooperate with performers to make sure the venue equipment is adjusted for the requirements of the performance.

• Assess power needs

  Prepare and manage the provision of electrical power for different areas.

• Technically design a sound system

  Set up, test and operate a complex audio system, based on a given sound concept. This could be a permanent as well as a temporary installation.

• Perform technical sound check

  Prepare and run a technical sound check before rehearsals or live shows. Check instrument setup and ensure correct functioning of the audio equipment. Anticipate possible technical problems during a live show.

• Keep up with trends

  Monitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.

• Work safely with mobile electrical systems under supervision

  Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution for performance and art facility purposes under supervision.

• Work with respect for own safety

  Apply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.

• Operate an audio mixing console

  Operate an audio mixing system during rehearsals or during live performances.

• Set up equipment in a timely manner

  Make sure to set up equipment according to deadlines and time schedules.

• Follow safety procedures when working at heights

  Take necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures and avoid falls from ladders, mobile scaffolding, fixed working bridges, single person lifts etc. since they may cause fatalities or major injuries.

• Maintain sound equipment

  Set up, check, maintain and repair sound equipment for a live performance establishment.

• Work ergonomically

  Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.

• Manage personal professional development

  Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders.

• Prepare personal work environment

  Correct settings or positions for your working instruments and adjust them before starting operations.

• Use personal protection equipment

  Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.

• Provide power distribution

  Provide power distribution for light, stage, sound, video and recording purposes.

• Tune up wireless audio systems

  Tune up a wireless audio system in a live situation.

• Understand artistic concepts

  Interpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.

• De-rig electronic equipment

  Remove and store various types of electronic equipment safely after use.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB