Profession sound operator

Sound operators control the sound of a performance based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. Their work is influenced by and influences the results of other operators. Therefore, the operators work closely together with the designers and performers. They prepare audio fragments, supervise the setup, steer the technical crew, program the equipment and operate the sound system. Their work is based on plans, instructions and other documentation.  

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Personality Type

• Realistic / Investigative
• Realistic / Conventional
• Realistic / Artistic

Skills

• Prepare personal work environment

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

• Monitor mixing in a live situation

  Monitor mixing in a live audio situation, under own responsibility.

• Use communication equipment

  Set up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.

• Record music

  Record a sound or musical performance in a studio or live environment. Use the appropriate equipment and your professional judgment to capture the sounds with optimal fidelity.

• Support a designer in the developing process

  Support designers in the course of the developing process.

• Work ergonomically

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

• Consult with stakeholders on implementation of a production

  Consult with different people and groups who hold a stake in the production. Be on the same page on the practical side of the production, and keep them up to date.

• Interact with actions on stage

  Take cues from actions on the stage and interact with them. Decide on the exact timing and procedure in a live environment, in order to produce a fluid and consistent performance.

• Use personal protection equipment

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

• Communicate during show

  Efficient communication during live performance, anticipate any possible malfunctioning.

• Set up basic recording

  Set up a basic stereo audio recording system.

• Interpret artistic intentions

  Interpret the artistic intentions of the author.

• Program sound cues

  Program sound cues and rehearse sound states before or during rehearsals.

• Operate an audio mixing console

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

• Perform quality control of design during a run

  Control and ensure the quality of design results during a run.

• Operate sound live

  Operate sound system and audio devices during rehearsals or in a live situation.

• Edit recorded sound

  Edit audio footage using a variety of sofware, tools, and techniques such as crossfading, speed effects, and removing unwanted noises.

• 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.

• 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.

• Record multi-track sound

  Recording and mixing audio signals from different sound sources on a multi-track recorder.

• Understand artistic concepts

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

• Set up sound reinforcement system

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

• Plan a recording

  Make the necessary arrangements to record music.

• Mix multi-track recordings

  Mix recorded sound from several sources using a mix panel, and edit it to obtain the desired mix.

• 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.

• Keep up with trends

  Monitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.

• Use technical documentation

  Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.

• Safeguard artistic quality of performance

  Observe the show, anticipate and react to possible technical problems, ensuring optimal artistic quality.

• Translate artistic concepts to technical designs

  Cooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.

• 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.

• Mix sound in a live situation

  Mix audio signals from multiple sound sources during rehearsals or in a live situation.

• Draw up artistic production

  File and document a production in all its phases right after the performance period so that it can be reproduced and all relevant information remains accessible.

• 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.

• Organise resources for artistic production

  Coordinate human, material and capital resources within artistic productions, based on the given documentation e.g. scripts.

• Adapt artistic plan to location

  Adjust plans to other locations with regards to the artistic concept.

• Set up a multi-track recording

  Make the necessary preparations to record music or other sounds on several tracks.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB