Part 2: What Exactly Does a Sound Engineer Do?
To continue with our blog on what sound engineers do, it’s important to note that there are different kinds of sound engineers. The sound engineer isn’t always just the person who stands behind the big mixing desk at a show and mixes the sound the audience hears. While this responsibility of the sound person is known as mixing the "front of house" sound, it is only one aspect of sound engineering.
There are other kinds of sound engineers with particular roles and specializations. For example, four different steps to the commercial production of a recording include recording, editing, mixing, and mastering—all done by a sound person. It is also common for all of these roles to be taken on by one sound person at smaller events and shows. The following are some of the additional roles and titles common to sound engineers:
Monitor Sound Engineers
This engineer handles the sound the band hears on their monitors on stage.
Systems Engineers
They are responsible for setting up amps, complex PA systems, and speakers for the band and the other sound engineers.
Studio Sound Engineers
The work of these engineers is in a recording studio and includes making high-quality recordings of music, speech, and sound effects.
Research & Development Audio Engineers
R&D sound engineers work on inventing new technologies, equipment, and techniques, to enhance the process and art of audio engineering.
Wireless Mic Engineers
Their responsibilities include handling wireless microphones during a theatre production, a sports event, or a corporate event.
Learn more about how to become a recording engineer at Apprentice Academy, a leading school for sound engineers located in the Nashville area.