Studio sound engineer
Sound engineers record, edit and mix music, speech and sound effects in a studio.
Also known as: Audio engineer, recording engineer
- Starter salary£21,000 a year
- Experienced£40,000 a year
What you'll do
As a studio sound engineer, you could:
- plan recording sessions with producers and artists
- set up and test microphones, amps and equipment in the studio
- make sure volume and recording levels are set correctly
- record instruments and vocals onto separate tracks
- monitor sound quality during sessions
- edit example mixes for producers to compare and refine
- work with producers and artists to create a final 'master' track
- process audio files into different formats ready for distribution
- log technical details of sessions in the studio archive
- maintain recording equipment in the studio
Working environment
You could work at a recording studio.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of sound engineering science and technology
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- concentration skills
- the ability to work well with others
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be flexible and open to change
- active listening skills
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a studio sound engineer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:
- sound engineering and production
- audio engineering
- music production
- electrical and electronics engineering
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
College
You could take a college course to learn some of the skills needed to get a trainee position, for example:
- sound engineering
- creative media production and technology
- music technology
- T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
Apprenticeship
You could apply for an apprenticeship to start training in this job. These include:
- Creative Industries Production Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Assistant Recording Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Audio Visual Technician Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
- Broadcast and Media Systems Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
Work
You might be able to start work as a production runner or an assistant in a recording studio. As your experience and contact list grows, you may be able to do training on the job in sound engineering.
Volunteering
It's useful to get as much practical experience as you can, which can help when applying for jobs.
You might get experience from:
- student film or TV productions
- community music events
- DJ-ing projects
- hospital or community radio
- working for sound equipment rental companies
- recording music in a home studio and posting your work online
Career path and progression
With experience, you could:
- specialise in a particular technical skill or music genre
- become a music producer or studio manager
- move into film and TV sound work
- become an acoustics engineer
- go freelance or start your own recording studio
Career tips
You'll need a good knowledge of sound equipment and recording and editing software. You may also find it useful to have an understanding of physics and electronics.
Guides for this industry
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- Job roleAcoustics consultant
- Job roleAudio visual technician
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- Job roleLive sound engineer
- Job roleBroadcast engineer
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