Nature of Work
Sound engineering is a part of audio science dealing with the recording and reproduction of sound through mechanical and electronic means. The field draws on many disciplines, including electrical engineering, acoustics, psychoacoustics, and music. An audio engineer is often closer to the creative and technical aspects of audio rather than formal engineering. Sound engineers operate and maintain sound recording equipment. They may also work special effects equipment. These engineers install, test, repair, set up and operate the electronic equipment used to record and transmit radio signals. They regulate the signal strength, clarity and range of sounds and colors of recordings or broadcasts. They also operate control panels to select the material's source.
A Sound engineer is someone with experience and training in the production and manipulation of sound through mechanical (analog) or digital means.
Growth Opportunities
Job opportunities for audio engineers and technicians are available in different fields of the entertainment industry such as film, television, multimedia design, and animation and CD production. As the audio engineering field is competitive, those who have talent and specific skills can fare well.
With experience, you could specialize in areas like mastering, or you could become a producer after building up a reputation with a number of clients. You could also choose to start your own recording studio.
Market Scenario
Freelance, part- time or full-time work opportunities exist in various aspects of film- making. These are available at film studios, production companies, editing studios or laboratories, government departments that make films and the film department of advertising agencies.
Getting a break in this industry is the toughest part. The film industry is unorganized and new faces are not easily welcome, especially if you want to work off- screen. Newcomers have to prove their talent and sincerity. With experience, you might also act as studio manager.
Within India:
India is the second highest film producing nation in the world. Therefore, there is tremendous scope for people in this profession. Secondly, India has become a global hub, in the fields of animation and multimedia. With the added advantages of cheap, qualified and English speaking manpower it has an edge over other countries in outsourcing.
Television is a very dynamic industry. Though there is a great difference between the cinema work and television work, all the specializations mentioned earlier have a lot of scope in this field as well. Since here work has to be done on a regular basis, all the channels employ some people on a permanent basis. The remunerations also vary from channel to channel and programme to programme (serials, documentaries, news, music channels, etc.)
Overseas:
Repertory theatres, opera and ballet houses, and concert halls all employ in-house sound engineers. Live productions taking place away from theatre buildings also employ sound engineers, generally on a fixed contract basis. These include one-off open air concerts, road shows, fashion shows, trade exhibitions, political party conferences and on-board entertainment on cruise ships. The majority of theatre sound engineers are self-employed.
There is very strong competition for jobs. Many sound engineers start off as 'gofers' or 'runners' in the theatre world or as 'roadies' for a musical band.
Most of the major studios are based in and around London. There are smaller studios throughout the UK, where most of the work involves recording “demos” for local bands, creating commercials for local radio stations and copying CDs.
