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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Audio Technician

💰 $ - $

AudioAVProductionBroadcast

🎯 Role Definition

The Audio Technician is responsible for setting up, operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining audio systems for live events, studio sessions, broadcast productions, and installed AV environments. This role involves hands-on work with microphones, mixing consoles (analog and digital), wireless systems, networked audio (Dante/AES67), multitrack recording, sound reinforcement, and audio playback. The Audio Technician partners with producers, engineers, talent, and venue teams to ensure clean signal flow, consistent monitoring, audience intelligibility, and redundancy for mission-critical productions. Strong technical aptitude, excellent ear, RF awareness, and the ability to perform under pressure are required.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Audio Intern or Production Assistant
  • Stagehand or AV Technician
  • Broadcast Assistant / Runner

Advancement To:

  • Senior Audio Technician / Lead Audio Engineer
  • Front-of-House (FOH) Engineer or Monitor Engineer
  • Audio Systems / AV Project Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • Broadcast Technician
  • Live Event Production Manager
  • Studio Recording Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Set up and strike audio systems for live concerts, corporate events, theatrical performances, and broadcast productions, including installation of front-of-house and monitor mixing consoles, speaker arrays, subwoofers, amplifiers, racks, and stage foldback systems while following load-in/load-out schedules and stage plots.
  • Configure and operate digital mixing consoles (e.g., Yamaha, Allen & Heath, Soundcraft, Midas, Avid) and analog desks to deliver consistent FOH and monitor mixes tailored to directors’, performers’, and producers’ specifications.
  • Design, implement, and manage networked audio systems using Dante/AES67, AVB, and network switches; perform IP addressing, channel routing, and clocking to ensure low-latency, synchronized multichannel audio transport.
  • Microphone selection and placement for voice, acoustic, and amplified instruments, including cardioid, supercardioid, ribbon, condenser, and boundary microphones; use mic techniques to control bleed and optimize clarity and frequency balance.
  • Operate wireless microphone systems (Shure, Sennheiser, Lectrosonics), perform RF coordination and frequency scans, mitigate interference, and manage inventory of transmitters, receivers, antennas, and batteries to maintain uninterrupted wireless operation.
  • Patch and maintain audio signal routing via analog snake systems, stage boxes, patch bays, and digital I/O racks; label and document signal flow and changes in stage plots and input lists.
  • Record multitrack and stereo mixes for live events and studio sessions using Pro Tools, QLab, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, or hardware recorders; ensure ISO recordings and redundancy for post-production and broadcast deliverables.
  • Monitor, mix, and EQ audio in real time using equalization, compression, gating, reverb, and delay to achieve intelligible and musically appropriate balances for audiences and performers.
  • Troubleshoot audio system problems rapidly during rehearsals and live events, including gain structure issues, ground loops, dropouts, digital clocking errors, latency, and RF problems, maintaining calm and effective communication with production teams.
  • Perform preventive maintenance and repair tasks on microphones, cables, connectors, amplifiers, and consoles; maintain spare parts, battery supplies, and repair logs to minimize downtime.
  • Conduct soundchecks and rehearsals with performers and talent to verify monitor mixes and FOH balance; adjust cueing, headphone sends, and foldback systems to artist preferences while maintaining signal integrity.
  • Implement and monitor audio safety and hearing protection protocols for crew and performers; measure SPL levels during events and apply appropriate limits or attenuation to protect hearing and comply with venue or regulatory requirements.
  • Create and maintain detailed input lists, channel maps, stage plots, cue sheets, and signal diagrams for each event or production; archive session files, show files, and system configurations for reuse and continuity.
  • Assist with the design and tuning of installed sound systems using RTA/Smaart analysis, speaker alignment, delay calculations, and FIR/IIR filters to optimize coverage and frequency response across venue seating areas.
  • Manage playback systems and show automation (e.g., QLab, Playback Pro, Ableton) including pre-loading cues, syncing timecode, and integrating audio cues with lighting and video controllers.
  • Collaborate with lighting, video, stage management, and production staff to coordinate cueing, routing, and intercom systems; ensure clear comms via wired/wireless intercom, talkback, and cue light systems.
  • Follow health and safety and rigging procedures when flying or mounting loudspeakers and arrays; coordinate with riggers to ensure safe load limits, safe access, and proper suspension hardware.
  • Support broadcast workflows, including encoding/decoding audio to/from SDI/HDMI embed, AES/EBU, MADI, and IP streams; configure ISO feeds, IFB, and mix-minus feeds for talent and remote contributors.
  • Supervise and train junior audio staff and interns on setup, best practices, cable management, and equipment operation to maintain consistent show quality and team efficiency.
  • Maintain inventory control for audio gear, track asset condition, schedule service/repair, and coordinate with vendors for warranty or loaner equipment during major events.
  • Prepare post-show reports and deliverables, including stems, DAW session exports, loudness/compliance reports for broadcast, and documented lessons learned to improve future setups.

Secondary Functions

  • Provide on-call support and rapid-response troubleshooting for adhoc or emergency audio issues in venues or broadcast facilities.
  • Assist in budgeting and procurement of audio equipment, recommending upgrades or replacements based on usage patterns, technological trends, and ROI.
  • Help develop and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) for recurring events, load-ins, and specific venue configurations to speed setup and ensure consistency.
  • Participate in pre-production meetings with clients, directors, and venue staff to clarify audio requirements, technical riders, and site-specific constraints.
  • Support remote engineering tasks when required, such as configuring Dante/AES67 routes, updating firmware, or testing redundancy schemes off-site.
  • Contribute to acoustic treatment planning and vendor coordination for installed systems, working with acousticians and facilities to improve room response.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient operation and programming of digital mixing consoles (Yamaha CL/QL, Allen & Heath dLive, Avid VENUE, Midas, Soundcraft).
  • Strong working knowledge of analog mixing desks, signal gain structure, and patch bay management.
  • Hands-on experience with DAWs (Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live) for multitrack recording, editing, and session recall.
  • Networked audio configuration and troubleshooting (Dante, AES67, AVB), including VLANs, multicast, and clocking.
  • RF management for wireless microphone systems: frequency coordination, spectrum analysis, antenna diversity, and interference mitigation.
  • Multichannel audio interfacing and routing: AES/EBU, ADAT, MADI, Dante, and analog I/O.
  • Familiarity with measurement and tuning tools: Smaart, RTA, SPL meters, and room analysis techniques for speaker alignment and EQ.
  • Proficient in microphone selection, placement techniques, and DI usage for acoustic and amplified sources.
  • Experience with live playback and show control systems (QLab, Playback Pro, timecode sync, MIDI/OSC integration).
  • Maintenance and basic repair skills for cabling, connectors (XLR/TRS/BNC), battery management, and common console issues.
  • Knowledge of broadcast audio standards and loudness compliance (ATSC, EBU R128, ITU-R BS.1770).
  • Ability to create and manage input lists, channel maps, stage plots, and show files for repeatable setups.
  • Practical understanding of rigging, speaker suspension, and safe load practices for flown PA systems.
  • Experience with monitor mixing, in-ear monitoring systems, and mix-minus configurations.
  • Proficient in audio troubleshooting under live conditions: grounding issues, dropouts, latency, and digital clocking problems.
  • Competence with playback servers, playout systems, and integrating audio with video/lighting control systems.

Soft Skills

  • Excellent verbal communication and client-facing ability to interpret creative direction and technical riders.
  • Strong problem-solving and rapid decision-making under pressure during rehearsals and live events.
  • Exceptional critical listening and attention to sonic detail, tonal balance, and clarity.
  • Team player with proven ability to collaborate across production, stage, lighting, and video teams.
  • Time management and organizational skills to meet tight load-in/out windows and production schedules.
  • Adaptability to changing show needs, last-minute cue changes, and unexpected technical challenges.
  • Clear documentation habits and the ability to produce concise post-show reports and session notes.
  • Professional demeanor and discretion when working with artists, executives, and broadcast talent.
  • Commitment to health and safety protocols, including PPE use, hearing protection, and safe rigging practices.
  • Mentoring and training capability for junior technicians and interns.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:
High school diploma or equivalent. Demonstrable hands-on experience in live sound, studio, or broadcast environments is required.

Preferred Education:
Associate degree or certificate in Audio Engineering, Music Technology, Sound Production, or a related technical program. Bachelor's degree in Audio Production, Music Technology, or Electrical Engineering is a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Audio Engineering / Sound Technology
  • Music Production / Music Performance
  • Broadcast Engineering
  • Electrical or Electronic Engineering
  • Acoustics / Physics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–5 years of practical experience in live sound, studio recording, installed AV, or broadcast audio roles.

Preferred:
3+ years of consistent experience as an audio technician or assistant engineer with documented work on live events, corporate productions, theater, or broadcast. Demonstrated experience with digital consoles, networked audio, RF coordination, and DAW-based recording/recall. Availability for evening, weekend, and travel assignments is often required.

Certifications (helpful): Manufacturer certifications (e.g., Dante, Avid), RF coordination training, OSHA 10/30, and first-aid/CPR are advantageous.

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