Is becoming a live sound engineer right for me?
The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:
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How to become a Live Sound Engineer
Becoming a live sound engineer involves a combination of education, hands-on experience, networking, and continuous learning. Here is a general guide to help you pursue a career as a live sound engineer:
- Educational Background: While a formal education is not always required, consider pursuing a degree or certification in sound engineering, sound production, or a related field. Many universities, community colleges, and technical schools offer programs in sound engineering.
- Gain Technical Knowledge: Develop a solid understanding of audio equipment, signal flow, mixing consoles, microphones, amplifiers, and other sound reinforcement systems. Familiarize yourself with industry-standard software for audio editing and mixing.
- Hands-On Training: Gain practical experience by working with live sound equipment. This can be achieved through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering at local venues, churches, or community events. Many successful live sound engineers start by working on smaller gigs and gradually move on to larger productions.
- Build a Portfolio: Document your work by creating a portfolio that showcases your live sound engineering projects. Include details about the events you've worked on, the equipment you've used, and any specific challenges you've overcome.
- Networking: Attend local live performances, music events, and industry conferences to network with musicians, other sound engineers, and professionals in the field. Networking can lead to job opportunities and valuable connections.
- Learn from Mentors: Seek out experienced live sound engineers who can mentor you. Learning from seasoned professionals provides valuable insights and practical knowledge that may not be covered in formal education.
- Apply for Positions: Apply for live sound engineering positions at venues, production companies, or with touring acts. Entry-level positions may include roles like assistant or stagehand, providing an opportunity to gain more experience.
Certifications
Certifications are not mandatory for live sound engineers, but they can strengthen your skills, improve credibility, and demonstrate proficiency with specific tools or technologies. Here are some recognized options:
- Dante Certification: Offered by Audinate, this certification covers digital audio networking using the Dante protocol, which is widely used in live sound systems around the world.
- Avid Pro Tools Certification: Provided by Avid, this certification demonstrates proficiency in Pro Tools, one of the most commonly used digital audio workstations for recording, editing, and mixing.
- Shure Wireless Workbench Training: Shure offers training on its wireless systems and software, equipping engineers to manage wireless microphones and in-ear monitors effectively in live settings.
- Yamaha Audio Training: Yamaha provides training and certification for its professional mixing consoles, such as the CL and QL series, commonly found in live sound environments.
- AVIXA Certified Technology Specialist (CTS): While broader than just live sound, CTS certification demonstrates knowledge of audio-visual systems integration and is valuable for engineers working in larger event production or corporate AV.