Sound Engineer

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

• 5225: Audio and Video Recording Technicians

2006 NOC-S

• F125: Audio and Video Recording Technicians

2011 NOC

• 5225: Audio and video recording technicians

2016 NOC

• 5225: Audio and video recording technicians

2021 NOC

• 52113: Audio and video recording technicians

2023 OaSIS

• 52113.00: Audio and video recording technicians

Sound engineers control and produce the sound that audiences and performers hear in live, amplified performances.

Sound engineers are not considered professional engineers and do not engage in the practice of engineering as defined in the Engineering and Geoscience Professions  Act [pdf].

Unlike professional engineers who may design or construct audio systems, sound engineers control the sound components of live events.

Before the event, sound engineers:

• Discuss sound requirements with the production director, sound designer, artists, or their representatives
• Develop a sound plot, which is a script of sound effects, music, and changes in sound level
• Select music and sound effects, such as birdsong or traffic noises, from a sound library or a recording they have made
• Develop and program the playback of sound plots using a variety of audio equipment such as digital playback automation software
• Select and position microphones and loudspeakers or direct others to do so
• Lay any necessary electrical and audio cables or direct others to do so
• Conduct system tests before performances to ensure all sound equipment is placed and working properly

During a rehearsal, sound check, or performance, sound engineers continue adjusting sound. To do this, they need input from directors, sound designers, or performers. They:

• Balance amplification
• Equalize frequency response
• Mix sound components
• Operate the sound desk or mixing console during shows according to the sound plot and cues from the stage manager

In addition, sound engineers maintain sound equipment. They may be responsible for the house sound system or the performers’ monitor system.

In smaller organizations, sound engineers also may help with recording the performance or lighting. For more information, see the Television Camera Operator and Lighting Technician occupational profiles.

Some sound engineers work on touring live shows performed in a series of different venues. For each venue, they may supervise the set up and tear down of the entire sound system. Or they may do the work themselves. Ensuring the audience and performers can hear the sound effects and live music to the best effect can be a challenge. It can be even harder in venues without an acoustically stable environment.

Sound engineers control the sound components of live events. For information about those who mix and balance sound sources for recordings, see the Recording Engineer occupational profile.

Sound engineers work in theatres and other performance venues. They often work in semi-darkness at a control desk near the back of the venue. They occasionally work at heights.

Those who travel with a show sometimes work outdoors in all weather conditions. Some lifting is required to move and place sound equipment. This equipment can weigh 20 kilograms or more.

Sound engineers commonly work evenings, weekends, and holidays. They may need to work long hours during rehearsal periods. They may spend a lot of time travelling on performance tours.

Most sound engineers are self-employed. They may work on a contract basis for:

• Theatre and dance companies
• Live sound re-enforcement companies
• Clubs
• Bands
• Audiovisual companies
• Cruise lines
• Online content creators

It can be difficult to break into sound engineering. Experience is an asset. Examples of work experience include:

• Working on a practicum placement through a school training program
• Volunteering at a performance venue
• Volunteering with religious organizations, community associations, and recreation facilities
• Working with bands, music festivals, and dance or theatre organizations

Continuing to develop skills on your own time with your own equipment can be useful as well. Those new to the industry usually start out as a “gopher” or assistant engineer in a theatre or as a “roadie” for a band. Then they work their way up. You must be willing to work for little money to gain practical experience and establish a reputation for good work.

Advancement generally takes the form of working on more complex productions. Experienced sound engineers may:

• Become sound designers or technical production managers
• Move into related occupations in radio, television, and film or game design
• Move into sound equipment sales, installation, and maintenance

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Alberta Music Industry Association website: www.albertamusic.org

Cultural Human Resources Council website: www.culturalhrc.ca

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