What is sound engineering?
Sound engineering, in simple words, is the
process of capturing, recording, editing, manipulating, mixing, reproducing and
delivering any type of sound using a variety of mechanical equipment and
digital devices. The individual responsible for doing this is referred to as a
sound engineer or audio engineer. According to Wikipedia, an audio engineer is
someone who –
1. "works
on the recording,
2. manipulation
using equalization and electronic effects,
3. mixing,
4. reproduction,
and
5. Reinforcement
of sound. Audio engineers work on the technical aspect of recording - the
placing of microphones, pre-amp knobs, the setting of levels."
Role of a Sound Engineer
The primary
role of a sound engineer is to use their technical skills to record or create crystal clear sound for a variety of purposes on different platforms.
Role
of Sound Engineers
1.
Assembling,
2.
Operating,
3.
Maintaining
the Technical Equipment Used to Record,
4.
Amplify,
5.
Enhance,
6.
Mix
or Reproduce Sound.
Sound Engineer Duties and Responsibilities
1.
Perform duties
assigned by directors, producers etc
2.
Set up, maintain and
regularly inspect sound equipment
3.
Collaborate with a
multidisciplinary team of video editors, lighting experts, cameramen etc.
4.
Assist in
synchronizing video and audio tracks
5.
Record, edit and mix
audio tracks
6.
Test and improve sound
quality
7.
Add sound effects to
recordings
8.
Create and update
sound libraries
9.
Resolve technical
problems when they occur
10.
Stay up to date with
latest trends and best practices
Essential Skills of Sound
Engineer:
·
Solid foundation in subjects like Physics and Mathematics
·
Sound technical knowledge
·
Ability to grasp complex concepts quickly
·
Familiarity with new technology and digital media
·
Troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities
·
Good communication skills
·
An ear for music and high-quality audio
·
Ability to adapt to constant upgrades in technology
How Do Audio Technicians Run Sound at
Conventions and Events?
Audio technician sets microphone at speaking
panel at convention
Audio for conventions
or large events is very complicated. There are many factors for an audio
technician to consider at a large event.
Conventions and Live Audio: Convention and event audio ensures that music played throughout
the event space sounds good. In addition, the audio technician also makes sure
attendees hear speakers and musical guests. Additionally, the location of the
event plays a role in the acoustics and equipment choices for live audio
engineers.
An audio technician
that works conventions and events needs to understand how to run large and
small soundboards. On top of this, they must also know how to solve problems
that occur, and how to wire everything.
Audio and Acoustic Considerations for Events: Convention and event sound requires an understanding of what
every room in the space sounds like. A big auditorium sounds a lot different
from a small recital hall or meeting room. A ballroom will have different
acoustics than a convention room that does not have decorations or treatments
on the walls.
LISTENING TO THE SPACE’S ACOUSTICS
First, the audio
technician needs to listen to space when it is empty. A good audio technician
can walk through the hall and test the room’s reverb. A big room with acoustic
treatments will not have a booming sound or a lot of reverb. A room with no
decorations or treatments will echo so much that it could be distracting.
HOW DO LIVE SOUND ENGINEERS SOLVE ACOUSTICAL
PROBLEMS?
The audio technician
can ask the event staff to put drapes on the wall or raise the room’s acoustic
treatments. Plus, the audio technician could ask that the room’s stay closed at
all times. An acoustic treatment sucks up sound that would otherwise bounce off
the walls, which results in poor audio.
The audio technician
also needs to account for a stage, because the stage itself has its own
acoustic properties. The stage can also cause a lot of reverb. If this is the
case, sound from the back of the stage will not reach the audience. Also, the
speaker at the front of the stage may sound much louder than normal.
Once the audio
technician understands the room’s sound, they can begin choosing microphones
for the speakers, performers, singers, and musicians.
How Does a Sound Technician Choose
Microphones?
A traditional event or
convention with a speaker can use a normal microphone or microphone pack. In
order to deliver the best sound possible, it is important that the audio
technician knows how these microphones sound.
AUDIO CONSIDERATIONS FOR LIVE MUSIC
If the event will
include live music, the audio technician needs to choose microphones for use
with musical instruments. These microphones are completely different from a
regular microphone used by a singer, and they must be set up on racks that
bring them close to the musicians.
ELECTRONIC MUSIC CONSIDERATIONS
If the audio engineer
works with a band that uses electronic instruments, all those instruments need
to be plugged into the soundboard. Plus, the audio technician needs to do a
full sound check with the band to make sure that all the instruments sound
good. Some bands will bring their own cables, and they may have their own
monitors. The audio technician must make sure that they have integrated what
the band uses with the system that is already in place.
What About Monitors?
Monitors are a big
part of any large event. The monitor is a speaker that faces the performer or
the speaker, so they know what they sound like. Monitors can also be earpieces,
known as in-ear monitors, which provide the same function as a traditional
setup.
The audio technician
needs to do a sound check just for the monitor, and they need to ensure that
the monitors hook up to the system correctly.
Checking the Soundboard
The audio technician
will be responsible for all soundboard maintenance during an event. If speakers
or microphones need to be muted during a show or talk, the audio technician
needs to turn them off at the appointed time. Because of this, the audio
technician needs to be alert at all times.
ORGANIZATION TIPS FOR AUDIO TECHNICIANS
The audio technician
can write down a list of all the levels on the soundboard so that they can
adjust the board quickly, and they can show other people how to manage the
board in case of an emergency. The board needs to be powered properly, and all
the cables that go into the board need to be labeled.
Furthermore, some
audio technicians will go the extra mile by labeling all the cables plugged in
on the stage. These labels make it easy for the audio technician to change the
setup between performances or speakers. If the technician wants to bring their
own cables, they might be able to help with the setup for a speaker or live
performer who does not normally use electronics.
Event Hall Sound
When the event or
convention wants to send messages to everyone at the same time, the all-call
speakers will be used. However, an audio technician needs to make sure that the
microphone sounds good when it is turned on. If the microphone is turned down
too far, no one can hear. If the microphone is turned up too high, it will be
deafening. Plus, the microphone cannot be around other cables or mics that
could cause interference.
A simple test before
the event begins helps the audio technician avoid any feedback or static that
may occur while using the all-call button.
If the event is held
in more than one place, it is up to the audio technician to go to each space to
hear what it sounds like. Some of these spaces will sound very dry and dead
because they have too much acoustic treatment. There are other rooms that sound
very bright and vibrant because the sound waves are bouncing around the room.
Apply the same techniques to each room to ensure that is sounds good when
people walk in for the first time.
Event Hall Music
If the convention
organizers want to play music throughout the event space, they need to work
with the audio technician to have that music played on the proper loop. The
audio engineer also needs to know where the music is coming from, and they need
to know what kind of music it is.
The music plays
through all the speakers on a volume that seems moderate, and the technician
can advise the organizers that certain sounds may be too loud. Plus, some songs
may not sound good because they have too many instruments or sounds playing at
the same time.
The audio tech needs
to have an understanding of what sounds good in the space, and they should play
the music while walking around to get an idea of how the event hall sounds.
Sound for Vendor Booths
There are vendor
booths that might want to have sound playing all the time, and it is wise to
ask the audio technician how to make the sound work properly. The audio
technician should have a basic understanding of how soundboards and stereos
work. The vendors could show up with any speaker or music configuration, and it
is the audio technician’s job to make sure the music sounds good.
The audio technician
also needs to know how to make each vendor sound good without overpowering the
event hall. If the tech has spent enough time in the space, they will know how
to set up sound for each vendor. The vendors should not change the volume, so
the people in the convention space will not be overwhelmed by loud noises.
Where Can These Skills Be Used?
The skills that one
would pick up from working at events and conventions can be used on cruises or
at large universities. The audio engineer also could be hired to manage sound
in a professional theater or run sound for the cruise ship’s performances every
night.
These very same skills
help an audio technician manage sound for a band that tours, to manage sound
inside a busy meeting hall, or to help a banquet hall set up sound for a new
event every night. Convention sound can be used for theatrical shows hosted by
casinos or resorts, and they could adapt their skills to work as a DJ.
AUDIO CAREERS IN RADIO AND TV
If an audio engineer
works in radio or TV, they will know how to make live audio sound better
because they understand what the room sounds like, how to treat that room, and
which microphones to use. This could be a vital skill if the technician works
for a local TV station that hosts live TV shows, or it could be useful for
someone who works in radio. Live or remote events have their own issues, and
can make the event sound perfect.
So How Do You Become an Audio Technician?
The aspiring audio
technician can learn all these things by studying the art of audio engineering
in a vocational program. Some people will use these skills to work in a music
studio, and others will ensure that they can work in regional productions that
are near their home.
Someone who is very
committed to conventions and events may want to get a full-time job managing a
university student center, or host parties because they know how to set up
sound for any event space. If a student served an externship with any of these
professionals, they would be more than ready to work in an event hall or
convention center.
Conclusion
Learning how to manage
convention sound is one of the most interesting things that an audio technician
can do. There are many problems to solve when the convention starts, and it is
important that the technician knows how every room sounds, remains organized,
and works with the event staff to create the best experience for everyone.
Vendors, speakers, live performers, and organizers are counting on the
technician to make sure that everything their guests hear is pleasing to the
ear.
Want to Learn More?
No event or convention
is complete without pristine sound to make the performances taking place highly
memorable. The process to provide these results is one that entails a lot of
hard work & improvisation. If this kind of creativity appeals to you &
you’re curious enough to learn more, take a moment to check out IPR’s Sound
Production Program and the training that they provide on-site about the tools
needed to succeed in that area.
What are the other related occupations in sound engineering?
·
Studio Engineer
·
Sound Recordist (on set/location)
·
Music Composer
·
Music Arranger
·
Film Sound Designer
·
Game Sound Designer
·
Mixing Engineer for Films and Music
·
Live Sound Engineer for Concerts and Events
·
Music Producer
·
DJ / Electronic Music Producer
·
Promo Producer
·
Radio Sound Engineer
Reference
https://www.ipr.edu/blogs/live-sound-and-show-production/audio-technician-conventions-events/
