Although quite subtle, there are differences between an audio technician and a sound engineer. The job duties of both tend to overlap, and both are generally listed in movie credits and can also be music industry jobs. So, what is the difference between these two audio engineering jobs? Basically, it has to do with authority and job functions on specific audio/sound projects.
AUDIO TECHNICIAN JOBS
The “nuts and bolts” of picking up sound for live music, broadcasting and recording are the responsibilities of audio technicians. Before a rehearsal or recording session, the audio tech will connect the following:
Speakers
Amplifiers
This audio engineering professional will also track down any types of problems with the chains of the audio signal. The physical duties of an audio technician are generally the same as that of a sound engineer. However, audio technician jobs are usually entry-level to mid-level positions. These techs work their way up after graduating from audio production school in order to advance to the level of a sound engineer.
SOUND ENGINEER JOBS
One major difference between audio tech and sound engineer jobs is creative duties.
A sound engineer takes on the responsibility of achieving the intentions of the artist via sound during a live performance, concert or recording. The crafts of sound engineers are often mastered during their entry-level roles as audio techs.
They then move up to assistant engineers to improve technical skills. Eventually, they master the skills needed to perform creative duties while working under more experienced sound engineers.
RELATIONSHIPS OF AUDIO TECHNICIANS TO SOUND ENGINEERS
Generally speaking, a sound engineer is considered to be supervisor to an audio technician. However, audio technicians tend to get more credit on recordings and in shows than sound engineers do. This is a reflection of the ratio of technical tasks vs. creative tasks within a typical sound production project.
PRIME EXAMPLE OF THE DIFFERENCES
For a live concert to be a hit, miles and miles of audio cables must be run. Then, these cables are connected to loads and loads of audio equipment. Audio technicians are generally in charge of this work.
Once all of these cables have been run, and all of the connections have been made, the work of the sound engineer actually begins. You can learn about this and much more while attending a good audio production school.
LEARN AUDIO TECHNICIAN AND SOUND ENGINEER JOBS
Because these two audio and sound jobs are so similar, learning them follows the same path. The technical skills required for either of these jobs can be learned at a good Audio Production school.
F.I.R.S.T. Institute’s Audio Engineering and Music Production program can be completed in just 29 weeks. The program breaks down as follows:
- 378 Total Clock Hours
- 232 Clock Hours Instruction
- 116 Clock Hours Lab
- 30 Clock Hours Internship
Ready to start your new career as an audio technician or sound engineer? Get the education you need from one of the best audio engineering schools in Florida. You’ll experience hands-on learning in real studio settings with audio industry professionals. Take the hands-on learning experience from F.I.R.S.T. Institute today and begin on your path to your own audio engineering job!
