Salary Range
€k - €k
Career Zone

In Brief...

The Sound Recordist is responsible for recording the highest-possible quality of ‘live’ sound on location or in studio, usually in sync with the camera.

 

Knowledge

  •   Computers and Electronics Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  •   Engineering and Technology Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
  •   Communications and Media Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
  •   Customer and Personal Service Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  •   English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Knowledge areas are ranked by their importance to this career

Skills

  •   Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  •   Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  •   Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  •   Complex Problem Solving Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  •   Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Skills are ranked by their importance to this career

Roles

The following job roles are related to this career path:

The sound production department is responsible for capturing sound on set and is responsible for sound recording, the management of noise on location, the placement of microphones (both on actors and on set), and managing equipment, budget, and interactions with other departments. 

The department includes:

  • Sound Mixer
  • Boom Operators
  • Trainee.

You don’t require any formal qualifications to work in sound, but the roles do require specialist training in the area.

You should have excellent listening skills and attention to detail, have an interest in and aptitude for electronics, be able to collaborate effectively with other departments, and be a good problem solver. 

Videos on the Web

Most commonly reported Work Activities

  •   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  •   Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
  •   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  •   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
  •   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  •   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  •   Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
  •   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  •   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  •   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

 

 

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

  • Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording media, using recording equipment.
  • Confer with producers, performers, and others to determine and achieve the desired sound for a production, such as a musical recording or a film.
  • Separate instruments, vocals, and other sounds, and combine sounds during the mixing or postproduction stage.
  • Regulate volume level and sound quality during recording sessions, using control consoles.
  • Set up, test, and adjust recording equipment for recording sessions and live performances.
  • Prepare for recording sessions by performing such activities as selecting and setting up microphones.
  • Keep logs of recordings.
  • Mix and edit voices, music, and taped sound effects for live performances and for prerecorded events, using sound mixing boards.
  • Synchronise and equalise prerecorded dialogue, music, and sound effects with visual action of motion pictures or television productions, using control consoles.
  • Reproduce and duplicate sound recordings from original recording media, using sound editing and duplication equipment.

Interests - Sound Recordist (Film & TV)

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Entry / Progression - Sound Recordist (Film & TV)

Pay & Salary - Sound Recordist (Film & TV)

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