The Sound Supervisor is responsible for the quality of all sound recorded on location or in the studio for multi-camera television programmes.
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Working Life
The Sound Supervisor is responsible for the quality of all sound recorded on location or in the studio for multi-camera television programmes.
Role and Responsibilities
- The responsibilities of the role begin during pre-production, working alongside the unit manager to identify all relevant participants—such as presenters, performers, talent, and commentators—and determine the most effective microphone setup for each.
- The responsibility also includes determining the required crew levels and selecting all sound equipment needed for the event or programme.
- When this exercise is complete, the sound supervisor will prepare the sound desk, applying all technical settings before the OB unit arrives on location.
- The role demands experience and the ability to switch seamlessly between TV events of varying styles and types, including team or individual sports, talent shows, and reality TV.
- During events or live shows, the sound supervisor oversees and monitors all sound feeds and holds ultimate responsibility for all sound personnel, including sound assistants.
- The Sound Supervisor monitors all sound feeds for consistency and is directly responsible for mixing all tracks for final output, to include music and effects.
- This role requires the ability to focus and perform to the highest levels in a demanding, often intense, live broadcast environment.
- On-the-spot decisions to avert problems or optimise sound and general trouble-shooting, are necessary core activities.
Works with
- Unit Manager
- Director
- Technical Supervisor
- Sound Assistants
- OB Crew
- Broadcaster
Qualities - Sound Supervisor - Outside Broadcast Unit Multi Camera
Is this role right for me?
To perform this role, you must:
Be an experienced sound practitioner having completed several years in demanding industry roles.
Have a detailed knowledge of how sports and different entertainment genres translate to the screen via multi-camera coverage.
Have a detailed technical knowledge of all sound equipment and technologies deployed both in studio environments and in OB Units.
Be a methodical, detailed planner where understanding and providing for the needs of a broadcast assignment are concerned
Have the technical skills to trouble-shoot and correct technical faults during live broadcast events.
Be calm under pressure and have a talent for dealing with unforeseen problems.
Be highly organised and methodical, with a strong ability to manage processes and oversee multiple tasks simultaneously.
Interests - Sound Supervisor - Outside Broadcast Unit Multi Camera
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
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.
Entry / Progression - Sound Supervisor - Outside Broadcast Unit Multi Camera
Education Route: A third-level media qualification is not essential, but can provide a good base knowledge before entering the industry. For example, as a runner assisting a camera department that also covers sound.
Career Path to Sound Supervisor - Outside Broadcast - Multi Camera: It would be expected that a sound supervisor has first operated as a boom operator, sound assistant, or technician, and will have no less than 5 years experience. Most people who succeed in this role have come up through the ranks in the broadcast or post-production sector.
Career Path from Sound Supervisor- Outside Broadcast - Multi Camera: Senior Broadcast Audio Engineer, Head of Sound, Technical Director - Audio, Sound Design/Audio Director.
