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Become an Audio Engineer

An Audio Engineer is the person responsible for all sound-related aspects of a broadcast. An Audio Engineer must be knowledgeable about using an audio board, setting proper audio levels, establishing IFB (the Sportscasters earpiece so they can receive directions from the control room or remote truck), working with microphones and mixing music beds. It also helps to have a technical understanding of equipment so that fixes can be made on the fly without having to wait for an engineer.

Job Skills of Top Audio Engineers:

• Good ears – It sounds obvious, but the ability to distinguish if a music bed is too high or if a microphone is slightly over-modulated is a true talent.
• Technical skill – The tasks are very technical but beyond that, the equipment is complex. Knowing how and why something works is important.

An Audio Engineer Career may be for you if:

You are always listening to your iPod and often wear oversized headphones so you can ‘really focus on your music’. You have technical acumen, and you can geek out about sound quality.

Audio Engineer Job Outlook

Some technical positions require only a high school diploma, associates degree or post-secondary training. However, training in broadcast technology, electronics, or engineering from a 4-year college will increase an Audio Engineer’s marketability. Many technical positions are learned on the job, because a station wants to teach you their way of doing things.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, technology in the broadcasting industry is rapidly changing and forcing workers to continually update their skills. Those who receive continued technical training will increasingly have an advantage over others.

If you don’t have a ton of experience, don’t worry. You may find it easier to gain employment in smaller markets or at small stations in large markets. Or look for internships at TV stations or Recording Studios.

Minimum Requirements: Audio Engineer

• Associate degree in Music Technology, Audio Engineering or Broadcast Technology.
• Relevant work experience in Audio, including internships or college television stations.
• Continuing education and classwork to keep up with rapidly changing technology.  

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