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Desktop Sound Engineer

Sound/audio engineers use sophisticated technology to manipulate sound in a variety of industries from TV to law enforcement. In the traditional audio world, audio technicians take the design of an engineer and implement it. For instance, the engineer might decide a certain sound is too muffled or low-pitched for a certain movie scene. The engineer would provide new sound specifications to the technician, who would then implement the new design. For sound engineers doing desktop sound design, these jobs are usually combined.

Where You Work

Where you work depends on your place in the industry. A low-level technician might work at a TV station, film studio, radio station, recording studio, etc. More experienced engineers may open their own studio. Advances in computer technology have brought equipment prices down, making self-employment much more possible.

Training

An on-the-job apprenticeship used to be the only way into this industry. However, because the industry is growing more complex and computer-dependent, employers are increasingly seeking engineers who have enough formal sound engineering training to be both flexible and disciplined. Audio engineering is usually considered a branch of electrical engineering, although some programs are associated with music schools. In addition to bachelor's degrees in universities, special certification programs are available. For example, the Society for Broadcast Engineers offers a certified audio engineer designation.

Information Source:

50 Cutting-Edge Jobs, Chicago: Ferguson Publishing Company, pp.64-66.

Related web sites:

Audio Engineering Society International Headquarters

Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers

Society of Broadcast Engineers