Sound Unit Description

Sound for events and live performance is the use of technical equipment to reinforce or enhance the acoustical experience as it applies to the audience, performer, acoustical atmosphere, script, products or the event or performance space. Audio technicians working in the live performance and event industry traditionally set up sound reinforcement systems (public address systems). They use specialized equipment such as microphones, mixing consoles, recording equipment, amplifiers, loudspeakers and IT-systems in a live environment.

This equipment can be found in many event and live-performance sound applications, including the theatre, corporate events, concerts, trade shows, broadcast television and other types of live events.

The competences listed in TeBeVAT are common for audio technicians in all areas of sound in the sector. 

Photo: © Rowen Smith – Unsplash

Scope note

ESCO: essential skills/competences of

• Audio Production Technician

• Sound Designer

• Sound Operator

• Stage Technician

• Theatre Technician

In comparison to a recording studio setting, audio recording techniques used in the live performance and event sectors can be somewhat different, as the goal is the optimal "live" sound and not the optimal "recorded" sound.

Competences

The Work Organisation Unit competences are a prerequisite as a basis for all units.

Planning (10)

02 00 10 04 10 - Technically design a sound system (Set up, test and operate a complex audio system, based on a given sound concept. This could be a permanent as well as a temporary installation.)

30 00 10 03 10 - Translate artistic concepts to technical designs (Cooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.)

70 20 10 04 30 - Plan teamwork (Organise the working schedule of a group of people in order to meet all time and quality requirements.)

70 30 10 05 10 - Develop project schedule (Define the project completion stages and create a timeline. Synchronise necessary activities, taking into account the convergence of production elements. Establish a schedule.)

70 51 10 04 10 - Analyse the need for technical resources (Define and make a list of the required resources and equipment based on the technical needs of the production.)

70 51 10 03 30 - Organise resources for artistic production (Coordinate resources within artistic productions, based on the given documentation e.g. scripts.)

70 56 10 05 30 - Budget set costs (Prepare set production budgets.)

80 00 10 04 10 - Advise client on technical possibilities (Apply one's expertise of technical systems to advise the client about the possibility or specifics of a project.)

Preparing (20)

02 00 20 04 10 - Fit up sound on stage (Set up, rig, connect, test and tune audio equipment on stage.)

02 00 20 04 11 - Set up sound reinforcement system (Arrange an analogue sound reinforcement system in a live situation.)

02 00 20 04 20 - Perform technical sound check (Prepare and run a technical sound check before rehearsals or live shows. Check instrument setup and ensure correct functioning of the audio equipment. Anticipate possible technical problems during a live show.)

02 00 20 04 25 - Perform soundchecks (Test the sound equipment of a venue to ensure smooth operation during the performance. Cooperate with performers to make sure the venue equipment is adjusted for the requirements of the performance.)

02 00 20 05 30 - Programm Sound cues (Program sound cues and rehearse sound states before or during rehearsals.)

02 20 20 04 20 - Set up basic recording (Put up a basic stereo audio recording system, which mostly includes amplifiers, speakers and one or more types of music sources.)

02 20 20 04 30 - Record music (Register a sound or musical performance in a studio or live environment. Use the appropriate equipment and your professional judgment to capture the sounds with optimal fidelity.)

02 20 20 04 55 - Edit recorded sound (Arrange audio footage using a variety of software, tools and techniques such as crossfading, speed effects and removing unwanted noises.)

02 30 20 04 10 - Tune up wireless audio systems (Adjust a wireless audio system in a live situation.)

15 50 20 04 10 - Pack electronic equipment (Safely pack sensitive electronic equipment for storage and transport.)

30 00 20 04 10 - Adapt existing designs to changed circumstances (Alter an existing design to changed circumstances and ensure that the artistic quality of the original design is reflected in the final result.)

30 00 20 04 15 - Adapt artistic plan to location (Accommodate plans to other locations with respect for the artistic concept.)

30 00 20 04 20 - Support a designer in the developing process (Provide assistance and support to designers throughout the course of the development process.)

70 51 20 04 10 - Check material resources (Verify that all requested resources are delivered and in good working order. Notify the appropriate person or people of any problems related to technical and material resources.)

Rehearsing (30)

30 00 30 03 10 - Adapt to artists' creative demands (Work with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your expertise and capabilities to reach the best possible result.)

Running the Show (40)

00 00 40 03 10 - Communicate during show (Interact efficiently during a live performance, in order to anticipate any possible malfunctionings.)

02 00 40 04 44 - Use audio reproduction software (Operate software and equipment that transform and reproduce digital, analogue sounds and sound waves into the desired perceivable audio to be streamed.)

02 00 40 04 60 - Prevent undesired changes to sound design (Adapt your maintenance of sound equipment to prevent undesired changes in the sound balance and design, safeguarding the overall production quality.)

02 10 40 05 20 - Mix sounds in a live situation (Combine audio signals from multiple sound sources during rehearsals or in a live situation.)

02 10 40 05 25 - Monitor mixing in a live situation (Oversee mixing in a live audio situation, under own responsibility.)

02 40 40 03 10 - Use communication equipment (Set up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.)

03 10 40 03 22 - Follow time cues (Observe the conductor, orchestra or director and follow text and vocal scores to time cues accurately.)

After the Show (50)

00 00 50 03 10 - De‐rig electronic equipment (Remove and store various types of electronic equipment safely after use.)

00 00 50 03 20 - Store performance equipment (Dismantle sound, light and video equipment in a safely manner after a performance event. Make sure the equipment is correctly stored away.)

15 20 50 04 10 - Pack electronic equipment (Safely pack sensitive electronic equipment for storage and transport.)

Maintenance (60)

02 00 60 04 10 - Maintain sound equipment (Set up, check, maintain and repair sound equipment for a live performance establishment.)