Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Sound Engineer
What sound engineers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a sound engineer?
Set up microphones for a band’s recording session. From there, the day usually includes set up microphones and recording equipment, record sessions, and edit audio tracks. Hours are irregular, with nights and weekends, especially for live sound.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a sound engineer working full time.
- Set up microphones for a band’s recording session.
- Record drum tracks and check levels.
- Record vocals and guide the artist.
- Edit takes and clean up noise.
- Start a mix, balancing levels and EQ.
- Run sound for a live show at a club.
- Pack up and back up session files.
Where sound engineers work
Engineers work in recording studios, film sets, broadcast facilities, theaters and concert venues.
Hours and schedule
Hours are irregular, with nights and weekends, especially for live sound.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Set up microphones and recording equipment
- Record sessions
- Edit audio tracks
- Mix and balance sound
- Master final recordings
- Run live sound for events
- Maintain audio equipment
Tools you’ll use every day
- Pro Tools, Logic or Ableton
- Mixing consoles
- Microphones
- Audio interfaces
- Studio monitors and headphones
- Signal processors
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Creative work with music and media
- Variety of projects
- Freelance freedom
- Technical and artistic
What’s hard
- Irregular income
- Late nights
- Competitive industry
- Hearing risk
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love music or sound
- I have a good ear
- I enjoy technical equipment
- I don’t mind late nights
- I’m patient with detail
- I want creative work
Not sure? Take the free Sound Engineer fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Protect your hearing with limits and earplugs
- Use cable management to prevent trips
- Lift speakers safely
- Follow electrical safety