adapt artistic plan to location
Adjust plans to other locations with regards to the artistic concept.
Sound operators control the sound of a performance based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. Their work is influenced by and influences the results of other operators. Therefore, the operators work closely together with the designers and performers. They prepare audio fragments, supervise the setup, steer the technical crew, program the equipment and operate the sound system. Their work is based on plans, instructions and other documentation.
Competences and skills
71 ESCO relationsEssential skills and competences 43 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
31 competencesadapt to artists' creative demands
Work with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.
communicate during show
Communicate efficiently with other professionals during a live performance show, anticipating any possible malfunctioning.
consult with stakeholders on implementation of a production
Consult with different people and groups who hold a stake in the production. Be on the same page on the practical side of the production, and keep them up to date.
coordinate audio system programmes
Coordinate the requirements, integration, and installation of audio control system programs.
digital
draw up artistic production
File and document a production in all its phases right after the performance period so that it can be reproduced and all relevant information remains accessible.
edit recorded sound
Edit audio footage using a variety of sofware, tools, and techniques such as crossfading, speed effects, and removing unwanted noises.
digital
interpret artistic intentions
Interpret the artistic intentions of the author.
intervene with actions on stage
Take your cues from actions on the stagte and interact with them. Take decision on the exact timing and procedure in a live environment, in order to product a fluid and consistent performance.
mix multi-track recordings
Mix recorded sound from several sources using a mix panel, and edit it to obtain the desired mix.
mix sound in a live situation
Mix audio signals from multiple sound sources during rehearsals or in a live situation.
monitor mixing in a live situation
Monitor mixing in a live audio situation, under own responsibility.
operate an audio mixing console
Operate an audio mixing system during rehearsals or during live performances.
digital
operate sound live
Operate sound system and audio devices during rehearsals or in a live situation.
digital
perform quality control of design during a run
Control and ensure the quality of design results during a run.
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. Check instrument setup and ensure correct functioning of the audio equipment. Anticipate possible technical problems during a live show.
prevent fire in a performance environment
Take steps to prevent fire in a performance environment. Make sure the space complies with fire safety rules, with sprinklers and fire extinguishers installed where necessary. Make sure staff are aware of fire prevention measures.
program sound cues
Program sound cues and rehearse sound states before or during rehearsals.
digital
record multi-track sound
Recording and mixing audio signals from different sound sources on a multi-track recorder.
digital
record music
Record 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.
safeguard artistic quality of performance
Observe the show, anticipate and react to possible technical problems, ensuring optimal artistic quality.
set up a multi-track recording
Make the necessary preparations to record music or other sounds on several tracks.
set up basic recording
Set up a basic stereo audio recording system.
digital
set up equipment in a timely manner
Make sure to set up equipment according to deadlines and time schedules.
set up sound reinforcement system
Set up an analogue sound reinforcement system in a live situation.
support a designer in the developing process
Support designers in the course of the developing process.
understand artistic concepts
Interpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.
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.
digital
use communication equipment
Set up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.
digital
work safely with chemicals
Take the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.
work safely with mobile electrical systems under supervision
Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution for performance and art facility purposes under supervision.
- Scope note
- This competence is limited to mobile, temporary installations with connectors. In some countries, workers are only alowed to perform this kind of actions under supervision of a qualified person.
Cross-sector
12 competencesattend rehearsals
Attend rehearsals in order to adapt sets, costumes, make-up, lighting, camera set up, etc.
follow safety procedures when working at heights
Take necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures and avoid falls from ladders, mobile scaffolding, fixed working bridges, single person lifts etc. since they may cause fatalities or major injuries.
keep up with trends
Monitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.
organise resources for artistic production
Coordinate human, material and capital resources within artistic productions, based on the given documentation e.g. scripts.
plan audiovisual recording
Plan audio-visual recordings.
prepare personal work environment
Correct settings or positions for your working instruments and adjust them before starting operations.
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.
use personal protection equipment
Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.
use technical documentation
Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.
work ergonomically
Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
work safely with machines
Check and safely operate machines and equipment required for your work according to manuals and instructions.
- Scope note
- Includes more generally used small electrical and mechanical tools like drills, manual sawing machines, washing machines, sewing machines, etc. that are also used in non professional environment.
work with respect for own safety
Apply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.
Optional skills and competences 28 competences
Occupation specific
1 competenceinstruct on set up of equipment
Instruct others on how to properly and safely set up equipment according to specifications and regulations.
Sector-specific
20 competencesadapt existing designs to changed circumstances
Adapt an existing design to changed circumstances and ensure that the artistic quality of the original design is reflected in the final result.
assemble performance equipment
Set up sound, light and video equipment on stage before performance event according to specifications.
coach staff for running the performance
Give instructions to all team members about how they should run the performance.
document your own practice
Documenting your own work practice for different purposes like assessment, time management, job application etc.
draw up instrument setup
Document musical instrument setup.
ensure safety of mobile electrical systems
Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution independently. Measure and power up an installation.
- Scope note
- This competence is limited to mobile, temporary installations with connectors. In some countries, working independently is related to a specific degree or certificate.
maintain sound equipment
Set up, check, maintain and repair sound equipment for a live performance establishment.
maintain system layout for a production
Establish a workable layout for the system you manage and maintain it for the duration of a production.
manage teamwork
Plan the working schedule of a group of people in order to meet all time and quality requirements. Supervise, support and instruct members of a team. Provide feedback to teams and individuals on work carried out.
monitor developments in technology used for design
Identify and explore recent developments in technology and materials used in the live performance industry, in order to create an up-to-date technical background for one’s personal design work.
pack electronic equipment
Safely pack sensitive electronic equipment for storage and transport.
prepare sound equipment on stage
Set up, rig, connect, test and tune audio equipment on stage.
digital
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.
read musical score
Read the musical score during rehearsal and live performance.
store performance equipment
Dismantle sound, light and video equipment after a performance event and store in a safe place.
support audio system installation
Support the on-site installation efforts of the team. Troubleshoot and debug audio systems.
digital
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.
digital
tune up wireless audio systems
Tune up a wireless audio system in a live situation.
digital
update budget
Make sure that a given budget remains up to date using most recent and most accurate information. Anticipate possible variations and ensure that the set budgetary goals can be reached within the given context.
update design results during rehearsals
Updating the design results based on observation of the stage image during the rehearsals, especially where the different designs and the action are integrated.
Cross-sector
7 competencesadvise client on technical possibilities
Recommend technical solutions, including systems, to the client within the framework of a project.
de-rig electronic equipment
Remove and store various types of electronic equipment safely after use.
develop professional network
Reach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up to date on their activities.
- Scope note
- This includes the development of social relationships with patients and customers.
keep personal administration
File and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.
lead a team
Lead, supervise and motivate a group of people, in order to meet the expected results within a given timeline and with the foreseen resources in mind.
manage personal professional development
Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders. Pursue a cycle of self-improvement and develop credible career plans.
research
provide technical documentation
Prepare and distribute documentation to ensure all people involved in the production receive relevant and up-to-date information.