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Job Definition
View MovieOperate machines and equipment to record, synchronize, mix, or reproduce music, voices, or sound effects in sporting arenas, theater productions, recording studios, or movie and video productions.
Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Interests
Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Artistic - Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Knowledge
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Fine Arts - Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Skills
Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Tasks
Separate instruments, vocals, and other sounds, then combine sounds later during the mixing or post-production stage.
Keep logs of recordings.
Create musical instrument digital interface programs for music projects, commercials or film post-production.
Confer with producers, performers, and others in order to determine and achieve the desired sound for a production such as a musical recording or a film.
Set up, test, and adjust recording equipment for recording sessions and live performances; tear down equipment after event completion.
Regulate volume level and sound quality during recording sessions, using control consoles.
Prepare for recording sessions by performing activities such as selecting and setting up microphones.
Report equipment problems, and ensure that required repairs are made.
Mix and edit voices, music, and taped sound effects for live performances and for prerecorded events, using sound mixing boards.
Synchronize and equalize prerecorded dialogue, music, and sound effects with visual action of motion pictures or television productions, using control consoles.
Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording media, using recording equipment.
Reproduce and duplicate sound recordings from original recording media, using sound editing and duplication equipment.
Wages

In 2008, the California average annual wage was $65,050.00.

Most people employed in this occupation were paid between $30,020.00 and $113,300.00.

Outlook

During 2006, there were approximately 4,300 people employed in this field in California. It is projected that there will be 4,900 employed in 2016. This occupation will have about 60 openings due to growth and about 140 replacement openings for approximately 200 total annual openings. This occupation .

Colleges and Training
Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.
Recording Arts Technology/Technician - A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the production of sound recordings as finished products or as components of film/video, broadcast, live, or mixed media productions. Includes instruction in sound equipment operation and maintenance; music, dialogue, and sound effects recording; sound track editing; dubbing and mixing; sound engineering; tape, disk, and CD production; digital recording and transmission; amplification and modulation; and working with producers, editors, directors, artists, and production managers.
Similar Occupations
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Motion Picture Projectionists - Set up and operate motion picture projection and related sound reproduction equipment.
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Notes
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Job Openings
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