Image and sound technician is the expert in the conditioning of venues where events or recordings related to the audiovisual world take place, such as television, radio stations, dubbing or recording studios, cultural events (shows, concerts or festivals), or commercial events (conferences, presentations and fairs) among others.

Specifically, they work in the recording and processing of the visual and sound signal by controlling the recording systems (microphones and cameras), during the production and recording of programs on sets or studios. They are also responsible for the quality of the recorded signal (image, voice or music) and therefore treat, equalise and perfect this signal to correct possible distortions, for example during the recording of an advertising spot in a sound radio. Finally, they take care of the correct reproduction of video and audio at the different events for which they work, and they do so by means of a suitable configuration of the equipment (screens, speakers and connections), and considering aspects such as acoustics or the lighting of the space, or other factors that may influence its correct capture and transmission.

• Study the space and propose the conditioning of the audiovisual production facilities. Depending on the space where they work (studio, set, concert, show, etc.) they should know and apply certain techniques and protocols so that this conditioning is optimal.
• Supervise the recording and processing of the sound and visual signals, considering compression, equalisation and sound effects. Responsible for the acoustic and visual quality of the reproduction.
• Modulate, transform, handle and improve upon all types of sounds through music and sound effects, using sound and musical computer programs.
• Retouch and improve the sound of each of the tracks (sometimes during live recording and others in the studio).
• Responsible for the equipment and its correct operation. Take care of maintenance and repair if they detect some breakdown.
• When working with audio, they may record sounds and create effects to later add to the target project (recording, movie or program). In this case, they also integrate all the sound sources into the final mix (voices, music, sound effects) so that they sound with the appropriate intensity.

Regulated training and graduates

• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Image and Sound - Advanced Level: Lighting, image acquisition and processing
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Image and Sound - Advanced Level: Sound for audiovisual and performances
• Professional Training Course(s) in teh field of Image and Sound - Advanced Level: Audiovisual and Entertainment
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Image and Sound - Advanced Level: Realization of projects and Audiovisual espectacles
• Grau: Comunicació audiovisual
• Grau: Música

Complementary training

Other specific skills

Advanced level of technical English.
Musical and audiovisual knowledge.

Orientation within reach: Level 3

Analytical thought: Level 2

Concern for order and quality: Level 2

Flexibility and change management: Level 2

Planning and organisation: Level 1

Mechanical handling

People related to the field of mechanical handling are interested in the assembly, maintenance, repair and use of machines, tools and installations. Some good examples of professional activities in the field of mechanical handling are adjusting and configuring machines, reviewing technical equipment to detect incidents in their operation, handling machinery in production processes and driving specialised vehicles.

New technologies

People who show an interest in this field are motivated by the development and advanced use of new technologies in any of their applications (software, hardware, telecommunications) from an innovative perspective and in accordance with the continuous updates of technologies, programmes and equipment that appear on the market. The design, installation, management and maintenance of computer systems and new technologies are activities specific to this field.

Projectionist

Gaffer

Director of photography

Camera operator

Music producer

• Work hours

  Full-time job.

• Salary

  The salary depends on the professional¿s experience.
  • Junior: the salary ranges between 13,300 and 17,031 euros gross per year. The average salary is around 14,717 euros gross per year.
  • Senior: the salary ranges between 17,849 and 26,006 euros gross per year. The average salary is around 21,544 euros gross per year.
    
  Source: Report "Observatory of Jobs and Salaries of the Labour Market. Barcelona Activa", elaborated by ICSA Grupo. April 2015.
  

• Professional category

  Technician

• Human resources and equipment

  Usually the contracting company provides the material or leases it for each project. If it is purchased, it will depend on the type of service (post-production, live sound) and the sector.

• Initial investments

  They are not essential. The hiring company normally provides the material or it is rented for each project depending on needs.