A sound technician is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining technical audio equipment to ensure the best possible sound quality for performances. Their main duties include setting up and adjusting microphones; monitoring audio signals; and servicing equipment. Without a sound technician, a performer's voice would sound distorted and unnatural. A technician uses equipment like microphones, amplifiers, audio lines, monitors, and mixing boards. They must also collaborate with the director and lighting department to create audio that matches the vision for the performance.

1. The Role of a Sound Technician/Designer (My Role at Arley Hall)
By Connor Johnson
We have been tasked with studying and researching job roles for our show at Arley
Hall. The role I have chosen is to be a Sound Technician for the show. Sound
Technicians are used to ensure the best sound possible for said performance in a
variety of venues. They prepare, operate and maintain technical equipment to
Amplify, Enhance, Mix or Reproduce the sounds required for the performance at
hand. The duties of sound tech include:
• Setting up, testing and operating equipment to suit the required acoustics of
the location.
• Selecting, Placing and adjusting microphones (If needed).
• Monitoring audio signals to make sure sound quality is maintained.
• Servicing, Maintaining and repairing sound equipment to ensure optimal
quality.
Without a technician the sound during the performance will be lacking significantly
for example the performers voice (if said performer was singing) would sound
distorted and unnatural.
Equipment:
A Sound Technician uses specified equipment for the different shows; these include
but are not limited to:
• Microphone – Captures voice or instrumental sounds which are then sent to
an effects box or an amplifier.
• Amplifier – These magnify sounds used by a band. These can be used by sound
technicians for adding effects e.g. Echo
• Audio Lines – These Transfer audio signals from one device to another.
• Monitor – These are used by musicians to hear what they’re playing in real
time.

2. • Mixing Board/Control Panel – large panels of controls that can manage
different aspects of each sound separately, such as volume, pitch or effects.
(Note: most Soundboards are different.)
In Collaboration with others:
Sound Tech must work with others to create a sound that is consistent with what
the director (and performer) wants; therefore the Technician naturally works
alongside the director of the event to create a perfect sound. Another area of
work which I’ve noticed works well with sound is the lighting department, the
Lighting department may want to design the lighting so it is in time with the
themes of the music.
Responsibilities:
• Ensuring the sound maintains optimal quality throughout the show.
• Hiring and ordering equipment needed for a show.
• Recording sound effects required for performance (E.g. Church Bells, Cars
etc.)
• Ensuring the equipment is kept to a high standard for each show.

3. • Working with those involved in the show to create an ideal sound.