Live sound engineer

Live sound engineers control the sound at events like theatre performances, music concerts and festivals.

In this guide

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You might:

  • discuss the production sound needs with the director or sound designer
  • identify places in the script where any sound effects, music and changes in sound level are needed
  • pre-record any sound effects and music
  • position and rig up microphones
  • complete sound checks before a performance
  • operate the sound desk during shows
  • follow a sound plan (known as a 'plot') and cues from the deputy stage manager
  • look after and repair equipment
  • unload, set up, dismantle and load equipment at each venue when on tour

Working environment

You could work in a theatre, at events or at a recording studio.

Your working environment may be at height, hot, outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress to chief sound engineer in a theatre, become a sound designer, or set up your own sound services company.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • persistence and determination
  • customer service skills
  • knowledge of media production and communication
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Most relevant

  • Music - Live sound engineers work with music every day – mixing live performances, balancing instruments, and ensuring the audience hears the best possible sound. Understanding musical concepts like pitch, tone, dynamics, and rhythm helps them make quick decisions at the sound desk during a show.
  • Physics - Live sound engineers need to understand how sound waves behave – including frequency, amplitude, resonance, and how sound travels through different spaces. This knowledge is essential when positioning microphones, preventing feedback, and adjusting sound for different venue sizes and shapes.
  • Electronics - Live sound engineers work with mixing desks, amplifiers, microphones, speakers, and signal processors on every job. Understanding how electronic circuits and audio signals work helps them set up systems correctly, diagnose faults quickly, and keep equipment in good working order.
  • Computer Science - Live sound engineers use digital mixing consoles, audio software, and networked sound systems that require real technical understanding to configure and troubleshoot. Many modern setups involve programming cues, managing digital signal processing, and working with audio networking protocols.

Also relevant

  • Design and Technology - Live sound engineers rig equipment, build setups for different venues, and solve practical problems under time pressure. Understanding how to work with tools, materials, and technical plans helps when positioning speakers, running cables, and adapting systems to fit each space.
  • Mathematics - Live sound engineers work with decibel levels, signal-to-noise ratios, and frequency ranges – all of which involve mathematical thinking. They also calculate power requirements, cable lengths, and speaker coverage angles to ensure a system works properly for each venue.
  • Drama - Live sound engineers working in theatre follow scripts closely, identifying where sound effects, music cues, and level changes are needed. Understanding how a production is structured and how to support performers helps them deliver sound that enhances the storytelling.
  • Engineering - Live sound engineers set up, maintain, and troubleshoot complex audio systems made up of many interconnected components. An engineering mindset helps them plan installations, solve technical problems on the fly, and ensure systems are safe and reliable.
  • Business - Live sound engineers often work freelance or set up their own sound services companies. Understanding how to price jobs, manage clients, market services, and handle the financial side of running a business is important for building a sustainable career.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • a specialist course run by a drama school

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma, or degree in a related subject like:

  • sound and live event production
  • live sound and lighting technology
  • music technology
  • technical theatre art

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

Some sound engineers start by taking a college course to develop their skills before looking for work. Qualifications include:

  • Level 2 Diploma in Sound and Music Technology
  • Level 3 Certificate in Technical Theatre: Sound, Light and Stage
  • T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

You could apply for an apprenticeship to get into this role, for example:

  • Creative Industries Production Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Audio Visual Technician Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship

These take around 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

You can get practical experience of using sound equipment to help your career prospects. This may be part of a course or you can try:

  • helping backstage in a theatre
  • being a roadie for a band
  • rigging sound in amateur or student theatre, or for local bands
  • working for a sound equipment manufacturer or hire company

Several drama schools offer degrees and diplomas in technical theatre accredited by the Federation of Drama Schools. Some of these courses include lighting and stage management as well as sound.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join The Institute of Sound and Communications Engineers for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a live sound engineer from Spotlight.

You can get more information on working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

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