Live Sound & Events Careers
Live Sound Engineer
A Live Sound Engineer manages and shapes audio during concerts, events, performances, and other live productions. Their work can include microphone selection, system setup, signal routing, soundcheck, mixing, feedback control, dynamics, EQ, effects, and troubleshooting. Unlike studio work, live sound happens in real time, so engineers must make fast decisions while adapting to changing performers, venues, and audience conditions. They often collaborate with artists, stage crews, production managers, and system technicians to ensure the show runs smoothly. Strong Live Sound Engineers combine technical knowledge with critical listening and calm problem-solving. Their goal is to create clear, powerful, and consistent sound for the audience while keeping the entire system stable and reliable throughout the performance.
FOH Engineer
A Front of House Engineer, commonly called an FOH Engineer, mixes the sound heard by the audience during a live performance. Positioned in the main listening area, they control the balance of vocals, instruments, playback, effects, dynamics, and overall level through the venue's sound system. FOH Engineers work closely with artists and production teams during soundcheck to establish a mix that translates well throughout the room. During the show, they continually adjust levels and tonal balance in response to changing performances and audience conditions. The role requires strong critical listening, familiarity with digital and analog consoles, and an understanding of acoustics and system behaviour. A strong FOH Engineer preserves the musical intent of the performance while making it clear, exciting, and consistent for the audience.
Live Sound Technician
A Live Sound Technician supports the setup, operation, maintenance, and breakdown of audio equipment used at concerts, events, conferences, and performances. Responsibilities may include running cables, placing microphones, patching consoles, setting up speakers, testing signal paths, preparing wireless systems, assisting with soundchecks, and troubleshooting technical problems during a show. Technicians often work closely with engineers, stage crews, artists, and venue staff, making reliability and communication especially important. The role requires practical knowledge of signal flow, connectors, audio hardware, safety, and efficient setup procedures. Live Sound Technicians are often the people who ensure that complex systems are physically ready and functioning correctly before doors open, and they may take on increasing mixing and engineering responsibilities as they gain experience.
Audio Technician
An Audio Technician installs, operates, maintains, and troubleshoots professional sound equipment in live events, venues, corporate productions, theatres, studios, and other technical environments. Their work may involve microphones, loudspeakers, amplifiers, mixing consoles, wireless systems, playback equipment, cabling, networking, and signal distribution. Depending on the production, they may handle setup and teardown, assist engineers, operate sections of the system, manage equipment inventory, or respond to technical failures during an event. The role requires strong practical knowledge of signal flow and the ability to diagnose problems quickly under pressure. Audio Technicians often work behind the scenes, but their reliability directly affects whether a production can proceed smoothly, making preparation, organization, safety, and technical consistency essential parts of the job.
Theatre Audio Engineer
A Theatre Audio Engineer manages sound for stage productions where dialogue, music, effects, wireless microphones, playback, and live performance must work together precisely. Their responsibilities can include system setup, microphone management, console programming, cue creation, mixing performances, troubleshooting, and collaborating with directors, designers, musicians, and stage management. Theatre audio often requires repeatability because the same production may run for many performances, so engineers build detailed cue structures and workflows that can be executed consistently night after night. They also need to manage complex wireless systems and rapid scene changes while maintaining clear dialogue and musical balance. Strong Theatre Audio Engineers combine live mixing skills with organization, timing, technical discipline, and a deep understanding of how sound supports storytelling on stage.
Head of Audio
A Head of Audio oversees the audio department for a venue, tour, festival, theatre, production company, or large event operation. The role combines technical leadership with planning and team management. Responsibilities may include designing workflows, supervising engineers and technicians, coordinating equipment, approving system configurations, managing schedules, maintaining standards, troubleshooting major problems, and communicating with production leadership. They may also oversee budgets, inventory, maintenance, staffing, and safety procedures. While the role can still involve hands-on engineering, the focus is often on ensuring that the entire audio operation functions consistently and efficiently. Strong Heads of Audio combine deep technical expertise with leadership, organization, and communication, making decisions that support both the creative requirements of a production and the practical needs of the crew.