Broadcast and sound engineering technicians typically do the following:

• Operate, monitor, and adjust audio and video equipment to regulate the volume and ensure quality in radio and television broadcasts, concerts, and other performances
• Set up and tear down equipment for events and live performances
• Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording equipment
• Synchronize sounds and dialogue with action taking place on television or in movie productions
• Convert video and audio records to digital formats for editing
• Install audio, video, and sometimes lighting equipment in hotels, offices, and schools
• Report and repair equipment problems
• Keep records of recordings and equipment used.

These workers may also be called broadcast or sound engineering technicians or operators or engineers. At smaller radio and television stations, broadcast and sound technicians may do many jobs. At larger stations, they are likely to specialize more, although even their job assignments may change from day to day. Broadcast and sound engineering technicians set up and operate audio and video equipment, although the kind of equipment they use may depend on the particular type of technician or industry. Audio and video equipment technicians set up and operate audio and video equipment. They also connect wires and cables and set up and operate sound and mixing boards and related electronic equipment. They work with microphones, speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, and recording equipment. The equipment they operate is used for meetings, concerts, sports events, conventions, news conferences, as well as lectures, conferences, and presentations in businesses and universities. They may also set up and operate custom lighting systems. They frequently work directly with clients and must listen to, understand, and provide solutions to problems in a simple and clear manner. In addition, many audio and video equipment technicians are self-employed and must spend time marketing their practice to prospective clients. Sound engineering technicians operate machines and equipment that record, synchronize, mix, or reproduce music, voices, or sound effects in recording studios, sporting arenas, theater productions, or movie and video productions. They record audio performances or events and may combine tracks that were recorded separately to create a multilayered final product. Sound engineering technicians operate transmitters to broadcast radio or television programs and use computers both to program the equipment and to edit audio recordings.