subject: Sports Careers For Audio Engineering School Grads [print this page] How would you like to mix live hockey broadcasts? Or be the one to afix the microphone to your favourite sports hero for their next radio or TV interview? Then you may want to consider pursuing sound engineering school to become an audio technician for the sports world.
Graduates of audio engineering school who want to specialize in sporting events have a lot of options to choose from.
Specialize in outside broadcasting (work the trucks!)
One of the most lucrative options for audio school grads interested in working on sporting events is outside broadcasting. Outside broadcasting is the use of mobile studios to produce radio and TV broadcasts. These mobile studios are called production trucks.
There is a space in a production truck for graduates of sound engineering school to operate a mixer. In the case of a soccer or hockey game, the technician may be fielding audio feeds from such diverse sources as:
- commentators
- players
- reporters
They
- share information with colleagues
- follow the directors instructions
- make sure that the audio matches any video
There is also a space in the truck where technicians can use their expertise gleaned in audio engineering school to ensure a high quality sound transmission.
Some audio school grads are drawn to production trucks work, not simply because of the money, but for the rush of mixing for a live event. And if the technicians are fans of the sports that they are producing, that doesnt hurt either!
Specialize in live HD or 3D events
Some students in audio engineering school programs have their hearts set on a very specific kind of production trucks: HD or 3D production trucks.
HD trucks, in particular, have been a very exciting option in recent years for new graduates of audio school, because of the need to get the audio quality up to par quickly with the video technology. In the early days of HD broadcasting, some observers lamented the quality of the audio, prompting industrious audio school alumni to find ways to make the most of the new technology.
Some sports fans have even blogged about the difference in sound quality in HD broadcasts from different networks. This is one area where technicians know that they will be being judged on their skills acquired in audio engineering school.
One challenge HD poses to audio school-trained technicians? How to moderate the difference in sound between commercials and games during broadcasts.
Now that there are 3D HD screens, 3D production trucks are another exciting new arena for students in audio school interested in a career mixing sound for sports events. The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa was the first World Cup soccer event to be broadcast in 3D HD.
Students who want to work in sports should start thinking about how they want their career to look while they are still in audio engineering school. Get your game on!
