If you’re in the music industry, you surely love having single takes during recording. In a live production, of course, you only have one chance to perform. Mistakes and errors are inevitable, but with the right skills and qualities you can persevere. When you have a strong character, decisive, and you can easily own up to your mistakes, then you’re cut out to be an engineer in music.
Creativity
This quality is on top of the list. It takes a lot of creativity to come up with a sound design for a live production. Much more of this is required amid strict deadlines and physical constraints. A sound engineer must have a rich imagination, always ready to conceive soundscapes and translate these into action. A show or event production demands creative solutions all the time.
Resourceful
It is a must that a sound engineer can make things happen even with only a little. This is true for small and minimalist productions. Any audio equipment they have must be used smartly. It requires creativity to use the equipment and make every production real in the eyes of the audience. Creativity is also most needed in the absence of any equipment.
Open-Minded
It is quite challenging to work with creative people. Everyone has their own idea of what to present. A sound engineer has to have an open mind and consider necessary changes to the status quo. You don’t know when a brilliant idea will come along, so it’s wise to keep an open mind for uncanny ideas to develop.
Composed
Stress is inherent in making any live show or production successful. A successful sound engineer must have a calm attitude and must keep a level head. The sound engineer must also be able to instruct colleagues with a composed demeanor. By being composed, a sound engineer will be able to lead by example, making the whole team calm in the process.
Communication Skills
No sound engineer can function as one without communication skills. The sound engineer has to work with a wide range of professionals such as stage managers, performing artists, producers, audio techs, directors, and music directors. It is essential to the success of the sound engineer’s career if he or she keeps positive communication lines open, all the more for every production they work on.
Problem-Solving Skills
It can’t be helped that a live production will run into a problem or two. The electric breakers might blow off; the amp might not sound at all, or the sound equipment might need a quick fix. The role of the sound engineer is to figure out the problem and solve it right away, even the most complex one.
Teamwork
For the success of any event, it is important for everyone on the team to work together for the same goal. An engineer in music must be able to lead a team that will work for a live show to be successful. Being the team leader, the sound engineer should be able to delegate tasks to his or her subordinates. By putting your trust in other members of the team, it is more likely to work together and become more productive.
Organization Skills
Any live show and production can be disorganized. A reliable sound engineer knows order and that everything has its proper place. A sound engineer will keep track of all the deadlines and makes it a point to declutter regularly, keeping only the essentials for the live show. This ensures that everything is in order.
Research Skills
A sound engineer must know how to research. He or she must keep himself updated with new skills required for new developments and trends in audio and acoustics that impact live shows and productions.