Sound operator
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The sound operator (also commonly called production audio engineer, audio engineer, sound board operator, sound technician, sound mixer or A1) is the person responsible for the overall and total execution of the sound design during a theatrical performance. This job may include operating a mixing console and sound reinforcement system, as well as co-ordinating sound effects and mixing microphones. The sound operator reports directly to the sound designer.
The specific duties of the position vary from one production to another, but a sound board operator is generally required to know how to use the various playback media (decks) that pre-recorded sound cues will play from, the sound console that controls the levels and individual channel EQ settings, as well as other sound-related devices, such as graphic equalizers, feedback suppressors, and various other effects processors. More often than in the case of other theatrical designers, a sound designer may be expected to serve the function of board operator. Since sound design relies heavily on variables that may change from one performance and the next even within a given production (i.e. the volume at which an actor speaks), sound board operators must be extremely familiar with the sound designer's intentions.
Aside from the specifics of the show, the sound board operator must also be familiar with the house sound system at the venue they're working for, as they are often called upon to make repairs and adjustments to the system as required.
While professional theatres typically hire a sound operator as part of the production staff, it is not uncommon in smaller theatres for the sound designer to assume the role of sound operator.
Historically, the sound department of a professional theatrical production used to be a subset of the electrics (lighting) department, and sound personnel were hired as electricians. This is no longer the case, though, again, it is not uncommon in smaller theatres for this role to be assigned to someone such as an electrician or assistant stage manager.
In touring theatre, the sound operator is responsible for getting the sound system installed and running, and smoothly integrated with the venue and any of the local equipment. This could include backstage and front-of-house intercom, video monitors and cameras, auxiliary speakers (under the balcony or in the lobby), backstage and dressing room audio monitors, public address microphones and assistive listening devices.
In larger productions, the sound operator is typically assisted by one or more A2s (link below).
[edit] See also
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