A mixing engineer records, mixes and edits sound using audio and engineering equipment. It is their responsibility to adjust volume levels, add effects, manipulate the audio's frequency and synchronize sound. No formal degree is required, but mixing engineers need to have a solid understanding of the equipment and may be required to perform troubleshooting and repairs when needed; postsecondary programs to learn these skills are available.
Essential Information
Mixing engineers, more commonly known as sound, audio or recording technicians or engineers, use recording and sound editing equipment to mix and record audio. Mixing engineers typically have experience working with audio electronics and computers, and should have strong communication skills. There are no specific education requirements to be a mixing engineer, but many in this field started by earning a certificate, associate's degree or bachelor's degree in recording technology or a related field. Professional certification is available to qualified mixing engineers.
| Required Education | No firm requirements, but employers may prefer some postsecondary training in a relevant area, such as recording technology |
| Certification | Professional certification available |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 9% increase (for broadcast and sound engineering technicians) |
| Median Salary (2019)* | $54,740 (for sound engineering technicians) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job Description
Mixing is usually just one of many responsibilities of a sound, audio or recording technician or engineer. These individuals typically work in one of multiple fields, including television, radio, film, theater and music. In these various settings, these professionals can work with various recording systems and equipment, confer with performing artists and maintain audio equipment.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs are expected to increase much faster than average for broadcast and sound engineering technicians from 2019-2029 (www.bls.gov). Job prospects are expected to be better outside of larger cities. The BLS reported that sound engineering technicians made a mean annual salary of $67,090 as of 2019.
Job Duties
Responsibilities of professionals in this field can include recording original content, editing that content and mixing sound levels to produce a polished final product. With the use of audio mixing and engineering equipment, mixing can entail the manipulation of sound snippets, adjustment of volume, addition of effects and frequency adjustment. They can also reproduce material and synchronize sound bits to ensure that timing is appropriate.
Mixing engineers can also help to repair and troubleshoot equipment that may be faulty or performing inadequately. Creatively, mixing engineers can work with musicians, vocalists, other sound technicians and music producers to lay out the structure of the finished product.
Requirements
There are technically no requirements to work as a mixing engineer, though employers may prefer some postsecondary education, and sound engineers typically attend some sort of vocational program. Professionals working within sound technology and recording engineering can benefit from strong knowledge in audio equipment, mechanical work and electronic media, as well as experience working with computers and information technology.
For individuals interested in entry-level positions, a certificate program in audio production, audio technology or recording technology may be beneficial. Associate's and bachelor's degree programs are also available for aspiring mixing engineers and could be offered in subjects like recording technology, digital recording arts or sound recording. Completing more advanced educational programs could help professionals advance in the field. Certification for mix engineers is available through the Society of Broadcast Engineers with the completion of a rigorous written exam.
Though no formal education is required, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have had at least some postsecondary or vocational training related to recording technology. A certificate, associate's degree or bachelor's degree in a relevant subject area could be beneficial when seeking entry-level positions in this field, and professional certification is another option. Mixing engineers need to be able to communicate effectively and work with a variety of professionals in the music or sound recording industries to produce recorded content.
