What is an Audio and Video Technician?
Audio and Video (A/V) Technicians set up, operate, maintain, and repair the equipment used to record, amplify, enhance, broadcast, or mix sound and visual productions. They work in a variety of settings, including live events, corporate meetings, broadcasting studios, theaters, and educational institutions. Their responsibilities include installing microphones, speakers, video screens, lighting, and recording equipment, and ensuring the technical quality of the production is seamless.
Typical Education
A postsecondary non-degree award or an associate's degree in audio engineering, electronics, or broadcasting technology is typically required for entry-level positions.
Salary Range in the United States
The median annual wage for Audio and Video Technicians was $55,420 as of May 2023.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - Audio and Video Technicians - May 2023
Day in the Life
How to Become an Audio and Video Technician
- Obtain Technical Education: Enroll in a technical program or community college to earn a certificate or associate's degree in fields like A/V technology, electronics, or sound engineering.
- Gain Hands-on Experience: Secure internships or entry-level positions with production companies, theaters, hotels, or corporate A/V departments to gain practical experience with equipment setup and operation.
- Master Equipment Proficiency: Become highly skilled in operating digital and analog mixing consoles, lighting boards, signal processing gear, video switchers, and projection systems.
- Pursue Certification (Recommended): Obtain vendor-specific training and industry certifications (e.g., from InfoComm International/AVIXA) to validate your technical competency and knowledge of industry standards.
- Build a Portfolio: Create a portfolio showcasing your experience in various settings (live music, corporate, broadcast) to demonstrate your range of technical capabilities.
Essential Skills
- Equipment Setup and Operation: Expertise in installing, connecting, and testing various A/V components, including microphones, cameras, lighting fixtures, and media players.
- Signal Flow and Troubleshooting: Deep understanding of signal routing (audio and video) and the ability to quickly diagnose and repair technical faults during a live production.
- Acoustics and Sound Reinforcement: Knowledge of how sound behaves in different spaces and the ability to mix sound to achieve clarity, balance, and quality for the audience or recording.
- Video Switching and Projection: Proficiency in operating video switchers, streaming encoders, and projection equipment to manage multiple video sources and visual presentations.
- Digital Media Software: Familiarity with editing and mixing software (e.g., Pro Tools, Adobe Audition, DaVinci Resolve) for post-production work.
Key Responsibilities
- Equipment Setup and Testing: Transporting, unpacking, connecting, and rigorously testing all audio, video, lighting, and recording equipment prior to an event or broadcast.
- Operating Production Gear: Running the mixing board and video switchers during live events, ensuring consistent sound quality, seamless transitions, and proper video framing.
- Troubleshooting and Maintenance: Rapidly identifying and resolving technical malfunctions (e.g., feedback, cable failures, equipment crashes) and performing routine preventative maintenance on all gear.
- Recording and Duplication: Operating recording equipment to capture audio and video feeds, and often performing basic editing, duplication, or format conversion for distribution.
- Client and Talent Support: Instructing presenters, performers, or meeting leaders on the proper use of microphones and presentation equipment, and ensuring their technical needs are met.
Five Common Interview Questions
- "Walk me through the process of setting up a four-piece band for a live show, focusing on microphone selection and gain staging."
- Description: Assesses core audio knowledge, familiarity with different microphone types, and understanding of signal flow principles.
- "Describe a time when you experienced total audio feedback or video failure during a live event. What were your immediate diagnostic steps?"
- Description: Tests troubleshooting skills, ability to manage high-pressure situations, and knowledge of common quick fixes.
- "Explain the concept of 'gain staging' from the microphone to the speaker. Why is proper gain staging essential for audio quality?"
- Description: Gauges technical depth in audio engineering fundamentals and its practical application to noise reduction and sound clarity.
- "What video compression formats are you familiar with, and how do you choose the right format for different distribution platforms (e.g., YouTube vs. corporate streaming)?"
- Description: Tests knowledge of digital video standards, codecs, and practical understanding of bandwidth and quality trade-offs.
- "How do you stay current with rapidly evolving A/V technology, such as Dante/AVB networking or new streaming protocols?"
- Description: Measures professional curiosity and commitment to continuous learning in a field constantly updated by technology.
Questions?
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