Sound designer
Get creative with technology or physical objects to recreate sound effects and produce soundtracks for TV and film, radio, theatre or video games.
Also known as: audio designer, sound supervisor
About the job
What it's like
Create sound effects or soundtracks for a variety of media. As a sound designer, you might create sounds to be recorded for TV, film or radio, or live sounds using physical objects in a theatre production. You might even produce sounds to be used in video games.
Think creatively to use different software or objects to mimic various noises. You could work in a studio imitating sounds to be used in a battle scene or use synthesizers to produce noises that a UFO might make. You might also be involved in foley, which means recreating everyday noises such as doors slamming or glass breaking.
If you work as part of a theatre production, you’d be backstage waiting for your cue to play pre-recorded sound effects or music to create an atmosphere.
Some sound designers are employed by companies, but many are freelance either working project to project at different venues or for specific theatres.
What you might do:
Recreate sounds using different objects, instruments or electronic systems
Be aware of everyday noises and think creatively on how they can be imitated
Work with a team of sound engineers, producers or directors to create audio storyboards
Use audio software and sound implementation systems to produce, edit, distort or mix sounds
Choose and layer the right sound effects and music to produce the right atmosphere
Ensure the audio is at the right level not to drown out actor’s voices
Compose and produce the right background music
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Digital technologies Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- innovative
- creative
- working with technology
- listening
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Computing Science
Music Technology
Practical Electronics
Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media
Foundation Apprenticeship: Creative and Digital Media
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There are a different ways to get qualified for this job, through college, university study or work-based qualifications, such as apprenticeships.
Sound designers will often have HND’s and Degrees in subjects such as:
Music production/technology
Sound/audio engineering
Sound technology/design
Employers might consider applicants without formal qualifications if they are able to demonstrate knowledge and experience of the industry.
Not all employers list specific qualification requirements but they might ask for relevant experience, usually work based, that show a range of transferable skills.
Being able to show skills in electronic music production is useful. It’s also helpful to be able to use audio tools such as Pro Tools and Audiokinetic Wwise and understand the processes and techniques of music mixing and sound engineering.
Relevant work experience would be beneficial and it would allow you to gain experience, network and build a portfolio.
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