Operate machines and equipment to record, synchronize, mix, or reproduce music, voices, or sound effects in sporting arenas, theater productions, recording studios, or movie and video productions.
U.S. Workers
13,050
Median Salary
$66,430
10-Year Growth
-1.7%
Annual Openings
1,200
Typical entry: Postsecondary nondegree award
14 of 14 tasks have some AI capability
Exposure Trend
This score reflects estimated AI technical capability for tasks in this occupation. It does not predict employment changes, and it does not account for company-specific constraints, regulation, or adoption barriers.
Record speech, music, and other sounds on recording media, using recording equipment.
AI: Fully automatable - AI-driven and automated recording systems can capture speech, music, and other sounds to recording media autonomously when integrated with appropriate hardware and routing.
Regulate volume level and sound quality during recording sessions, using control consoles.
AI: Fully automatable - AI-driven control consoles, automatic gain controls, and real-time processing plugins can regulate levels and maintain sound quality during sessions without continuous human intervention.
Separate instruments, vocals, and other sounds, and combine sounds during the mixing or postproduction stage.
AI: Fully automatable - Modern AI source-separation and automated mixing tools can isolate instruments and vocals and recombine them effectively for postproduction, though top-tier projects may still benefit from human refinement.
Keep logs of recordings.
AI: Fully automatable - Logging recordings is a routine metadata and transcription task that can be fully automated and reliably maintained by AI systems.
Synchronize and equalize prerecorded dialogue, music, and sound effects with visual action of motion pictures or television productions, using control consoles.
AI: Fully automatable - Automatic audio–video alignment and DSP-based equalization are mature enough for AI systems to perform synchronization and EQ tasks in postproduction reliably.
Convert video and audio recordings into digital formats for editing or archiving.
AI: Fully automatable - Converting analog or legacy recordings to digital formats is a deterministic, automatable process that AI/software workflows can fully handle.
Reproduce and duplicate sound recordings from original recording media, using sound editing and duplication equipment.
AI: Fully automatable - Reproducing and duplicating sound recordings is a routine transfer and duplication workflow that can be executed end-to-end by automated systems and software.
Confer with producers, performers, and others to determine and achieve the desired sound for a production, such as a musical recording or a film.
AI: Partial - AI can propose sound designs and simulate outcomes but cannot fully replicate the nuanced, real-time interpersonal collaboration and creative negotiation among producers and performers.
Prepare for recording sessions by performing such activities as selecting and setting up microphones.
AI: Partial - AI can recommend microphone choices and settings and control motorized hardware where available, but manual microphone selection and precise placement are generally still human tasks.
Mix and edit voices, music, and taped sound effects for live performances and for prerecorded events, using sound mixing boards.
AI: Partial - AI can perform automated mixing and editing for prerecorded material and assist or remotely control mixers for live shows, but it lacks full reliability, on-the-fly judgement, and physical control in all live scenarios.
Report equipment problems and ensure that required repairs are made.
AI: Partial - AI can detect anomalies, generate and route fault reports, and schedule service, but it cannot physically perform repairs or always recognize complex mechanical issues without human inspection.
Set up, test, and adjust recording equipment for recording sessions and live performances.
AI: Partial - AI can guide, test, remotely configure, and auto-tune equipment, but physical setup and unpredictable venue-specific adjustments still require human hands and judgement.
Tear down equipment after event completion.
AI: Partial - Tearing down equipment is primarily a physical task that currently requires humans, while AI can only supply plans or operate specialized robotics in constrained environments.
Create musical instrument digital interface programs for music projects, commercials, or film postproduction.
AI: Partial - AI can generate MIDI arrangements, program virtual instruments, and produce usable MIDI tracks, but human composers are often needed for refined artistic direction and nuanced scoring.