Sound Engineering (Operator) 1-Year Course

Entry Requirements (SA)

Accreditation

Why Choose the Sound Operator Course?

It will take you only 1 year of studying to get a job in this exciting Industry
You will gain great hands-on experience working on the in-house facilities at CAE. This, in turn will increase employability
Experienced facilitators will assist you to exploit your full potential
Small class sizes will increase the focus area individually
Career-focused learning takes place every day of the week
You will be exposed to working with musician and doing real recording
After completing this course, you can extend your career opportunities by enrolling for the Radio & Multimedia Content Practioner’s course

2027 1-Year Sound Engineering (Operator) Course

Course Description

The Sound Engineering (Operator) programme equips learners with the skills required to record, mix, edit and manage sound in professional audio environments.

Learners gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical training using industry-standard equipment located on the CAE premises.

This qualification develops competence in:

sound recording
studio operations
audio mixing & mastering
sound editing on a DAW
live sound reinforcement
broadcast audio production
administration and legal guidelines

Graduates are prepared for careers in the rapidly growing and modern audio and media industry.

Course Overview

During this programme, learners will develop skills at the CAE facilities in:

Audio Fundamentals

Theory of sound (Make-up of sound, waveforms, frequency)
Acoustics (Standing Waves, Measuring devices, Reverberation time etc)
Audio signal flow (Devices sound goes through to reach its end destination)
Microphone techniques (Different industry mics are used)

Studio Production

Recording techniques (Recording different instruments)
Digital audio workstations (Pro Tools, Studio One and FL Studio)
Mixing and mastering (balancing signal and master output)
Audio editing (Working in the audio timeline)

Live Sound

PA systems (analogue and digital mixers)
Sound reinforcement (Setting up live sound equipment)
Stage monitoring (setting up live performers stage monitors)
Event audio setup

Basic Business Management

General overview of the relevant OHS legistlation
Intro to management principles
Busines communication
Legal contracts & Copyright Law

Practical & Technical Skills

Audio equipment maintenance
Troubleshooting sound systems
Carry out advanced signal routing
Rig and Set up live sound equipment
Recording, mixing and mastering a full studio production

Course Structure

This occupational qualification consists of three components:

Knowledge Modules Learners gain theoretical understanding of sound engineering principles.

Practical Skills Modules Hands-on training in the recording studios and live sound environments. CAE is equipped with all the equipment needed.

Workplace Experience Real industry exposure through practical work environments. CAE Institute has fully equipped recording facilities, production suites, computer labs, radio and podcast studios etc.

Career Opportunities

After completing the qualification, graduates will has workplace experience to the following industries:

Sound Operator (Engineer)
Studio Technician
Live Sound Technician
Radio Studio Operator
Podcast Producer
Audio Production Assistant
Broadcast Technician
Audio Advisor
Film audio and post-production

These skills are in demand in industries such as:

Studio Recording
Broadcasting Industry
Music Production
Film & Television
Live events
Digital media
Advertising Industry

Assessment and Certification

Internal and external assessments will include formative, summative and workplace assessments.

Upon successful completion of the programme and passing the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), learners will receive the national occupational qualification awarded by the QCTO.