How to Become an Audio Visual Technician

Last Updated: May 25, 2022

Audio visual (AV) technicians provide presentation technology support to corporations, educational and government agencies, hotels and convention centers and other business and entertainment venues. Job responsibilities generally include the maintenance, setup and operation of multimedia equipment. Technicians also work at television and radio stations operating master control equipment, maintaining studio and news cameras and performing other general technical jobs in support of production.

Steps

1
Familiarize yourself with a broad range of audio visual equipment.^{[1]
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- You will need a wide general knowledge of audio, video and computer technology.
- Computer aptitude and familiarity with different operating systems and presentation programs such as PowerPoint and Keynote will be helpful in accommodating a variety of clients.
- Camera, videography and lighting skills will also help you to advance in the field.
2
Gain work experience through volunteer work, internships or membership groups.^{[2]
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- High school audio visual clubs and community access television programs are frequent starting points for a career as an audio visual technician.
- Other opportunities include school or community theater productions.
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3
Develop strong customer relations skills.^{[3]
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- While technical skills are essential in the field, audio visual technicians work with a variety of clients, often under deadline pressure. You may need to work with someone you have never met when you encounter a technical crisis, agenda change or equipment failure during a live event. The ability to do so with equanimity and confidence gives the customers--and your coworkers--an increased sense of security.
- You may also need to advise clients unfamiliar with technology on the best equipment for their needs or train clients to use equipment.
4
Complete an educational or vocational program.^{[4]
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- A bachelor's degree or an associate degree in communications, broadcast technology or a related field is required by some corporations employing audio visual technicians. Training for entry-level positions is also available through trade schools and professional group certification programs.
5
Develop specialized areas of expertise as you progress in your career.
- Specializing in an area such as projection technology, system design or installation can bring a higher salary and help you to advance to a senior or managerial position.
6
Update your technical skills, knowledge and certifications throughout your career.
- InfoComm (http://www.infocomm.org/cps/rde/xchg/infocomm/hs.xsl/education.htm), a national organization for AV professionals, offers a number of educational and certification programs online and also offers onsite "boot camps" at its conventions. Audio visual technology changes quickly. Maintaining updated knowledge and credentials is necessary to advance in the field.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I connect the microphone to the mixer?

Community Answer

If it's analogue connect with xlr female to dynamic mic end and male xlr to mic input of the mixer.
Question

If a sound desk has a screen, does that make it a video desk?

Community Answer

No, it does not. The screen you are referring to is for accessing the console settings.
Question

How do I stop the feedback sound when a mic and a speaker are close?

Community Answer

That feedback sound is ringing at a specific frequency. While ringing out the speaker(s) through its global equalization (EQ) settings, identify the frequency (i.e. 200 Hertz, etc.) and lower the intensity about 5-10 decibels at a time. That should begin to lower the ringing noise. You would be reducing the amount of sound throw of the speaker in that frequency range. When the throw of audio is heard again through the pickup of the microphone, you have created a feedback loop. The result is the feedback sound.

Warnings

Audio visual technicians frequently work early morning, evening, weekend and holiday shifts in support of live events or broadcasts.

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