Overview of the role
The mix tech works within a sound post-production facility and is responsible for the set up and maintenance of the sound mixing studio.
The mix tech works with the re-recording mixer (and assistant re-recording mixer if present on project) during the final mix process of a project. Their role is to help make sure that the post sound mixing session runs smoothly and that the mix studio is set up to the re-recording mixer’s specifications.
A mix tech usually has full responsibility to ensure that the post sound mixing studio has been set up properly and the speakers, mixing console and DAW (digital audio workstation) plus any other required hardware or software is all ready to be used by the re-recording mixer. The mix tech is expected to solve any technical audio and / or picture issues that might interfere with the operation of the sound mixing studio to help keep the post sound schedule on track.
Core responsibilities
These core responsibilities are provided as a guide and are not exhaustive. The exact responsibilities in a particular job will vary depending on the scale / budget band / genre of the production.
- Establish rapport with re-recording mixer and other clients quickly and effectively
- Communicate with re-recording mixer (or assistant re-recording mixer if present on project) about mix session requirements regarding plugins, mixing desk setup and sound format that the project is to be mixed in.
- Import and prepare all materials turned over from both sound and picture post teams
- Ensure that sound mix studio is calibrated to the appropriate sound levels and speaker routing is correct for the audio format being used
- Install any additional software or plugins required by the re-recording mixer
- Setup DAW session routing and mixing console to re-recording mixers requirements
- Be able to troubleshoot issues with sound and picture
- Pre-empt any possible issues that may occur during mixing that may impact the schedule and budget
Skills
Check out role specific skills, transferable skills, and attributes for the role of mix technician.
- Technical knowledge: there are many different types of software and hardware that make up a working sound mix studio. Keeping them all working together requires a deep understanding of every part of the system as well as a broad understanding of digital and analogue audio.
- Highly organised: maintaining an organised studio setup that can be easily navigated by you and the re-recording mixer during the final mix.
- Problem solving: ability under time pressure to solve issues with the technical setup of the sound mix studio.
- Collaboration: ability to work with the re-recording mixer and with other departments.
- Calm under pressure: the final mix of a film is an expensive process and can be a high pressure environment. Issues and delays during this stage can be costly so there is little room for error in the schedule. Staying calm and on track is essential.
- Breadth of knowledge: deep understanding of sound software and hardware, knowing which provides the best solution for the problem at hand and the needs of the production. Understanding what the sound department is trying to achieve so that you can provide appropriate solutions
- Clear and accurate communication: ability to communicate with sound and picture departments. Concise and precise responses to problems and clearly lay out solutions to those problems.
- Time management: the mix tech may be working across multiple studios and projects. Being able to prioritise tasks to be done so as to minimise disruption to any one project. Able to juggle needs of the sound facility with needs of supervising sound editor or re-recording mixer.
- Proactively exploring new technology: sound technology is always changing, mix techs should always be aware and understand the latest additions to their toolkits. Know what new solutions are available and be able to communicate these with clients and other members of the sound facility.
- Professional development: active interest in the industry as a whole, suggesting any technical changes and advances which could be used to improve workflow. Interest in furthering knowledge and understanding of the final mix process to provide better solutions in the future.
- Highly organised: the mix tech will need to ensure the smooth running of the mix studio as they can become very complicated, containing many different systems that need to work in tandem.
- Time aware: able to work accurately and efficiently under time pressure.
- Feedback: ability to take feedback and critique of work from both clients and supervising sound editor / re-recording mixer.
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