GongGamm Library
Classical music sound engineer (Tonmeister)
Germany
Description of this profession
ein Tonmeister ist die Schnittstelle zwischen Technik und Musik, man sollte von beidem viel verstehen.
es geht auch um die psychologische Betreuung der Künstler, die "für die Ewigkeit" spielen sollen und unter hohem Druck stehen.
prüfen, dass das Richtige gespielt wird - (Noten mitlesen)
Typical tasks
A. Creating/recording an audio file
| Actions to perform the Task A | Difficulties / Challenges | Devices / Tools / Softwares etc. | |
| 1st Action | I study the score as preparation. | To read music, to develop sound ideas | forScore, iPad |
| 2nd Action | I choose the microphones. | It is difficult to decide which microphone type fits best for which each task | Studio condensate, microphones |
| 3rd Action | I assess the recording room. | Sometimes I must rely on photos or statements made by musicians | |
| 4th Action | I choose/define a control room (ein Regieraum). | A control room in the vicinity of the stage, but acoustically separate | |
| 5th Action | I install the recording equipment. | To be physically fit (especially with my back), to organize travel logistics by car/plane/train | Amp/converter cable/tripods/fiber optic cable interface calculator |
| 6th Action | I direct the recording process, give guidance and correction to the musicians. | To deal with psychological challenges/stress under time pressure, To deal with unsatisfied or unhappy musicians | |
| 7th Action | I recollect and pack the installed recording equipment. |
B. Implementing a post production
| Actions to perform the Task B | Difficulties / Challenges | Devices / Tools / Softwares etc. |
| 1st Action | It is difficult to optimize sound quality of the recording by selecting the best takes | DAW: Pyramix, Merging Technology |
| 2nd Action | ||
| 3rd Action | ||
| 4th Action | ||
| 5th Action | ||
C. Mastering the final recording
| Actions to perform the Task C | Difficulties / Challenges | Devices / Tools / Softwares etc. |
| 1st Action | It is difficult to refine the sound best. | DAW: Pyramix, Merging Technology |
| 2nd Action | ||
| 3rd Action | ||
| 4th Action | ||
| 5th Action | ||
Work environment
Mikrophone aufstellen, optimieren, wieder abbauen
die Künstler vor und während dem Auftritt betreuen
Arbeit im Tonstudio - Bearbeiten der Aufnahmen
Clothing / protective gear to wear at work
'No special clothing or protective gear to wear, but well-groomed appearance'
Why people choose this profession
als Schüler spielte ich in einer Band, ich interessierte mich für die Ausbildung zum Toningenieur und stieß dabei auf den Beruf "Tonmeister"
Required degree / certificate
'Bachelor/master degree in Music and in sound engineering'
Educational paths to receive the required degree / certificate
'By passing an entrance exam to enrol at a university. I chose the subject, sound engineering in the university.'
Masters degree in Music and sound engineering
Pragmatic knowledge and skills used at work
die erste Regel: ermöglichen, dass die Musiker sich wohlfühlen
80% des Jobs ist auf der psychologischen Ebene
'Professional experience'
What people do to continuously improve expertise
es gibt immer wieder neue technische Formate, z.B. Dolby Atmos
Mind-sets useful for work
starke Affinität zur Musik. Die feinstoffliche Ebene der Interpretation des Materials erfassen - was steckt hinter den Noten...?
'Empathy, positive and result-oriented thinking, hands-on attitude'
Titles of positions on the career paths
Not applicable because I am a freelancer.
Other professions in cooperation
'Musicians, conductors, other sound engineers, visual directors (die Bildregie), editors'
Satisfying factors of this profession
ein Projekt erfolgreich abgeschlossenes zu haben
und das Aufräumen des Werkzeugs (Mikrophone, Kabel, etc....) genießen
Faustregel für gute Arbeitsbedingungen: von den drei Aspekten Musik-Stimmung-Bezahlung sollten mindestens zwei zufriedenstellend sein
Dissatisfying factors of this profession
wenn sich Künstler nicht wohl fühlen
'Clients with dubious price expectations for my work'
Reason / purpose for this profession to exist in society
'To record music in the best possible quality'
Type of income
'Commissions'
Prospect of changes in the future
'I believe that there will be less demand of just sound recordings, because people use more and more image references.'
Members' advice
man sollte sich auf jeden Fall breit aufstellen, nicht zu schmal das Ziel definieren.
den Bereich "Bild" mitnehmen (Videoproduktion)
auf die innere Stimme hören, was passt zu mir?
'It's getting harder and harder, but with the right attitude, it's still a dream job.'
Schülerpraktika sind ein guter Weg, um den Nachwuchs anzusprechen