sonidistas

Sonidistas are professionals who plan, operate, and manage audio systems across live performances, broadcast, and media productions. The term covers roles such as live sound engineers, studio engineers, and location sound technicians. Their common goal is to ensure clear, balanced, and artifact-free sound for audiences, performers, and participants. They work in settings including music concerts, theaters, conferences, film sets, television productions, podcasts, and game audio.

In live settings, the sonidista handles microphone placement, signal routing, and monitoring, and configures the mixing console or digital mixer. They conduct line checks, manage equalization and dynamics, control feedback, and coordinate with performers and stage crew to adapt to room acoustics and crowd noise. They typically operate PAs, stage monitors, and wireless systems.

In studio and location work, sonidistas manage recording sessions, mic techniques, and signal flow through interfaces and outboard gear. They work with digital audio workstations, edit and mix tracks, and may contribute to sound design and post-production. On location, they employ portable recorders, boom mics, and wireless lavalier systems, balancing dialogue, ambience, and effects while minimizing noise.

Skills commonly associated with sonidistas include auditory acuity, technical problem solving, communication, teamwork, and a solid understanding of acoustics and electronics. Training ranges from formal degrees in audio engineering to on-the-job apprenticeships. Professional practice is supported by industry associations and unions in many regions, which provide certification, standards, and networking opportunities.