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Freelance Audio Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Coordinate and oversee supplemental freelance or contract production personnel when additional ... Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, production documentation, and system routing ...

Freelance Audio Operator information

What is the difference between Freelance Audio Operator vs Audio Technician?

AspectFreelance Audio OperatorAudio Technician
CredentialsOften no formal certification required, but audio training preferredTypically requires technical certifications or degrees in audio engineering
Work EnvironmentEvent venues, live concerts, film sets, freelance projectsRecording studios, broadcast stations, production facilities
Employer & Industry UsageSelf-employed or contracted for specific events or projectsEmployed by companies, studios, or broadcasters
Common Search & ComparisonYes, often compared for freelance vs technical rolesYes, as a related technical role in audio production

In summary, Freelance Audio Operators typically work independently on live events and projects without formal certifications, focusing on event-based audio tasks. Audio Technicians usually have formal training and work within studios or broadcast environments, often employed full-time. Both roles require strong audio skills but differ mainly in work setting and employment structure.

What are some common challenges freelance audio operators face when working on live events?

Freelance audio operators often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to different venues with varying acoustics and equipment, troubleshooting unexpected technical issues under tight time constraints, and coordinating effectively with event producers and other technical staff. Since every event is unique, being able to remain flexible and maintain clear communication is essential. Additionally, freelancers must manage their own schedules and client relationships, which requires strong organizational and networking skills to ensure a steady flow of projects.

What is a freelance audio operator?

Freelance audio operators are professionals who manage and control sound for various live events, broadcasts, recordings, or productions on a contract or per-project basis rather than as full-time employees. Their responsibilities typically include setting up, operating, and maintaining audio equipment, mixing sound levels, and ensuring high-quality audio output. Freelance audio operators may work in diverse settings such as concerts, film sets, television studios, or corporate events, often adapting to different teams and technical requirements for each job. Because they are freelancers, they have the flexibility to choose their projects and clients, but they are also responsible for their own scheduling, invoicing, and business development.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a freelance audio operator?

To thrive as a Freelance Audio Operator, you need a solid grasp of audio engineering principles, sound mixing, and equipment setup, often supported by experience or relevant audio production coursework. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs), mixing consoles, microphones, and audio editing software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help you adapt to varying client needs and collaborate effectively on projects. These skills ensure high-quality audio output and reliable service, which are crucial for building a strong reputation and securing ongoing freelance work.
What are the most commonly searched types of Audio Operator jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Audio Operator jobs in Minnesota are:

Multimedia Production Lead

AVI-SPL

Maple Grove, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


AVI-SPL rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

60th of 221 rated it services


Job description

WHAT YOU WILL DO
AVI-SPL is looking for a Multimedia Production Lead to support a corporate event production facility for an established healthcare technology organization. This position serves as the primary production resource for the client's event center, partnering closely with client stakeholders to plan, produce, operate, and support all aspects of live and recorded productions.
The Multimedia Production Lead serves as the single point of contact throughout the production lifecycle, providing technical consultation during planning, leading production execution, and ensuring the ongoing operational readiness of the event production space and control room. This role is responsible for maintaining the production environment, supporting production technologies, and delivering a professional, high-quality experience for every event.
WHO WE ARE
At AVI-SPL, we pride ourselves on our superior customer service, passion for excellence, spirit of teamwork, and the focus on continued innovation. Our employees are the people who enable us to deliver on those values every business day. That's why we're always on the lookout for talented, ambitious people who can make a substantial contribution to our team of smart, down-to-earth, hardworking professionals.
Our Event Production Services team offers lots of room for growth! Across all of our teams, we support each other and value the importance of collaboration and the growth mindset. You'll have daily opportunities to develop your individual skills, become an expert of the traditional and virtual video industry, and be part of an innovative organization.
We offer a competitive package and a balanced work-life culture. We love what we do and hope you do too - come join us!
WHAT YOU WILL DO
AVI-SPL is looking for a Multimedia Production Lead to support a corporate event production facility for an established healthcare technology organization. This position serves as the primary production resource for the client's event center, partnering closely with client stakeholders to plan, produce, operate, and support all aspects of live and recorded productions.
The Multimedia Production Lead serves as the single point of contact throughout the production lifecycle, providing technical consultation during planning, leading production execution, and ensuring the ongoing operational readiness of the event production space and control room. This role is responsible for maintaining the production environment, supporting production technologies, and delivering a professional, high-quality experience for every event.
DAY TO DAY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Serve as the primary production contact for client stakeholders throughout the production lifecycle, from initial planning through post-event review.
  • Collaborate with client stakeholders on production planning, technical approach, creative direction, event logistics, and production design for live and recorded events.
  • Develop and document best practices for the event production facility, including maintenance, scheduling, production operations, technologies, and standard operating procedures to ensure consistent, high-quality production delivery.
  • Manage the production calendar and coordinate technical requirements with client teams.
  • Operate and oversee all technical aspects of live and recorded productions, including video switching, camera operation, audio mixing, graphics playback, presentation support, streaming platforms, and recording systems.
  • Direct and Technical Direct live events, webcasts, hybrid meetings, and multimedia productions.
  • Configure, operate, and troubleshoot production systems supporting video, audio, lighting, streaming, and presentation technologies.
  • Monitor live productions in real time, troubleshoot technical issues, and make operational adjustments to ensure a high-quality production experience with minimal disruption.
  • Coordinate and oversee supplemental freelance or contract production personnel when additional technical resources are required for larger or more complex productions, ensuring seamless integration with client expectations and production standards.
  • Support post-production activities, including coordinating recorded content, graphics, and final deliverables as required.
  • Perform post-event reviews to identify successes, opportunities for improvement, and recommendations for future productions.
  • Resolve production issues and technical challenges in a timely manner while maintaining a high level of customer service.
  • Identify opportunities to improve production value, operational workflows, facility capabilities, and the overall client experience.

Production Support
  • Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, production documentation, and system routing documentation to support consistent operation of the facility.
  • Maintain quality control of the event production facility, control room operations, and production deliverables.
  • Perform routine system checks, basic preventative maintenance, and coordinate service or escalation for technical issues when needed.
  • Recommend equipment upgrades, workflow improvements, and technology enhancements that improve operational efficiency and production quality. .
  • Ensure production equipment, control room systems, and event technologies remain operational and ready to support scheduled events.

General Duties
  • Schedule and facilitate regular production planning meetings with client stakeholders to review upcoming events, technical requirements, and production schedules.
  • Develop and provide key factors analysis report to manager on a quarterly basis.
  • Learn and utilize any specialized technical skills during productions as needed.
  • Build trusted relationships with client stakeholders by serving as the primary technical resource and production advisor for the event center.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Must-have skills & job qualifications
  • Proficient in all industry standard web streaming and encoding platforms and software.
  • At least 7 years of experience in the area of production, broadcast, events or other similar field.
  • Proficient in all industry standard web streaming and encoding platforms and software, including Teams and Zoom.
  • Experience with production equipment including video switchers (Blackmagic or similar), robotic camera control (Panasonic), digital audio (Yamaha or equivalent), and graphics.
  • Knowledge of networked audio and video systems.
  • Understanding signal flow and routing.
  • High level technical skill set including operations and engineering.
  • Track record of being organized, detail-oriented, flexible, and working well in a team atmosphere as well as having the capability to work well individually, is essential.
  • Strong work ethic, self-direction, self-motivation, patience, persistence, and the ability to get along with coworkers and customers.
  • Mature judgment to make sound decisions based on objective evidence, customer and AVI-SPL needs, and cost considerations.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including necessary paper and/or computer documentation.
  • Skills in directing live television with an eye for detail and ability to make recommendations for improving quality in all aspects of production.
  • Self-motivated, organized, and resourceful with a strong work ethic.
  • Responsible.
  • Able to work independently.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Work performance and cooperation that serves as a role model for all. Ability to maintain a positive attitude, even under stress.
  • Good technical knowledge of traditional broadcast and digital broadcast equipment.
  • Superb customer service skills.
  • Strong leadership skills interacting with coworkers and vendors.
  • Ability to train others, and to learn from others.

Nice-to-have skills
  • Experience with digital monitor walls and video graphic displays
  • Experience with graphic creation
  • Knowledge of video editing and graphics creation software such as Adobe Premiere, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Photoshop

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
  • Travel is required based on time and location of remote productions as well as meetings at AVI-SPL Bureaus and client offices.
  • AVI-SPL reserves the right to alter work hours and work location as necessary. Work hours may vary based on client requirements and may include travel to various locations in support of the account.

WHY YOU'LL LIKE WORKING HERE
  • Enjoyable company culture
  • Medical benefits, including vision and dental
  • PTO days (vacation and personal days) and paid holidays
  • 5 Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
  • Training and professional development opportunities

Pay Type
Min Base
Max Base
Salary
$90k
$120k

What AVI-SPL employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About AVI-SPL

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AVI-SPL is a digital enablement solutions provider that transforms how people and technology connect to elevate experiences, create new value, and enable organizations to thrive and grow. As the leading provider of collaboration technology solutions, which include our award-winning managed services, our highly trained team works hand-in-hand with organizations worldwide—including more than 86% of Fortune 100 companies. Our experienced teams strategize, design, deploy, manage, and support audiovisual (AV) and unified communications (UC) solutions that are simple-to-use, scalable, serviceable, and measurable to ensure business objectives are achieved.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Tampa, FL, US

Year founded

1979

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