A sound engineer is responsible for working with the sound of a band or musician in a live or studio setting. Sound engineers place microphones and input direct lines from keyboards and amps into a PA or recording device to amplify music or record it to a computer disk or tape.
Live sound engineers amplify musicians and vocalists for live shows and concerts Studio sound engineers concentrate on microphone placement and direct line recording for studio work. Both work in similar circumstances and many are capable of performing both types of work.
A good sound engineer can make your CD or live show sound better than you ever expected. Using the latest technologies and equipment, sound engineers can add life to a live performance or studio take through the natural process of capturing and manipulating sound.