What does a sound recordist do in the UK?
A sound recordist (also known as a location sound recordist, sound engineer, or production sound mixer) is responsible for capturing clean, high-quality audio on set.
Whether it’s dialogue, ambient sound, or live event audio, the sound recordist ensures everything is recorded clearly and at the right levels.
On a typical shoot, they’ll manage:
- Microphone placement (lavs, booms, plant mics)
- Wireless systems
- Field mixers and recorders
- Monitoring sound quality in real time
- Syncing audio with video where required
They often work closely with the director, producer, and camera team to solve audio challenges on location, ensuring the final video sounds as good as it looks.
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How much does a sound recordist cost in the UK?
The price of a sound recordist varies from person to person, and depends a lot on the market and how busy someone is at any given time. In the UK there are two benchmarks for crew rates; The APA and Bectu, both of which set the prices for crew across TV/Broadcast (Bectu) and Commercials and advertising (APA).
- Bectu Rate: £460-£620
- APA Rate: £504-£625
If they supply their own kit (which they usually do), expect to budget an additional £100–£300+ per day for equipment hire. This can include:
- Shotgun mics and boom poles
- Lavalier (lapel) mic kits
- Wireless systems
- Field mixers and recorders
- Timecode sync devices
More experienced sound recordists with broadcast credits or specialised kit (e.g. for drama or multicam) may charge higher day rates.
When should you hire a sound recordist?
You should hire a sound recordist when:
- You need broadcast-quality audio for interviews, branded content, events, or documentaries
- Your production involves multiple speakers, challenging environments, or complex mic setups
- You want to avoid costly ADR or post-production fixes
- You’re filming live sound, such as panel discussions or events
- You need timecode sync with multiple cameras or audio sources
In short: if sound matters (and it always does), hiring a sound recordist will save you time, money, and stress.
What’s the difference between a sound recordist and a sound designer?
A sound recordist captures audio on set or on location, using professional microphones and mixers to ensure clean sound is recorded during production.
A sound designer works in post-production, manipulating and enhancing sound with effects, foley, and mixing techniques to shape the final audio experience.
If you’re filming, you need a sound recordist. If you’re in post, you may also need a sound designer.
We’ve worked with some of the best freelance sound recordists in the UK, from London and Manchester to Cardiff, Bristol, and Edinburgh. Whether you’re filming a fast-paced event or a quiet interview, we’ll connect you with the right audio professional for the job.