Capturing audio for ENG, or electronic news gathering, is different than working for other types of television environments because the goal isn’t perfection. When providing ENG audio, we’re not capturing the best isolated tracks to be used at a later date. That later date never happens! We’re mixing the best possible audio for live television directly to camera. And that camera is going straight to air, potentially with millions of viewers watching.

ENG audio requires a different mindset than production audio

The process or capturing audio for ENG is different than working on a scripted or even reality television programs. Some things to consider:

No one can fix bad audio in post if it’s going live. There are no safety nets!

Perfection is less important than timeliness. Perfection is irrelevant if it’s 30 seconds too late.

Actual sound mixing is a skill that needs to be applied on set, not just recording isolated tracks to be mixed by a post-production sound mixer.

IFB. An ENG audio mixer, besides working with various audio sources on set, will also have to provide a studio or network feed for talent in the field. This is often a mix minus of the program for the local host with a patch to the network control room. Usually this is referred to as IFB or “interruptible feed back.”

Quick reactions are more important than fancy gear or deep technical capabilities. It doesn’t matter how much you know if you can’t keep a calm head and clear mind.

When you’re hiring ENG audio professionals in the Southeastern United States, consider giving me a call or sending me a message. If I’m not available I am well connected to other audio professionals in Atlanta, Georgia and the rest of the southeast including, Florida, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi. I will be glad to help you have great sound on your next ENG project.

Posted on: January 7, 2026, by : Jimmy Gilmore