The job of an ENG Audio

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.

Here I’m on the outer banks of North Carolina getting ready for a live broadcast of Today show for NBC News. We had significant wind as we wait for the approach of a Hurricane. Wind speeds were gusting over 45 mph. A standard lavaliere setup is worthless in high winds.

ENG audio requires a different mindset

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

There’s no one that will be able to fix it in post if it’s going live.

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

Actual sound mixing is a skill that needs to be applied on set, not just recording isolated tracks.

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.

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.

If 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.

Posted on: January 7, 2026, by :