A technician is generally someone in a technological fiel who has a relatively practical understanding of the general theoretical principles of that field, e.g., as compared to an engineer in that field. They are generally much more versed in technique compared to the average layperson, or even the professional in that field. A mid-level of understanding of theory, and a high-level of technique, is generally mastered by the technician in order to become expert in a specific tool domain. This may be part of a larger (production) process. Hence, an audio technician, while not as learned in acoustics as a physicist or an acoustical engineer, will generally know more than other studio personnel, including performers, and will be able to operate suitably designed sound equipment. Technicians may be classified as either skilled workers or semi-skilled workers.