Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:24 AM AWST

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Record and mix a basic music demo

Record and mix a basic music demo

Unit of competency
National Code
CUSSOU302A
State Code
D2959
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
18/07/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/04/2010
Field of Education
100101 - Music
Original Release Date
12/04/2010
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to undertake the technical side of making a basic music demo. There are two stages to the process - making a multi-track recording of the music performance and then mixing the recording down to a stereo format. An ability to work collaboratively with musicians is essential, together with an ability to troubleshoot equipment problems.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Clarify music demo requirements
  • 1.1 In consultation with relevant personnel confirm the purpose of the demo
  • 1.2 Contribute to the development of a recording plan that takes into account a range of factors as required
  • 1.3 Agree on method and format for final recording
2. Record performers
  • 2.1 Position performers, musical instruments and equipment for optimum sound quality
  • 2.2 Check that equipment is installed and aligned correctly
  • 2.3 Ensure that microphones are operational at all times
  • 2.4 Route test signals to the correct signal path and check that level of test signal is correct
  • 2.5 Create a headphone mix for musicians
  • 2.6 Capture sound sources according to the agreed method
3. Mix sound sources
  • 3.1 Use appropriate panel controls to mix and balance sound sources to achieve required artistic effects
  • 3.2 Produce transitions between sounds that are technically accurate and produce the required effect
  • 3.3 Apply sonic effects and signal processing as required
  • 3.4 Ensure that monitoring levels meet current safety standards
  • 3.5 Ensure that the level of the composite signal is within technical limits and desired dynamic range
4. Finalise music demo
  • 4.1 Assess the mix on speakers appropriate to the particular end use
  • 4.2 Assess each track for correctness and quality and evaluate the mix in terms of meeting demo requirements
  • 4.3 Listen to final mix with relevant personnel and agree on changes required to improve the quality of the mix
  • 4.4 Incorporate final adjustments to the sound mix as required
  • 4.5 Produce a master in the agreed format and make a backup
  • 4.6 Keep documentation as required
  • 4.7 Clean work environment after use and restore to pre-use condition
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Relevant personnel may include:
artists, musicians and performers
audio and sound engineers
broadcasters
producers
post-production personnel
program managers
camera operators.
Purpose may include:
pitching a product at record labels
pursuing work at live music venues
getting work via live music or advertising agencies
getting air play on media outlets
accompanying a funding application
uploading onto music and/or social networking websites
developing media for band or solo artist websites
supporting applications for study and/or remote auditions
expanding a music portfolio
documenting a music project or other creative body of work.
Factors may include:
musical style
contractual arrangements
copyright
budget
timelines
availability of personnel, including:
musicians
sound recordists
sound mixers
post-production personnel
promotional materials
distribution strategies
recording location, including:
live music venue
recording studio
private residence
rehearsal requirements
number of recording sessions required
equipment requirements
hire of equipment or venue
instruments
props
costumes
make-up.
Method may include:
live to two-track stereo
live multi-tracking
multi-tracking with click
combination live recording and prerecorded samples
recording to analogue tape
recording to hard disk or digital tape
remixing existing music
video
using music production software for mixing and mastering.
Format may include:
compact disc (CD)
audio file formats for upload and distribution within virtual environments and/or onto relevant media players, such as:
MP3
WAV
AIFF
audiotape
video:
digital (high resolution)
digital (compressed for online environment)
analogue.
Equipment may include:
digital audio workstation (DAW) with software, such as:
Pro Tools
Logic
Cubase
Ableton Live
Reason
Nuendo
Garage Band
Digital Performer
Soundscape
Sonic Studio
hard disk recorders
multi-track recorder
stereo recorders
microphones, such as:
dynamic
condenser
lavalier
shotgun
directional
radio
microphone stands
microphone accessories
microphone windscreens
headphones
amplifiers
speakers
mixing console/desk, including:
analogue
digital
digitally controlled analogue (hybrid)
effects rack
sequence sampler
cables and connectors.
Sonic effects may include:
change in pitch
change in speed
echo
pan
fade in and fade out
filter
invert
normalise
repeat
reverb
modulation
wahwah.
Signal processing may include:
amplification
compression
noise processing
spectrum signal processing
equalisation
time signal processing.
Documentation may include:
pre-mix scripts
mixing sheets
track sheets
cue sheets
dubbing sheets
queries
notes
manuals.
Work environment may include:
dubbing theatre
outside broadcast
post-production studio
recording studio
sound stage
home studio.
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
record and mix at least two basic music demos
work cooperatively with performers to achieve the required effect.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
access to performers requiring a basic music demo
access to industry-current sound mixing equipment
use of culturally appropriate processes, and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are appropriate for this unit:
observation or video recording of the candidate during recording and mixing sessions
evaluation of authenticated audio recordings where the candidate was responsible for recording and mixing music
written or oral questioning to test industry knowledge as listed in the required knowledge section of this unit.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
CUFSOU204A Perform basic sound editing
CUSSOU201A Assist with sound recordings
CUSSOU303A Set up and disassemble audio equipment.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AWG79 CUASOU307 Record and mix a basic music demo Unit of competency