Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:48 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Set up and operate stage monitor systems

Set up and operate stage monitor systems

Unit of competency
National Code
CUESOU11B
State Code
D1599
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
29/10/2010
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/04/2010
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
12/04/2010
Nominal Hours
70
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge needed to determine the requirements for a stage foldback system, and to set up and operate that system for performers. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Determine performance requirements
  • 1.1. Obtain accurate performance and venue information to inform the planning of the stage monitor system
  • 1.2. Correctly interpret documentation to determine system requirements
  • 1.3. Liaise with venue and other technicians/departments to allocate adequate set-up time and to confirm requirements for stage monitor system set-up and checking
2. Specify stage monitor system
  • 2.1. Prepare accurate stage layout diagram with proposed placements of all required stage monitor equipment
  • 2.2. Select appropriate stage monitor loudspeakers or in-ear monitors for each required send (mix)
  • 2.3. Select appropriate stage monitor loudspeaker or in ear processing and/or amplification, plus cabling
  • 2.4. Ensure adequate monitoring and communication systems are in place for all relevant personnel
  • 2.5. Ensure availability of any in-ear or wireless equipment and accessories through liaison with relevant personnel
3. Set-up equipment and prepare for performance
  • 3.1. Correctly set-up stage monitor console, processing/amplification racks and engineer's monitor, completing all appropriate checks
  • 3.2. Check that all cables are neatly routed and secured and that all equipment is safely positioned
  • 3.3. Ensure that there are adequate resources available in the event of equipment breakdown
  • 3.4. Neatly and correctly label stage monitor console input channel strips, and all processing equipment so that each item is clearly identified as to function and relevant mix
  • 3.5. Position all stage monitor loudspeakers and neatly run/fix all appropriate cables in accordance with health and safety requirements
  • 3.6. Cross check final set-up against production requirements
4. Tune, equalise and adjust system for performance
  • 4.1. Test all components of the stage monitor system, including a complete line check of all inputs, in accordance with health and safety requirements
  • 4.2. Individually equalise each stage monitor send to avoid run-away feedback at all times and set top gain (level) indication for microphones
  • 4.3. Cross check all adjacent stage monitor sends to allow for acoustic interference
  • 4.4. Run complete system up to safe working limit, including while any front of house speaker system is operating, to check adequate performance and mains power availability
5. Liaise with performers on requirements
  • 5.1. Establish and maintain a positive working relationship with relevant performance personnel
  • 5.2. Reconfirm production requirements with each relevant performer and check that set-up meets individual requirements in relation to quality, balance and mix sound levels
  • 5.3. Promptly identify malfunctions and rectify appropriately
6. Prepare sound mixing console for operation
  • 6.1. Liaise with relevant personnel and/or read production documents to interpret and confirm the sound requirements so that technical and creative requirements are met
  • 6.2. Ensure adequate worklights or console illumination and check light spill
7. Operate console during production
  • 7.1. Observe occupational health and safety requirements for operating the sound mixing console
  • 7.2. Operate faders to produce a level appropriate to the required sound and check each send (mix) in regular rotation
  • 7.3. Make appropriate adjustments to equalisers to produce an appropriate tonal quality
  • 7.4. Monitor sources and outputs both aurally and visually to meet with accepted safety standards and production requirements
  • 7.5. Promptly identify and appropriately troubleshoot any problems on stage
  • 7.6. Where required, allow audio signals to be processed, adding desired effects or other signal processing where necessary
  • 7.7. Communicate appropriately with relevant personnel, when required, throughout the production
8. Complete work operations
  • 8.1. Complete all necessary documentation in accordance with organisational procedures and production requirements
  • 8.2. Ensure that any equipment is handled, cleaned, maintained and stored in accordance with organisational and/or production requirements
  • 8.3. Ensure that the work environment is clean and restored to its original condition in readiness for the next user
RANGE STATEMENT
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.
Information required to plan stage monitor system may include:
input sources
performance schedule
performance style
stage layout
Requirements for stage monitor system set-up and checking may include:
need for a clear stage
sound check with performers
stage monitor system equalisation with non-essential personnel removed from the stage area
Stage layout diagram would include positioning of:
establishment of adequate balanced lines available from splitter system for stage monitors
monitor speakers
multicore stage box
processing and amplification racks
stage monitor console
In-ear or wireless equipment and accessories may include:
batteries
reverb or external effectors
stands/microphone mounts
Checks to be undertaken when setting up stage monitor system include:
phantom power switches off
position of equalisation controls
re-setting of external processing gear to flat (if EQ)
setting of external effectors or signal enhancers start-up position
setting of send controls








EVIDENCE GUIDE
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
The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:
ability to plan, set-up and operate a stage monitor system that meets production and performer requirements
knowledge of stage monitoring equipment and the range of issues and challenges associated with operation of the equipment in a live production environment.

Context of and specific resources for assessment
The assessment context must provide for:
practical demonstration of skills through the planning, set-up and operation of stage monitor systems for more than one live production
involvement of, and interaction with, a production team and performers to reflect the collaborative nature of the process
use of industry-current equipment.

Method of assessment
Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:
evaluation of foldback quality where the candidate is responsible for set-up and operation
discussion with performers for whom the candidate has set-up and operated stage monitor systems
case studies to assess ability to plan and set-up stage monitor systems for different contexts
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of equipment, set-up procedures and safety issues
review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).

Guidance information for assessment
Assessment of this unit requires access to:
industry-current stage monitor equipment
venue where stage monitor system can be set-up and operated.


Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
C7229 CUESOU11A Set up and operate stage monitor systems Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
WI213 CUASOU502 Manage the operation of stage monitor systems Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
D361 CUS50209 Diploma of Sound Production Qualification
D358 CUS40209 Certificate IV in Sound Production Qualification