Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:41 PM AWST

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Mix sound in a broadcasting environment

Mix sound in a broadcasting environment

Unit of competency
National Code
CUSSOU202A
State Code
D2957
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
02/11/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
31/03/2010
Field of Education
100101 - Music
Original Release Date
31/03/2010
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to operate a broadcast studio panel.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for broadcast
  • 1.1 Check studio equipment is safe and operational and replace any non-functioning equipment in line with station procedures before broadcast commences
  • 1.2 Rectify simple technical faults and problems, referring those beyond one's own technical capability on to relevant personnel
  • 1.3 Confirm in advance that all prerecorded material is ready for broadcast
  • 1.4 Confirm that external sources required by the program are available from point of origin to studio panel desk
  • 1.5 Check that arrangements for recording and linking live sources meet production requirements
  • 1.6 Conduct sound check, and implement and document adjustments in line with station and production requirements
2. Mix audio inputs on air
  • 2.1 Mix audio inputs through the studio panel to produce required sound level and tonal balances
  • 2.2 Execute sound cues according to production requirements
  • 2.3 Cue and play presentation material according to program schedule
  • 2.4 Brief and cue studio guests as required
  • 2.5 Deal with operational problems of equipment promptly and effectively throughout on-air sessions
  • 2.6 Follow technical operational instructions from relevant personnel during live talkback sessions as required
  • 2.7 Complete broadcast on time and hand over to next panel operator as required
3. Complete operations after broadcast
  • 3.1 Save relevant material for archiving and future use in line with station procedures
  • 3.2 Ensure surplus material is dealt with in line with station procedures
  • 3.3 Complete documentation required by the broadcasting station
  • 3.4 Check and clean equipment and work environment in line with station procedures
  • 3.5 Notify relevant personnel of equipment faults in line with station procedures
  • 3.6 Seek feedback from relevant personnel on own performance as a panel operator and note areas for improvement
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.
Equipment may include:
audio playback equipment
CD players
computer technology and associated software
headphones
microphones:
condenser
dynamic
radio
lavalier
off-air monitors
manual and automated studio panels
turntables
digital and analogue recording devices
sequence samplers.
Relevant personnel may include:
producers
presenters
announcers
program managers
broadcasters
station managers
volunteer coordinators
volunteers
clients
sales representatives
performers
studio guests
other technical staff
other specialist staff.
Productions may include:
documentaries
drama programs
commercials
print advertisements
sporting broadcasts
news and current affairs
music programs
talkback programs
live events and performances.
Production requirements may include:
duration
style
content
budget
deadlines
timelines
location
audience
purpose
contractual
confidentiality
intellectual property
copyright
schedule
direct quotes
attributions
interviews in studio, telephone or prerecorded
technical
creative
OHS.
Audio inputs may include:
live voice in studio
music
prerecorded material
cross to live broadcasts
telephone talkback.
Presentation material may include:
music
prerecorded material, such as:
interviews
announcements
sound grabs
intros and outros.
Documentation may include:
production schedules
log sheets
technical fault report sheets
Australasian Performing Rights Association (APRA) log.
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:
operate a basic broadcast studio panel on at least three occasions
operate the full range of audio inputs at the correct level in line with production requirements
integrate a number of different tasks simultaneously
interact effectively with presenters and studio guests
work cooperatively in a broadcast production environment.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
access to a basic broadcast studio
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 operating a studio panel
evaluation of authenticated audio recordingsof broadcasts where the candidate was the panel operator
written or oral questioning to test industry knowledge and characteristics of sound in a broadcast environment.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
CUFIND201A Develop and apply creative arts industry knowledge
CUFIND301A Work effectively in the screen and media industries
CUSSOU201A Assist with sound recordings
CUSSOU302A Record and mix a basic music demo.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AWG83 CUASOU204 Mix sound in a broadcasting environment Unit of competency