Elements and Performance Criteria

Types of equipment include:

speakers

mixing consoles

equalisers

reverberation

limiters

compressors

effects rack

tape machines

CD player/burner

DAT machines

mini disc

hard disc recorder

DVD

CD ROM

MP 3

WWW server

Betacom machine

Productions may include:

videos

animation

corporate video

training videos

drama programs

variety and lifestyle programs

music videos

music programs

commercials/advertisements

interactive multimedia

Relevant personnel may include:

producers

directors

artists

editors

station managers

broadcasters

performers

other technical staff

other specialist staff

Written materials may include:

cue sheets

Sound components may include:

dialogue

ADR (additional dialogue recording)

effects

music

foley

atmosphere

Characteristics of sound sources may include:

level

tonal quality

perspective

acoustic

dynamic range

intelligibility

position/image

mono

stereo

Production requirements may include:

artistic

technical

financial

timelines/deadlines

production schedules

production and venue requirements

organisational policies and procedures

resources

organisational and legislative occupational health and safety requirements

Underpinning knowledge and skills

Assessment must include evidence of essential knowledge of, and skills in, the following areas:

ability to demonstrate originality and innovative approaches in the use and organisation of musical elements
listening critically to continuously evaluate and adjust the sound balance
understanding of artistic issues and artists and their work
the principles and techniques of sound
knowledge of OHS procedures
the artistic, technical and operational requirements of production
how to identify accurately the characteristics of the sound source
relevant acoustic principles and their application in sound recording
operational knowledge of a range of sound production equipment and amplifiers
features and operating characteristics of noise reduction systems
compatibility with mono, stereo or multi-channel systems
knowledge of time code equipment and its relevant use
use of format encoders and decoders
how to identify, develop and evaluate creative possibilities

Linkages to other units

This unit has strong linkages to the following units and combined training delivery and/or assessment is recommended:

CUSSOU04A Record sound
CUSSOU09A Mix sound sources
CUSSOU11A Operate a sound mixing console
CUSSOU24A Edit sound using computerised digital equipment/systems
CUSSOU07A Edit sound using analogue systems
CUSSOU06A Develop sound design
CUSSOU22A Implement sound design
CUSSOU21A Direct a final audio master

Critical aspects of evidence

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:

knowledge and application of relevant local OHS legislation
critical listening and aural discrimination
knowledge of sound terminology and the operations of a range of sound equipment
principles and techniques of sound

Method and context of assessment
Assessment of this unit would most effectively be undertaken on the job due to the specific workplace environment requirements. However, assessment of this unit can be undertaken in a simulated workplace environment that reproduces all the elements of a production situation including operating to a production schedule. The simulated assessment event should involve all the team members that would normally participate in a production and the use of current industry standard equipment.

Assessment methods must include observation of a practical demonstration. Direct observation may need to occur on more than one occasion to establish consistency of performance. Methods to assess the application of essential underpinning knowledge may include:

work samples or simulated workplace activities
oral questioning/interview
projects/reports/logbooks
third party reports and authenticated prior achievements
portfolios or other documentation which demonstrate the processes used in realising creative concept

Resource requirements
Assessment requires access to a range of up to date equipment as listed in the range of variables statement.

Communicating ideas and information
(3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(3)

Planning and organising activities
(3)

Working with others and in teams
(3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(3)

Solving problems
(3)

Using technology
(3)