Elements and Performance Criteria

Information required to plan stage monitor system may include:
stage layout
input sources
performance style
performance schedule

Requirements for stage monitor system set-up and checking may include:
need for a clear stage
stage monitor system equalisation with non-essential personnel removed from the stage area
sound check with performers

Stage layout diagram would include positioning of:
monitor speakers
stage monitor console
processing and amplification racks
multicore stage box
establishment of adequate balanced lines available from splitter system for stage monitors

In-ear or wireless equipment and accessories may include:
batteries
stands/microphone mounts
reverb or external effectors

Checks to be undertaken when setting up stage monitor system include:
position of equalisation controls
setting of send controls
phantom power switches off
re-setting of external processing gear to flat (if EQ)
setting of external effectors or signal enhancers start-up position

Underpinning skills and knowledge

Assessment must include evidence of the following knowledge and skills:

types of information required to plan stage monitor system
features of different types of stage monitor systems for different contexts, including different equipment requirements
particular issues and challenges associated with stage monitor systems
safety issues associated with the set-up and installation of stage monitor systems
issues associated with foldback mixing for different applications, eg concert, theatre
techniques for equalisation of foldback speakers
literacy skills sufficient to interpret production documentation, draw diagrams
numeracy skills sufficient to work with measurements and numerical aspects of audio consoles

Linkages to other units

It is strongly recommended that this unit be assessed with or after the following units:

CUESOU07A Apply a general knowledge of audio to work activities
CUESOU10A Operate wireless audio equipment
CUSSOU05B Install, align and test audio equipment
CUESOU03B Operate professional audio equipment

This unit also has linkages to other audio units and combined assessment and/or training with those units may be appropriate, eg:

CUESOU04B Mix live audio

Critical aspects of evidence

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

Method and context of 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

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 (eg 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).

Resource requirements

Assessment of this unit requires access to:

industry-current stage monitor equipment
venue where stage monitor system can be set-up and operated

Communicating ideas and information
Assessing foldback requirements (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Liaising with performers (2)

Planning and organising activities
Assessing and organising positioning of equipment (2)

Working with others and in teams
Liaising with other production personnel (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Using audio console features (1)

Solving problems
Optimising gain before feedback (2)

Using technology
Operating/adjusting audio equipment during performance (2)