Elements and Performance Criteria

Acoustic sources may include:
acoustic instruments
electric instruments
the voice for music
the voice for dramatic dialogue
the voice for lectures and meetings

Microphone options may include:
dynamic
condenser

Microphones for specific purposes may include:
lectern
specific instruments, eg piano, electric guitar
stage dialogue

Equalisation options and effects equipment to achieve maximum gain before feedback may include:
one third octave equaliser
parametric equaliser
feedback eliminator style device

Underpinning skills and knowledge
Assessment must include evidence of the following knowledge and skills:
current trends in microphone development and the availability of products
detailed knowledge of different types of microphone and their applications, including different audio pick-up patterns, microphone behaviour in different environments, acoustic consequences of signal phase problems, the use of phantom power
microphone requirements for different types of environment, including live sound, studio recording and live broadcast
terminology associated with input source management
techniques for preparation of a microphone plot, including key elements and relevant issues for consideration
techniques for preparation of an input signal failure plan, including key elements and issues for consideration
techniques for management of diverse input signal types, including limitations

Linkages to other units

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

CUESOU07A Apply a general knowledge of audio to work activities

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

CUESOU05B Install, align and test audio equipment
CUESOU04B Mix live audio

Critical aspects of evidence
The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:
in-depth knowledge of microphone technology and product options sufficient to complete a complex set-up
ability to select, set-up and test a microphone plot

Method and context of assessment
The assessment context must provide for:
practical demonstration of skills through the selection and set-up of a complex microphone plot for more than one production/event
involvement of and interaction with a production/performance team
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 the audio aspects of an event where the candidate has been responsible for microphone selection and set-up
evaluation of a microphone plot prepared for a specific purpose by the candidate
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of microphone technology
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:

a range of industry-current microphones of different types
other audio equipment such as mixing console
venue/location for staging of production/event

Communicating ideas and information
Assessing the venue/location and acoustic sources to inform planning of microphone plot (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Discussing specific needs with equipment suppliers (2)

Planning and organising activities
Developing and implementing a microphone plot (2)

Working with others and in teams
Liaising with colleagues/other technicians (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Calculating number of microphones required for a given situation (1)

Solving problems
Responding to equipment or signal failure (1)

Using technology
Adjusting microphones to achieve desired effect (2)