Elements and Performance Criteria

Relevant personnel may include:
director
stage manager
other technical specialists
performers

Technical factors that impact on wireless audio equipment operation may include:
number of radio microphones being used
frequencies for operation
options for different antennae
volume required
need for back up microphones
other equipment on stage
presence of moisture or water

Performance factors that impact on wireless audio equipment operation may include:
level of movement by the performer
number of costume changes
singing requirement
speaking requirement

Personnel responsible for allocation of wireless channels may include:
front of house engineer
stage monitor engineer
system engineer

Fitting techniques may include:
attachment to headwear
attachment to other clothing
attachment to hair strands
use of tape

Appropriate protocols when dealing with performers may include:
clarifying positioning or fitting details
requesting permission to commence fitting
checking comfort levels
acknowledging privacy issues
assessment of performer allergies or history

Problems with wireless audio equipment may include:
faulty/intermittent signal
need for more secure attachment

Underpinning skills and knowledge

Assessment must include evidence of the following knowledge and skills:

the performance factors which impact on the use of wireless audio technology
different types of wireless audio equipment available, and their use and application in different types of production
role of different antennae
ways in which radio equipment can be fitted to performers
common frequencies used with wireless audio equipment, how these may be reserved or affected by local TV or radio transmitters
protocols for dealing with performers during equipment fitting
regulatory requirements for the use of wavelengths, including the Australian Communications Authority frequency allocations
frequency spacing required for adjacent wireless channels, and how to establish number of practical and available channels at a given location
literacy skills sufficient to interpret production documentation and regulatory requirements
numeracy skills sufficient to work with frequency allocations

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
CUESOU08A Select and manage microphone and other audio input sources
This unit also has linkages to a range of other audio units and combined assessment and/or training with those units may be appropriate.

Critical aspects of evidence

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

knowledge of the regulatory and technical issues that affect the use of wireless audio technology
ability to determine appropriate approaches to the use of wireless audio technology to meet the needs of a particular production

Method and context of assessment

The assessment context must provide for:

practical demonstration of skills through the appropriate selection and use of equipment for a production where multiple performers need to be fitted with wireless equipment
interaction with others to demonstrate the interpersonal skills required for the fitting 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 a performance using multiple pieces of wireless equipment where the candidate has been responsible for the selection and set-up of equipment
case studies to assess ability to suggest approaches and equipment for different production circumstances
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of technical or performance issues that impact on wireless audio operation
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:

radio microphones, in-ear monitors, transmitters and receivers
a venue where a production requiring wireless audio technology can be held

Communicating ideas and information
Assessing production requirements (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Liaising with performers (2)

Planning and organising activities
Organising frequency allocations (2)

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

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Working with frequencies (1)

Solving problems
Responding to equipment failure (2)

Using technology
Using, adjusting wireless equipment (2)