Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:18 AM AWST

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Record sound on location

Record sound on location

Unit of competency
National Code
CUSSOU406A
State Code
D2968
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
21/08/2012
Field of Education
100701 - Audio Visual Studies
Original Release Date
21/08/2012
Nominal Hours
35
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to record sound on location for screen productions. Well-developed understanding of how sound is used in screen productions is essential, along with the ability to work cooperatively and sensitively with performers and other production crew members.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for location recording
  • 1.1 Confirm recording requirements in consultation with relevant personnel and with reference to scripts and other production documentation
  • 1.2 Check that sound equipment and accessories are in working order prior to shoots
  • 1.3 Ensure adequate supply of consumables is available for duration of sound recordings
2. Capture dialogue
  • 2.1 Participate in technical run-throughs or rehearsals to determine optimum positioning of boom and microphone for recording shots
  • 2.2 Rig sound equipment and accessories in line with safety, technical and production requirements
  • 2.3 Attach radio or clip microphones to actors' clothing as required
  • 2.4 Ensure run-up time is sufficient and synchronisation codes are referenced to allow stable sound recording
  • 2.5 Move boom according to scripted shots and respond to direction
  • 2.6 Follow the actions and anticipate movements of relevant personnel
  • 2.7 Ensure movement of boom is unobtrusive and sympathetic to actions of relevant personnel and does not generate unwanted noise
  • 2.8 Monitor sound through headphones to ensure unwanted sounds are not being captured
  • 2.9 Communicate with relevant personnel with minimal disruption to operations
  • 2.10 Correct equipment failures with minimal disruption to operations
3. Capture sound effects
  • 3.1 Record background location sound for use in post-production
  • 3.2 Place multiple microphones in different positions to capture sound perspective of effects being recorded
  • 3.3 Listen critically to recorded sound and re-record as required to achieve desired effect
4. Finalise sound-recording operations
  • 4.1 Save recordings in the appropriate format and log/file in line with organisational procedures
  • 4.2 Make safety copies or backups in line with organisational procedures
  • 4.3 De-rig, check and clean sound equipment and accessories
  • 4.4 Leave locations clean and restored to their pre-recording condition
  • 4.5 Evaluate own performance against technical and creative criteria 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.
Relevant personnel may include:
director
producer
director of photography
production manager
first assistant director (1st AD)
sound supervisor
sound designer
sound recordist
boom operator
sound engineer
performer
actor
camera operator.
Documentation may include:
production schedules
scripts
storyboards
shot lists.
Equipment and accessories may include:
hard disk recorders
headphones
batteries
microphones, including:
dynamic
condenser
radio
omnidirectional
cardioid
hyper-cardioid
figure of eight
shotgun
microphone accessories, including
tripod
windscreens
boom pole, including:
aluminium
carbon fibre
fisher
hand-held
perambulator
remote panner
cables, including:
balanced
unbalanced
cable extensions
clips
connectors, including:
female
male
XLR
housing
pop filters
shock mounts
stands, including:
desk
floor
gooseneck
amplifiers
mixers
speakers.
Consumables may include:
CDs
DVDs
memory cards
batteries
masking tape, marker pens and labels
cue sheets.
Positioning may involve:
ensuring that boom and microphone are out of the frame of the camera
placing boom and microphone overhead
miking from below
mounting boom and microphone on a dolly
determining movement of boom and microphone during recording of shots
ensuring that position of the microphone, mounts, their shadows and reflections are as unobtrusive as possible
ensuring that extraneous and unwanted noises are not captured
ensuring that boom and microphone are not safety hazards.
Productions may include:
feature films
documentaries
short films and videos
animation
corporate videos
training films and videos
drama programs
variety and lifestyle programs
news and current affairs
music videos
recordings of live productions
commercials
print advertisements.
Synchronisation may include:
frame rates
synchronising sound and picture on film, such as:
crystal
sync tones
slating
time codes, such as:
longitudinal
SMPTE
vertical interval
MIDI
IEC standard
time formats, such as:
real time
music time
film time
transfers and dubs, such as:
analogue to digital audio
digital to digital audio
film transferring.
Unwanted sounds may include:
rustling from radio microphones
wind noise
hum or buzz
distortion
cable noise
extraneous location noises, such as:
traffic
doors closing
electrical appliances.
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:
record dialogue using a boom pole for at least two screen productions
record live sound effects on location
work cooperatively in a team environment
meet deadlines
observe safety guidelines on set.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
access to screen projects where dialogue and sound are being recorded
access to industry-current sound equipment and accessories
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:
case studies to assess candidate's ability to deal with challenges that typically arise in the context of recording sound on location
evaluation of dialogue and sound recorded by the candidate
observation of candidate recording sound on location
written or oral questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required knowledge section of this unit.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
CUSSOU401A Record sound
CUSSOU407A Coordinate location sound recording.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AWG70 CUASOU410 Record sound on location Unit of competency