Unit of competency Outline

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

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Create a final sound balance

Create a final sound balance

Unit of competency
National Code
CUSSOU504A
State Code
D2973
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
30/09/2014
Field of Education
031303 - Electronic Engineering
Original Release Date
30/09/2014
Nominal Hours
80
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to create a final sound balance for a production. Thorough understanding of a wide range of sound equipment and techniques for mixing and recording sound is required, along with the ability to supervise others, including engineers, sound mixers, sound editors and other studio technicians. The ability to solve problems that arise in the context of creating a final sound balance is essential.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Assess sound sources for simultaneous balance
  • 1.1 Assess the compatibility of sound sources for productions
  • 1.2 Discuss creative possibilities for achieving the simultaneous balance with relevant personnel
  • 1.3 Propose options for meeting production requirements to relevant personnel as required
  • 1.4 Collaborate effectively with others during the assessment process
2. Identify creative and artistic possibilities
  • 2.1 Explore creative possibilities of sound sources and seek agreement on best options with relevant personnel
  • 2.2 Take account of relevant information contained in production documentation when developing options
  • 2.3 In consultation with relevant personnel ensure that the position and blend of sound sources meet artistic/creative requirements
3. Direct the final mix
  • 3.1 Ensure that the relative levels of sound sources conform to loudness parameters
  • 3.2 Ensure that transitions between sound sources are technically accurate and artistically appropriate
  • 3.3 Adapt and adjust balance techniques to meet production requirements
  • 3.4 Confirm that the sound balance and characteristics of sound are artistically and technically appropriate
  • 3.5 Identify and remedy problems promptly as required to minimise disruption to the production process
  • 3.6 Ensure that the level of the composite signal is within technical limits and the desired dynamic range
  • 3.7 Work sensitively and constructively with relevant personnel to achieve best production outcomes
  • 3.8 Apply critical listening throughout production to ensure that sound quality meets production requirements
  • 3.9 Complete all work to meet production requirements and ensure that the work environment is cleaned and ready for the next user
4. Evaluate completed audio master
  • 4.1 In consultation with relevant personnel identify aspects of the process of creating the final sound balance that worked well and those that could be improved
  • 4.2 Evaluate own role in operations and note areas for improvement
  • 4.3 Provide feedback to team members on their performance as required
  • 4.4 Document evaluation of operations in line with enterprise procedures
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.
Sound sources may include:
dialogues and voice-overs
additional dialogue recording (ADR)
special effects
music
walla
ambient sound
atmospheric sound
foley.
Productions may include:
live performance or event
commercial
print advertisement
corporate video
feature film and/or video
filmed event and/or performance
interactive media product
internet production
electronic game production
music recording and/or video
promotional trailer
musical theatre
dance
radio broadcast
short film and/or video
television program
training film and/or video
voice-over.
Relevant personnel may include:
clients
artists, musicians and performers
directors
producers
post-production personnel
program managers
sound designers and editors
video and sound recorders
audio personnel:
sound engineers
sound technicians
sound editors
sound designers
sound effects personnel
post-production editors
foldback mixers
front-of-house mixers
recordists
re-recording mixers
audio stagehands
broadcasters
broadcast engineers
stage managers
floor managers
film/video crew.
Production requirements may include:
technical
creative
artistic
attributions
audience
budget
confidentiality
content
contractual arrangements
copyright
deadlines
direct quotes
duration
intellectual property
interviews
location
purpose
schedule
style.
Documentation may include:
pre-mix scripts
mixing sheets
track sheets
cue sheets
dubbing sheets
queries
notes
manuals.
Characteristics of sound may include:
level
frequency
mono/stereo/5.1 surround sound
spatial position/image
balance
tonal quality
perspective
acoustic
dynamic range.
Work environment may include:
dubbing theatre
on location, including interior and exterior
outside broadcast
post-production studio
recording studio
sound stage.
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:
create final sound balances on at least two occasions that:
demonstrate well-developed critical-listening and aural-discrimination skills
meet creative and artistic requirements
work creatively, collaboratively and constructivelyin a team environment, including providing leadership to others.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
access to a range of industry-current equipment as listed in the range statement
access to a range of productions
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:
evaluation of final sound balances created by candidate and of their quality in terms of meeting specifications
written or oral questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required knowledge section of this unit
case studies to assess ability to create final sound balances for different types of productions or events
authenticated recordings of productions where the candidate created the final sound balance.
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
CUSSOU403A Perform advanced sound editing
CUSSOU405A Mix recorded music
CUSSOU501ADevelop sound designs
CUSSOU503AImplement sound designs.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
C4033 CUSSOU15A Create a final sound balance Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AWG65 CUASOU506 Create a final sound balance Unit of competency