Elements and Performance Criteria

RANGE STATEMENT
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.
Equipment must include:
audio mixing consoles
input source equipment
loudspeakers
Accessories used in live audio may include:
active splits
analysis software
continuity and phase testers
DI boxes
insolation transformers
spectrum analysers
SPL meters
white or pink noise generators
Equipment differences for loudspeakers may include:
features of high frequency compression driver types
size of paper cone loudspeakers
Equipment differences for audio mixing consoles may include:
how front of house consoles differ from stage monitor consoles, particularly the difference between pre and post fade auxiliary sends
Equipment differences for input source equipment may include:
devices in the main signal chain, e.g. equalisers, CD, cassette, mini disk
devices inserted over individual channels, such as noise gates, limiters, compressors, preamps
Correct start up sequence and operating settings for an audio system would include:
ensuring all amplifier volume controls are down (at minimum settings)
ensuring all output faders on console are down (at minimum settings or muted)
powering up all front-of-house equipment first
powering up amplifiers last
winding up amplifier volumes after all equipment is powered up
Correct sequencing of wiring would include:
connection of adequate mains to all components and understanding of power isolation
patching to create a complete signal chain from input to output
safe and neat positioning of cables and multicore
Sound equipment may include:
amplifiers to suit the system
analogue FOH mixing desk of at least 24:8:2 format
CD player
computer DAT
effects rack
hard disc recorder
microphones of different pickup patterns and types
mini disc
signal processing equipment
speakers as part of the system
stereo 3-way PA system for audiences of different sizes

EVIDENCE GUIDE
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
The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:
recognition of sound equipment, including key features and purpose
understanding of signal flow through the audio chain
completion of audio-related tasks in accordance with health and safety procedures.

Context of and specific resources for assessment
The assessment context must provide for:
practical demonstration of skills through the completion of a range of preparatory and set-up tasks with industry-current audio equipment
project or work activities that allow knowledge to be applied to specific production contexts and situations.

Method of assessment
Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:
direct observation of the candidate completing audio-related tasks
evaluation of equipment which has been set-up by the candidate
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of equipment and audio theory
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 (e.g. 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).

Guidance information for assessment
Assessment of this unit requires access to:
a range of sound equipment as identified in the Range Statement
a sound system
an environment in which an audio system can be run.