Assessor Resource

CUASOU311
Mix music in a studio environment

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to interpret artistic and technical production requirements for music, and to operate professional audio equipment for mixing music in the music, screen, media and entertainment industries.

It applies to individuals who work in a studio environment and create quality sound for conventional audio formats to produce the final mix of a musical production.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Prepare for mixing music in a studio

1.1 Review production documentation and confirm mixing requirements with relevant people

1.2 Set up audio equipment according to operational and production requirements

1.3 Anticipate problems that could arise during mixing and plan accordingly

2. Undertake pre-mixing operations

2.1 Check all inputs and outputs for continuity and adjust as required

2.2 Establish an effective workflow for mixing music

2.3 Label all track and channel paths

2.4 Complete audio check and document changes according to organisational requirements

2.5 Discuss audio issues with relevant people and adjust mix as required

3. Mix music and audio sources

3.1 Manage signal control to achieve a balanced sound mix

3.2 Apply effects and adjustments according to production requirements

3.3 Monitor signal and sound pressure levels and adjust to meet production requirements

3.4 Identify and resolve problems with minimal disruption to session

4. Finalise mix

4.1 Undertake final mix and create a master according to production requirements

4.2 Save and archive audio data

4.3 Complete session documentation as required and distribute to relevant people

4.4 Evaluate own performance and note areas for improvement

Evidence of the ability to:

confirm requirements for mixing music using documentation and discussion with relevant people

set up a recording environment to meet production requirements

complete a music mix, monitoring and adjusting inputs and outputs as required

create final production master and associated files and documentation in appropriate format.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

describe the information normally found in production documentation

explain the techniques used for mixing sound

list and describe commonly used sound mixing equipment

explain the issues and challenges that typically arise when mixing sound and how to address them

identify conventional formats for a final production master.

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:

sound equipment

environments where sound is recorded

relevant production documentation

source material for mixing

interaction with others.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Prepare for mixing music in a studio

1.1 Review production documentation and confirm mixing requirements with relevant people

1.2 Set up audio equipment according to operational and production requirements

1.3 Anticipate problems that could arise during mixing and plan accordingly

2. Undertake pre-mixing operations

2.1 Check all inputs and outputs for continuity and adjust as required

2.2 Establish an effective workflow for mixing music

2.3 Label all track and channel paths

2.4 Complete audio check and document changes according to organisational requirements

2.5 Discuss audio issues with relevant people and adjust mix as required

3. Mix music and audio sources

3.1 Manage signal control to achieve a balanced sound mix

3.2 Apply effects and adjustments according to production requirements

3.3 Monitor signal and sound pressure levels and adjust to meet production requirements

3.4 Identify and resolve problems with minimal disruption to session

4. Finalise mix

4.1 Undertake final mix and create a master according to production requirements

4.2 Save and archive audio data

4.3 Complete session documentation as required and distribute to relevant people

4.4 Evaluate own performance and note areas for improvement

Evidence of the ability to:

confirm requirements for mixing music using documentation and discussion with relevant people

set up a recording environment to meet production requirements

complete a music mix, monitoring and adjusting inputs and outputs as required

create final production master and associated files and documentation in appropriate format.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

describe the information normally found in production documentation

explain the techniques used for mixing sound

list and describe commonly used sound mixing equipment

explain the issues and challenges that typically arise when mixing sound and how to address them

identify conventional formats for a final production master.

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:

sound equipment

environments where sound is recorded

relevant production documentation

source material for mixing

interaction with others.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Review production documentation and confirm mixing requirements with relevant people 
Set up audio equipment according to operational and production requirements 
Anticipate problems that could arise during mixing and plan accordingly 
Check all inputs and outputs for continuity and adjust as required 
Establish an effective workflow for mixing music 
Label all track and channel paths 
Complete audio check and document changes according to organisational requirements 
Discuss audio issues with relevant people and adjust mix as required 
Manage signal control to achieve a balanced sound mix 
Apply effects and adjustments according to production requirements 
Monitor signal and sound pressure levels and adjust to meet production requirements 
Identify and resolve problems with minimal disruption to session 
Undertake final mix and create a master according to production requirements 
Save and archive audio data 
Complete session documentation as required and distribute to relevant people 
Evaluate own performance and note areas for improvement 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CUASOU311 - Mix music in a studio environment
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

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Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

CUASOU311 - Mix music in a studio environment

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: