Assessor Resource

CUASOU401
Mix live audio

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to mix audio for live shows in the screen, media, entertainment and events industries.

Individuals who apply these skills work autonomously in a team environment as they take responsibility for the front of house mix, which involves creating quality sound for audiences. They may also be responsible for supervising others.

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.

Elements

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance Criteria

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

1. Prepare for live audio mixing

1.1 Review production documentation and confirm scope of audio mixing requirements with relevant personnel

1.2 Ensure that audio equipment is set up and operational in line with production requirements

1.3 Anticipate problems that could arise during shows and plan accordingly

2. Undertake pre-show operations

2.1 Match interfaces between audio and destination in accordance with level, impedance, phase and frequency

2.2 Line check all inputs and outputs for continuity and patching and route test signals to correct signal paths

2.3 Perform time and phase alignment of audio equipment and adjust as required

2.4 Check that audio levels and controls meet acoustic and dynamic requirements

2.5 Take action to ensure that faults and problems identified during testing are rectified promptly

2.6 Complete audio check and document changes according to organisational requirements

2.7 Operate front of house and monitor consoles during dress rehearsals or sound checks to establish appropriate mix to produce the required technical level, tonal balances and frequency response

2.8 Discuss audio issues with relevant personnel during rehearsals and adjust mix as required

3. Mix audio sources for live shows

3.1 Manage signal control of level, equalisation and dynamic parameters to achieve a balanced sound mix

3.2 Apply effects according to production requirements

3.3 Produce transitions between sound signals that are technically accurate and produce the required effect

3.4 Ensure that the level of the composite signal is within technical limits and desired dynamic range

3.5 Observe and manage sound pressure levels according to venue requirements and safe noise levels

3.6 Resolve audio operational problems with minimal disruption to performances

4. Complete post-show operations

4.1 Execute power down and disassemble equipment safely

4.2 Pack and store equipment and accessories according to safety regulations and production requirements

4.3 Clean work environment after use and restore environment to original condition

4.4 Contribute to evaluations of productions and implement recommendations aimed at improving overall effectiveness of audio operations

4.5 Seek feedback from relevant personnel on own work performance and note areas for improvement

Evidence of the ability to:

mix live audio for at least two performances or productions in line with production requirements

mix live audio using both analogue and digital mixing desks

work collaboratively.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided for each of the above points at least once.

To complete the unit requirements the individual must:

explain the features and mixing capabilities of a range of analogue and digital front of house consoles

explain how the matrix and main outputs of consoles are used

explain how signal processing options can be used for troubleshooting and for creative effects

describe techniques for adding and patching sub-mixers into sound systems

describe how the following apply when mixing live audio:

automation and cue delivery

contemporary audio effectors and digital system processing (DSP) effects

SMPTE time code and musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) to fire cues and automation

voltage control amplifier (VCA) masters.

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 equipment and accessories used to mix live audio.

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.

Elements

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance Criteria

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

1. Prepare for live audio mixing

1.1 Review production documentation and confirm scope of audio mixing requirements with relevant personnel

1.2 Ensure that audio equipment is set up and operational in line with production requirements

1.3 Anticipate problems that could arise during shows and plan accordingly

2. Undertake pre-show operations

2.1 Match interfaces between audio and destination in accordance with level, impedance, phase and frequency

2.2 Line check all inputs and outputs for continuity and patching and route test signals to correct signal paths

2.3 Perform time and phase alignment of audio equipment and adjust as required

2.4 Check that audio levels and controls meet acoustic and dynamic requirements

2.5 Take action to ensure that faults and problems identified during testing are rectified promptly

2.6 Complete audio check and document changes according to organisational requirements

2.7 Operate front of house and monitor consoles during dress rehearsals or sound checks to establish appropriate mix to produce the required technical level, tonal balances and frequency response

2.8 Discuss audio issues with relevant personnel during rehearsals and adjust mix as required

3. Mix audio sources for live shows

3.1 Manage signal control of level, equalisation and dynamic parameters to achieve a balanced sound mix

3.2 Apply effects according to production requirements

3.3 Produce transitions between sound signals that are technically accurate and produce the required effect

3.4 Ensure that the level of the composite signal is within technical limits and desired dynamic range

3.5 Observe and manage sound pressure levels according to venue requirements and safe noise levels

3.6 Resolve audio operational problems with minimal disruption to performances

4. Complete post-show operations

4.1 Execute power down and disassemble equipment safely

4.2 Pack and store equipment and accessories according to safety regulations and production requirements

4.3 Clean work environment after use and restore environment to original condition

4.4 Contribute to evaluations of productions and implement recommendations aimed at improving overall effectiveness of audio operations

4.5 Seek feedback from relevant personnel on own work performance and note areas for improvement

Evidence of the ability to:

mix live audio for at least two performances or productions in line with production requirements

mix live audio using both analogue and digital mixing desks

work collaboratively.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided for each of the above points at least once.

To complete the unit requirements the individual must:

explain the features and mixing capabilities of a range of analogue and digital front of house consoles

explain how the matrix and main outputs of consoles are used

explain how signal processing options can be used for troubleshooting and for creative effects

describe techniques for adding and patching sub-mixers into sound systems

describe how the following apply when mixing live audio:

automation and cue delivery

contemporary audio effectors and digital system processing (DSP) effects

SMPTE time code and musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) to fire cues and automation

voltage control amplifier (VCA) masters.

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 equipment and accessories used to mix live audio.

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 scope of audio mixing requirements with relevant personnel 
Ensure that audio equipment is set up and operational in line with production requirements 
Anticipate problems that could arise during shows and plan accordingly 
Match interfaces between audio and destination in accordance with level, impedance, phase and frequency 
Line check all inputs and outputs for continuity and patching and route test signals to correct signal paths 
Perform time and phase alignment of audio equipment and adjust as required 
Check that audio levels and controls meet acoustic and dynamic requirements 
Take action to ensure that faults and problems identified during testing are rectified promptly 
Complete audio check and document changes according to organisational requirements 
Operate front of house and monitor consoles during dress rehearsals or sound checks to establish appropriate mix to produce the required technical level, tonal balances and frequency response 
Discuss audio issues with relevant personnel during rehearsals and adjust mix as required 
Manage signal control of level, equalisation and dynamic parameters to achieve a balanced sound mix 
Apply effects according to production requirements 
Produce transitions between sound signals that are technically accurate and produce the required effect 
Ensure that the level of the composite signal is within technical limits and desired dynamic range 
Observe and manage sound pressure levels according to venue requirements and safe noise levels 
Resolve audio operational problems with minimal disruption to performances 
Execute power down and disassemble equipment safely 
Pack and store equipment and accessories according to safety regulations and production requirements 
Clean work environment after use and restore environment to original condition 
Contribute to evaluations of productions and implement recommendations aimed at improving overall effectiveness of audio operations 
Seek feedback from relevant personnel on own work performance and note areas for improvement 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CUASOU401 - Mix live audio
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

CUASOU401 - Mix live audio

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: