- CUSSOU202A - Mix sound in a broadcasting environment
Assessor Resource
CUSSOU202A
Mix sound in a broadcasting environment
Assessment tool
Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024
Panel operators at community broadcasting stations typically apply the skills and knowledge described in this unit. They are responsible for ensuring that all audio inputs are mixed smoothly in line with program requirements. They work closely with presenters and studio guests, providing them with cues prior to opening microphones.
More complex skills associated with the dual tasks of presenting information on air and operating a studio panel are covered in:
CUFAIR301A Present radio programs.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to operate a broadcast studio panel.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
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.
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: operate a basic broadcast studio panel on at least three occasions operate the full range of audio inputs at the correct level in line with production requirements integrate a number of different tasks simultaneously interact effectively with presenters and studio guests work cooperatively in a broadcast production environment. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment must ensure: access to a basic broadcast studio 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: observation or video recording of the candidate operating a studio panel evaluation of authenticated audio recordingsof broadcasts where the candidate was the panel operator written or oral questioning to test industry knowledge and characteristics of sound in a broadcast environment. |
Guidance information for assessment | Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example: CUFIND201A Develop and apply creative arts industry knowledge CUFIND301A Work effectively in the screen and media industries CUSSOU201A Assist with sound recordings CUSSOU302A Record and mix a basic music demo. |
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.
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Required skills |
teamwork skills sufficient to work cooperatively with others in a broadcasting environment problem-solving skills sufficient to respond effectively to technical problems that arise in a live-to-air studio situation initiative and enterprise skills in the context of managing a range of audio inputs smoothly and efficiently in a live broadcast situation self-management and planning skills sufficient to: wrap up technical aspects of a live broadcast or recording session within the allocated time prioritise work tasks meet deadlines seek expert assistance when problems arise literacy skills sufficient to read and complete routine workplace documentation numeracy skills sufficient to time presentation material to fit within the allocated program time aural-discrimination skills sufficient to ensure that audio levels are consistent throughout the program technical skills sufficient to: operate a basic broadcast studio panel rectify simple technical faults that occur in a broadcast studio environment |
Required knowledge |
industry knowledge, including: roles and responsibilities of personnel involved in the production process issues and challenges that arise in the context of operating a studio panel live-to-air radio conventions and terminology characteristics of sound in a broadcast studio environment basic understanding of the audio signal path from studio to listener issues and challenges that typically arise in the context of operating a studio panel in a live-to-air situation OHS requirements as they relate to the operations of a radio station, including safe noise levels |
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 may include: | audio playback equipment CD players computer technology and associated software headphones microphones: condenser dynamic radio lavalier off-air monitors manual and automated studio panels turntables digital and analogue recording devices sequence samplers. |
Relevant personnel may include: | producers presenters announcers program managers broadcasters station managers volunteer coordinators volunteers clients sales representatives performers studio guests other technical staff other specialist staff. |
Productions may include: | documentaries drama programs commercials print advertisements sporting broadcasts news and current affairs music programs talkback programs live events and performances. |
Production requirements may include: | duration style content budget deadlines timelines location audience purpose contractual confidentiality intellectual property copyright schedule direct quotes attributions interviews in studio, telephone or prerecorded technical creative OHS. |
Audio inputs may include: | live voice in studio music prerecorded material cross to live broadcasts telephone talkback. |
Presentation material may include: | music prerecorded material, such as: interviews announcements sound grabs intros and outros. |
Documentation may include: | production schedules log sheets technical fault report sheets Australasian Performing Rights Association (APRA) log. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check studio equipment is safe and operational and replace any non-functioning equipment in line with station procedures before broadcast commences | |||
| Rectify simple technical faults and problems, referring those beyond one's own technical capability on to relevant personnel | |||
| Confirm in advance that all prerecorded material is ready for broadcast | |||
| Confirm that external sources required by the program are available from point of origin to studio panel desk | |||
| Check that arrangements for recording and linking live sources meet production requirements | |||
| Conduct sound check, and implement and document adjustments in line with station and production requirements | |||
| Mix audio inputs through the studio panel to produce required sound level and tonal balances | |||
| Execute sound cues according to production requirements | |||
| Cue and play presentation material according to program schedule | |||
| Brief and cue studio guests as required | |||
| Deal with operational problems of equipment promptly and effectively throughout on-air sessions | |||
| Follow technical operational instructions from relevant personnel during live talkback sessions as required | |||
| Complete broadcast on time and hand over to next panel operator as required | |||
| Save relevant material for archiving and future use in line with station procedures | |||
| Ensure surplus material is dealt with in line with station procedures | |||
| Complete documentation required by the broadcasting station | |||
| Check and clean equipment and work environment in line with station procedures | |||
| Notify relevant personnel of equipment faults in line with station procedures | |||
| Seek feedback from relevant personnel on own performance as a panel operator and note areas for improvement |
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
CUSSOU202A - Mix sound in a broadcasting 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
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Date:
Assessment Record Sheet
CUSSOU202A - Mix sound in a broadcasting 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: