Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

CUASOU402 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Manage audio input sources

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency CUASOU402 - Manage audio input sources
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to select and manage microphones and other audio input sources for productions in the screen, media, entertainment and events industries.Individuals who apply these skills work autonomously in a team environment as they work to achieve the best possible audio outcomes for performances or shows. They may also be responsible for supervising others.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

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 a range of microphones and audio equipment 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.

Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities
Slides
PPT
Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Organise input sources
  • Determine audio requirements and timelines in consultation with relevant personnel and with reference to production documentation
  • Assess venues to determine input source options based on acoustic analyses that take physical limitations into account
  • Take acoustic sources of audio into account when identifying preferred microphone placement
  • Clarify the backline needs of musical groups as required and organise microphones and other input sources accordingly
  • Keep up-to-date with developments in audio technology to ensure the most appropriate selection of microphones and the best approach to audio operations
  • Reach agreement on placement and organisation of microphones and other audio input sources prior to technical run-throughs or rehearsals
       
Element: Maximise gain on stage
  • Place and connect microphones in desired locations using safe work practices
  • Position microphones appropriately to achieve required gain
  • Increase gain before feedback through effective use of equalisation options and effects equipment
       
Element: Manage inputs
  • Prepare and implement appropriate microphone plots
  • Patch microphone signals to audio mixing desk, including multiple signals as required
  • Prepare and maintain an input signal failure plan
  • Test input sources, identify problems promptly and take appropriate action to rectify
  • In consultation with relevant personnel, evaluate quality of audio set-up and note areas for future improvement
       


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. Organise input sources

1.1 Determine audio requirements and timelines in consultation with relevant personnel and with reference to production documentation

1.2 Assess venues to determine input source options based on acoustic analyses that take physical limitations into account

1.3 Take acoustic sources of audio into account when identifying preferred microphone placement

1.4 Clarify the backline needs of musical groups as required and organise microphones and other input sources accordingly

1.5 Keep up-to-date with developments in audio technology to ensure the most appropriate selection of microphones and the best approach to audio operations

1.6 Reach agreement on placement and organisation of microphones and other audio input sources prior to technical run-throughs or rehearsals

2. Maximise gain on stage

2.1 Place and connect microphones in desired locations using safe work practices

2.2 Position microphones appropriately to achieve required gain

2.3 Increase gain before feedback through effective use of equalisation options and effects equipment

3. Manage inputs

3.1 Prepare and implement appropriate microphone plots

3.2 Patch microphone signals to audio mixing desk, including multiple signals as required

3.3 Prepare and maintain an input signal failure plan

3.4 Test input sources, identify problems promptly and take appropriate action to rectify

3.5 In consultation with relevant personnel, evaluate quality of audio set-up and note areas for future improvement

Evidence of the ability to:

set up and test complex microphone plots and other audio input sources for at least two productions or events

apply in-depth knowledge of microphone technology and product options to work activities

manage a range of microphone and other audio inputs during technical run-throughs or rehearsals on at least two occasions

correctly use terminology associated with input source management

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 of a range of different microphone and the contexts in which they are best used

explain the acoustic consequences of signal phase problems and when to use phantom power

provide examples of current trends in microphone development and the availability of products

provide examples of issues and challenges that typically arise when managing audio input sources, along with solutions to address them

provide example of issues to consider when preparing microphone plots and input signal failure plans.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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. Organise input sources

1.1 Determine audio requirements and timelines in consultation with relevant personnel and with reference to production documentation

1.2 Assess venues to determine input source options based on acoustic analyses that take physical limitations into account

1.3 Take acoustic sources of audio into account when identifying preferred microphone placement

1.4 Clarify the backline needs of musical groups as required and organise microphones and other input sources accordingly

1.5 Keep up-to-date with developments in audio technology to ensure the most appropriate selection of microphones and the best approach to audio operations

1.6 Reach agreement on placement and organisation of microphones and other audio input sources prior to technical run-throughs or rehearsals

2. Maximise gain on stage

2.1 Place and connect microphones in desired locations using safe work practices

2.2 Position microphones appropriately to achieve required gain

2.3 Increase gain before feedback through effective use of equalisation options and effects equipment

3. Manage inputs

3.1 Prepare and implement appropriate microphone plots

3.2 Patch microphone signals to audio mixing desk, including multiple signals as required

3.3 Prepare and maintain an input signal failure plan

3.4 Test input sources, identify problems promptly and take appropriate action to rectify

3.5 In consultation with relevant personnel, evaluate quality of audio set-up and note areas for future improvement

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
Determine audio requirements and timelines in consultation with relevant personnel and with reference to production documentation 
Assess venues to determine input source options based on acoustic analyses that take physical limitations into account 
Take acoustic sources of audio into account when identifying preferred microphone placement 
Clarify the backline needs of musical groups as required and organise microphones and other input sources accordingly 
Keep up-to-date with developments in audio technology to ensure the most appropriate selection of microphones and the best approach to audio operations 
Reach agreement on placement and organisation of microphones and other audio input sources prior to technical run-throughs or rehearsals 
Place and connect microphones in desired locations using safe work practices 
Position microphones appropriately to achieve required gain 
Increase gain before feedback through effective use of equalisation options and effects equipment 
Prepare and implement appropriate microphone plots 
Patch microphone signals to audio mixing desk, including multiple signals as required 
Prepare and maintain an input signal failure plan 
Test input sources, identify problems promptly and take appropriate action to rectify 
In consultation with relevant personnel, evaluate quality of audio set-up and note areas for future improvement 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CUASOU402 - Manage audio input sources
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:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

CUASOU402 - Manage audio input sources

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: