• CUESOU08B - Select and manage microphone and other audio input sources

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

CUESOU08B Mapping and Delivery Guide
Select and manage microphone and other audio input sources

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency CUESOU08B - Select and manage microphone and other audio input sources
Description This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to select and manage audio input sources and the audio signals these devices create. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application People working as sound technicians apply the skills and knowledge described in this unit. They are working at a senior level since they are responsible for creating and implementing complex microphone plots. As such it requires a detailed knowledge of microphone and input source technology. The work often involves long or irregular hours and can be physically demanding. The ability to work cooperatively as part of a production team is essential. It is strongly recommended that this unit be assessed with or after the following unit:CUESOU07B Apply a general knowledge of audio to work activities.This unit also has linkages to other audio units and combined assessment/training with those units may be appropriate, e.g.:CUSSOU303A Set up and disassemble audio equipmentCUESOU04C Mix live audio.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field Media and entertainment production - audio/sound
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: Select microphones and other input sources according to application
  • Analyse performance outline and liaise with relevant colleagues to determine audio requirements
  • Assess the venue/location to determine input source options based on acoustic analysis and any physical limitations
  • Assess the acoustic source of the audio to identify the preferred microphone placement
  • Identify and select the most appropriate microphone options, including consideration of microphones for specific purposes
       
Element: Maximise gain on stage
  • Electrically connect and mechanically set microphones in a desired location using safe work practices
  • Position microphone appropriately to achieve required gain
  • Implement appropriate equalisation options and introduce relevant effects equipment to increase gain before feedback
       
Element: Manage inputs
  • Prepare and implement an appropriate microphone plot
  • Patch microphone signals to the audio mixing desk, including multiple signals where required
  • Prepare and maintain an input signal failure plan
  • Test input sources, identify any problems promptly and take action to rectify as appropriate
       


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

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:

in-depth knowledge of microphone technology and product options sufficient to complete a complex set-up

ability to select, set-up and test a microphone plot.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

The assessment context must provide for:

practical demonstration of skills through the selection and set-up of a complex microphone plot for more than one production/event

involvement of and interaction with a production/performance team

use of industry-current equipment.

Method of assessment

Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:

evaluation of the audio aspects of an event where the candidate has been responsible for microphone selection and set-up

evaluation of a microphone plot prepared for a specific purpose by the candidate

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of microphone technology

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 industry-current microphones of different types

other audio equipment such as mixing console

venue/location for staging of production/event.


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.

Required skills

current trends in microphone development and the availability of products

terminology associated with input source management

Required knowledge

detailed knowledge of different types of microphone and their applications, including different audio pick-up patterns, microphone behaviour in different environments, acoustic consequences of signal phase problems, the use of phantom power

microphone requirements for different types of environment, including live sound, studio recording and live broadcast

techniques for preparation of a microphone plot, including key elements and relevant issues for consideration

techniques for preparation of an input signal failure plan, including key elements and issues for consideration

techniques for management of diverse input signal types, including limitations

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.

Acoustic sources may include:

acoustic instruments

electric instruments

the voice for dramatic dialogue

the voice for lectures and meetings

the voice for music

Microphone options may include:

condenser

dynamic

Microphones for specific purposes may include:

lectern

specific instruments, e.g. piano, electric guitar

stage dialogue

Equalisation options and effects equipment to achieve maximum gain before feedback may include:

feedback eliminator style device

one third octave equaliser

parametric equaliser

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
Analyse performance outline and liaise with relevant colleagues to determine audio requirements 
Assess the venue/location to determine input source options based on acoustic analysis and any physical limitations 
Assess the acoustic source of the audio to identify the preferred microphone placement 
Identify and select the most appropriate microphone options, including consideration of microphones for specific purposes 
Electrically connect and mechanically set microphones in a desired location using safe work practices 
Position microphone appropriately to achieve required gain 
Implement appropriate equalisation options and introduce relevant effects equipment to increase gain before feedback 
Prepare and implement an appropriate microphone plot 
Patch microphone signals to the audio mixing desk, including multiple signals where required 
Prepare and maintain an input signal failure plan 
Test input sources, identify any problems promptly and take action to rectify as appropriate 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CUESOU08B - Select and manage microphone and other 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

CUESOU08B - Select and manage microphone and other 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: