• CUESOU11B - Set up and operate stage monitor systems

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

CUESOU11B Mapping and Delivery Guide
Set up and operate stage monitor systems

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency CUESOU11B - Set up and operate stage monitor systems
Description This unit describes the skills and knowledge needed to determine the requirements for a stage foldback system, and to set up and operate that system for performers. 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 Sound technicians or foldback mixers apply the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit. It can be a challenging role since they need to satisfy the on-stage mixing requirements of each individual performer in a group or orchestra.This unit requires detailed knowledge of equipment and the specific issues that apply to the monitoring of foldback. As such it most commonly applies to musical performance.It is strongly recommended that this unit be assessed with or after the following units:CUESOU07B Apply a general knowledge of audio to work activitiesCUESOU10B Operate wireless audio equipmentCUSSOU303A Set up and disassemble audio equipmentCUESOU03C Operate professional audio equipment.This unit also has linkages to other audio units and combined assessment and/or training with those units may be appropriate, e.g.:CUESOU04C 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: Determine performance requirements
  • Obtain accurate performance and venue information to inform the planning of the stage monitor system
  • Correctly interpret documentation to determine system requirements
  • Liaise with venue and other technicians/departments to allocate adequate set-up time and to confirm requirements for stage monitor system set-up and checking
       
Element: Specify stage monitor system
  • Prepare accurate stage layout diagram with proposed placements of all required stage monitor equipment
  • Select appropriate stage monitor loudspeakers or in-ear monitors for each required send (mix)
  • Select appropriate stage monitor loudspeaker or in ear processing and/or amplification, plus cabling
  • Ensure adequate monitoring and communication systems are in place for all relevant personnel
  • Ensure availability of any in-ear or wireless equipment and accessories through liaison with relevant personnel
       
Element: Set-up equipment and prepare for performance
  • Correctly set-up stage monitor console, processing/amplification racks and engineer's monitor, completing all appropriate checks
  • Check that all cables are neatly routed and secured and that all equipment is safely positioned
  • Ensure that there are adequate resources available in the event of equipment breakdown
  • Neatly and correctly label stage monitor console input channel strips, and all processing equipment so that each item is clearly identified as to function and relevant mix
  • Position all stage monitor loudspeakers and neatly run/fix all appropriate cables in accordance with health and safety requirements
  • Cross check final set-up against production requirements
       
Element: Tune, equalise and adjust system for performance
  • Test all components of the stage monitor system, including a complete line check of all inputs, in accordance with health and safety requirements
  • Individually equalise each stage monitor send to avoid run-away feedback at all times and set top gain (level) indication for microphones
  • Cross check all adjacent stage monitor sends to allow for acoustic interference
  • Run complete system up to safe working limit, including while any front of house speaker system is operating, to check adequate performance and mains power availability
       
Element: Liaise with performers on requirements
  • Establish and maintain a positive working relationship with relevant performance personnel
  • Reconfirm production requirements with each relevant performer and check that set-up meets individual requirements in relation to quality, balance and mix sound levels
  • Promptly identify malfunctions and rectify appropriately
       
Element: Prepare sound mixing console for operation
  • Liaise with relevant personnel and/or read production documents to interpret and confirm the sound requirements so that technical and creative requirements are met
  • Ensure adequate worklights or console illumination and check light spill
       
Element: Operate console during production
  • Observe occupational health and safety requirements for operating the sound mixing console
  • Operate faders to produce a level appropriate to the required sound and check each send (mix) in regular rotation
  • Make appropriate adjustments to equalisers to produce an appropriate tonal quality
  • Monitor sources and outputs both aurally and visually to meet with accepted safety standards and production requirements
  • Promptly identify and appropriately troubleshoot any problems on stage
  • Where required, allow audio signals to be processed, adding desired effects or other signal processing where necessary
  • Communicate appropriately with relevant personnel, when required, throughout the production
       
Element: Complete work operations
  • Complete all necessary documentation in accordance with organisational procedures and production requirements
  • Ensure that any equipment is handled, cleaned, maintained and stored in accordance with organisational and/or production requirements
  • Ensure that the work environment is clean and restored to its original condition in readiness for the next user
       


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:

ability to plan, set-up and operate a stage monitor system that meets production and performer requirements

knowledge of stage monitoring equipment and the range of issues and challenges associated with operation of the equipment in a live production environment.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

The assessment context must provide for:

practical demonstration of skills through the planning, set-up and operation of stage monitor systems for more than one live production

involvement of, and interaction with, a production team and performers to reflect the collaborative nature of the process

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 foldback quality where the candidate is responsible for set-up and operation

discussion with performers for whom the candidate has set-up and operated stage monitor systems

case studies to assess ability to plan and set-up stage monitor systems for different contexts

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of equipment, set-up procedures and safety issues

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:

industry-current stage monitor equipment

venue where stage monitor system can be set-up and operated.


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

literacy skills sufficient to interpret production documentation, draw diagrams

numeracy skills sufficient to work with measurements and numerical aspects of audio consoles

Required knowledge

types of information required to plan stage monitor system

features of different types of stage monitor systems for different contexts, including different equipment requirements

particular issues and challenges associated with stage monitor systems

safety issues associated with the set-up and installation of stage monitor systems

issues associated with foldback mixing for different applications, e.g. concert, theatre

techniques for equalisation of foldback speakers

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.

Information required to plan stage monitor system may include:

input sources

performance schedule

performance style

stage layout

Requirements for stage monitor system set-up and checking may include:

need for a clear stage

sound check with performers

stage monitor system equalisation with non-essential personnel removed from the stage area

Stage layout diagram would include positioning of:

establishment of adequate balanced lines available from splitter system for stage monitors

monitor speakers

multicore stage box

processing and amplification racks

stage monitor console

In-ear or wireless equipment and accessories may include:

batteries

reverb or external effectors

stands/microphone mounts

Checks to be undertaken when setting up stage monitor system include:

phantom power switches off

position of equalisation controls

re-setting of external processing gear to flat (if EQ)

setting of external effectors or signal enhancers start-up position

setting of send controls

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
Obtain accurate performance and venue information to inform the planning of the stage monitor system 
Correctly interpret documentation to determine system requirements 
Liaise with venue and other technicians/departments to allocate adequate set-up time and to confirm requirements for stage monitor system set-up and checking 
Prepare accurate stage layout diagram with proposed placements of all required stage monitor equipment 
Select appropriate stage monitor loudspeakers or in-ear monitors for each required send (mix) 
Select appropriate stage monitor loudspeaker or in ear processing and/or amplification, plus cabling 
Ensure adequate monitoring and communication systems are in place for all relevant personnel 
Ensure availability of any in-ear or wireless equipment and accessories through liaison with relevant personnel 
Correctly set-up stage monitor console, processing/amplification racks and engineer's monitor, completing all appropriate checks 
Check that all cables are neatly routed and secured and that all equipment is safely positioned 
Ensure that there are adequate resources available in the event of equipment breakdown 
Neatly and correctly label stage monitor console input channel strips, and all processing equipment so that each item is clearly identified as to function and relevant mix 
Position all stage monitor loudspeakers and neatly run/fix all appropriate cables in accordance with health and safety requirements 
Cross check final set-up against production requirements 
Test all components of the stage monitor system, including a complete line check of all inputs, in accordance with health and safety requirements 
Individually equalise each stage monitor send to avoid run-away feedback at all times and set top gain (level) indication for microphones 
Cross check all adjacent stage monitor sends to allow for acoustic interference 
Run complete system up to safe working limit, including while any front of house speaker system is operating, to check adequate performance and mains power availability 
Establish and maintain a positive working relationship with relevant performance personnel 
Reconfirm production requirements with each relevant performer and check that set-up meets individual requirements in relation to quality, balance and mix sound levels 
Promptly identify malfunctions and rectify appropriately 
Liaise with relevant personnel and/or read production documents to interpret and confirm the sound requirements so that technical and creative requirements are met 
Ensure adequate worklights or console illumination and check light spill 
Observe occupational health and safety requirements for operating the sound mixing console 
Operate faders to produce a level appropriate to the required sound and check each send (mix) in regular rotation 
Make appropriate adjustments to equalisers to produce an appropriate tonal quality 
Monitor sources and outputs both aurally and visually to meet with accepted safety standards and production requirements 
Promptly identify and appropriately troubleshoot any problems on stage 
Where required, allow audio signals to be processed, adding desired effects or other signal processing where necessary 
Communicate appropriately with relevant personnel, when required, throughout the production 
Complete all necessary documentation in accordance with organisational procedures and production requirements 
Ensure that any equipment is handled, cleaned, maintained and stored in accordance with organisational and/or production requirements 
Ensure that the work environment is clean and restored to its original condition in readiness for the next user 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CUESOU11B - Set up and operate stage monitor systems
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

CUESOU11B - Set up and operate stage monitor systems

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: