• CUSSOU303A - Set up and disassemble audio equipment

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

CUSSOU303A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Set up and disassemble audio equipment

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency CUSSOU303A - Set up and disassemble audio equipment
Description This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to install and disassemble sound equipment in a range of facilities.The National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work applies to persons performing dogging and rigging work. Completion of the following units is required for certification at either basic, intermediate or advanced levels.CPCCLDG3001A Licence to perform doggingCPCCLRG3001A Licence to perform rigging basic levelCPCCLRG3002A Licence to perform rigging intermediate levelCPCCLRG4001A Licence to perform rigging advanced level.Sets and staging for some performances or events may fall within the definition of construction work. If so, people entering a construction site are required to complete the general induction training program specified by the National Code of Practice for Induction Training for Construction Work (Australian Safety Compensation Council, May 2007).Achievement of the unit CPCCOHS1001A Work safely in the construction industry fulfils this requirement.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application People working as audio stagehands and sound technicians apply the skills and knowledge described in this unit. They are responsible for setting up, testing and disassembling audio equipment, such as microphones, sound systems and mixing consoles for a range of productions in the live entertainment, events and broadcasting industries.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. Skills associated with operating audio equipment are covered in:CUSSOU302A Record and mix a basic music demo.
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: Prepare for installation of audio equipment
  • In consultation with relevant personnel confirm sound equipment requirements, referring to production documentation as required
  • Together with relevant personnel, assess the acoustic properties of installation area to ensure that equipment and accessories are appropriate
  • Calculate power requirements and identify power locations and patching requirements
  • Communicate special requirements to relevant personnel so that they can be organised in a timely fashion
       
Element: Install audio equipment
  • Safely and neatly secure and label cabling so that it is clear of moving elements
  • Set up power distribution
  • Position microphones, mountings, microphone accessories and cabling
  • As required, ensure that lapel microphones fitted to personnel meet technical performance standards
  • Provide phantom power at microphone inputs as required
  • Perform all installation work with due regard to mechanical and electrical safety considerations
  • Connect effects rack to mixer as required
       
Element: Align audio equipment
  • Match interfaces between source and destination according to level, impedance, phase and frequency
  • Route test signals to the correct signal path
  • Check that the level of test signal is correct for production requirements
  • Check systems for potential feedback frequency problems and make adjustments as required
       
Element: Test audio equipment
  • Check all microphone lines for continuity and patching
  • Test microphones to ensure that they are functioning correctly to produce the required sound
  • Fit microphones to relevant personnel to perform sound cues as required
  • Patch, test and tune sound system to suit facility
  • Conduct sound check and document adjustments according to organisational procedures
  • Inform relevant personnel of problems that arise during testing so that they can be rectified in a timely fashion
       
Element: Disassemble audio equipment
  • Disassemble equipment safely, giving due consideration to other production requirements
  • Ensure that all equipment and accessories are packed and stored according to safety regulations and production requirements
  • Check hired equipment against inventory before packing and report lost or damaged equipment to the appropriate personnel
  • Pack sound equipment for transit as required
  • Clean work environment after use and restore environment to previous condition
  • Seek feedback from relevant personnel on own work performance and note areas for 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.

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:

install and disassemble audio equipment on at least three occasions

interpret sound plans

test equipment in line with production requirements

work cooperatively in a team environment

apply OHS procedures, particularly in relation to working with electrical equipment and safe manual handling.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to a range of industry-current equipment as listed in the range statement

access to venues in which to install audio equipment

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:

case studies and questioning to assess candidate's understanding of OHS requirements

observation and/or video recordings of the candidate installing, testing and disassembling audio equipment

written or oral questioning to test knowledge of basic principles and techniques of installing and testing audio equipment.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

CUESOU01C Repair and maintain audio equipment

CUFIND301A Work effectively in the screen and media industries

CUSIND301A Work effectively in the music industry

CUSOHS301A Follow occupational health and safety procedures

CUSSOU301A Provide sound reinforcement

CUSSOU302A Record and mix a basic music demo.


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

communication, literacy and teamwork skills sufficient to:

interpret and clarify written and verbal instructions

make verbal fault reports to appropriate personnel

interpret block diagrams of equipment and system set-ups

read and interpret sound documentation

read manufacturing specifications and installation manuals

work effectively in a team environment

initiative and enterprise skills in the context of applying critical-listening and aural-discrimination skills when setting up audio equipment

numeracy skills sufficient to calculate duration and capacity of recording media

technical skills sufficient to:

set up and disassemble audio equipment for playback, mixing and recording in line with manufacturer's manuals and OHS specifications

run and patch cables neatly and safely

test sound equipment in line with industry standards

planning and self-management skills sufficient to:

prioritise work tasks

meet deadlines

seek expert assistance when problems arise

problem-solving skills sufficient to identify typical faults that may occur in audio-production environments

Required knowledge

basicaudio principles and practice, including:

range of microphones and contexts in which they are used

microphone characteristics, e.g. frequency response, sensitivity and polar patterns

effect of microphone placement on quality of sound

characteristics of sound in a range of environments

signal-to-noise ratio, signal phase and audio level/headroom control

audible defects in analogue and digital technologies

features of mixers, amplifiers, speakers and effects racks

basic principles of acoustics, including:

frequency

pitch

amplitude

loudness

velocity

wavelength

acoustical phase

timbre

sound envelope

basic understanding of psychoacoustic principles, including:

spatial hearing

direct sound

early sound

reverberant sound

room design

techniques for installing, aligning and testing audio equipment, including:

understanding electrical power (e.g. voltage, distribution, phasing, load and circuit breaking)

knowledge of a range of sound equipment and associated operating principles (e.g. level, impedance, phase and frequency)

testing and tagging all electrical fittings in accordance with safety regulations

issues and challenges that typically arise in the context of setting up and disassembling audio equipment

OHS requirements, including:

licensing requirements for persons performing high risk work and entering building sites

safe manual-handling techniques

working safely with electricity and hazardous substances

principles of safe listening, such as safeguards against hearing loss

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.

Relevant personnel may include:

artists, musicians and performers

audio and sound engineers

audio and sound technicians

broadcasters

clients

directors

producers

photographers

post-production personnel

program managers

stage managers

sound designers and editors

sound effects personnel

video and sound recorders.

Sound equipment may include:

amplifiers

sound reinforcement systems, including:

front-of-house

stage foldback

limiters

compressors

effects rack

turntables

analogue to digital converters

cables

compact disc (CD) and digital versatile disc (DVD) players and burners

computer technology and associated software

digital and analogue recording devices:

hard disk recorder, e.g. digital audio workstation (DAW)

digital audiotape recorder, e.g. S-DAT and R-DAT

digital videotape recorder (DVTR)

mini disc recorder (MD)

modular digital multi-track recorder (MDM)

open-reel analogue audiotape recorder

digital audio players, such as:

iPod

MP3

headphones

microphones and accessories

mixing consoles and desks

monitors and speakers

signal processors and plug-ins

sequencers and samplers

musical instruments.

Productions may include:

live music or theatre performance

commercial

print advertisement

corporate video

feature film and/or video

filmed event and/or performance

interactive media product

internet production

electronic game production

music recording and/or video

promotional trailer

radio broadcast

television program

voice-over.

Documentation may include:

house plans

sound plans

line diagrams

installation schedules

artistic requirements

scripts

musical scores

dubbing sheets

technical/equipment manuals

enterprise operating procedures and standards

stage plans

sound plots

design, director's and sound specifications

production and venue requirements

production schedules

OHS requirements and instructions

manufacturer specifications

performers' requirements

fault report sheets.

Installation area may include:

stage

venues

auditorium

hotels

clubs

front of house.

Positioning microphones includes taking account of factors, such as:

ensuring that safety procedures are followed

organisational requirements

production requirements

ensuring optimum sound quality

ensuring that cabling is mechanically sound and does not transmit vibration to microphones.

Microphones may include:

boundary (PZM)

capacitor/condenser, such as:

electret

lavalier

mini microphone

transistor

tube

contact

digital

directional, such as:

single entry port

multiple entry port

multi/poly-directional

dual-element

dynamic, such as:

moving coil

ribbon

headset

lapel

low and/or high impedance

microphone systems, such as:

adaptive array

binaural

high definition

parabolic

surround sound

wireless

cordless

FM

radio transmitter

noise cancelling

shotgun.

Microphone accessories may include:

boom poles, including:

aluminium

carbon fibre

fisher

hand-held

perambulator

remote panner

tripod

cables, including:

balanced

unbalanced

clips

connectors, including:

female

male

XLR

housing

pop filters

shock mounts

stands, including:

desk

floor

gooseneck

windscreens.

Technical performance standards for lapel microphones may include:

ensuring that safety procedures are followed

positioning and connecting aerial optimised pick-up

choosing a transmitter frequency that minimises interference with nearby channels in the frequency band

ensuring that transmitters have appropriate sensitivity

rigging microphone within relevant constraints

ensuring that connection of aerial and related cabling is secure

ensuring that transmitter-receiver location is unobtrusive and comfortable for relevant personnel

ensuring that transmitter-receiver location produces optimum output

ensuring that interaction with relevant personnel is discreet, tactful and causes minimum disruption

ensuring that items that may negatively affect transmission are not present on relevant personnel.

Mechanical safety considerations may include:

observing OHS requirements when installing and checking equipment

checking that the position of microphones, mountings and other recording equipment is safe

using safety chains

laying cabling to avoid potential mechanical danger and to ensure safety.

Electrical safety considerations must include:

following OHS procedures when setting up and checking electrical equipment

checking that mains or generator supply is sufficient for maximum load requirements

ensuring that cables used are correctly rated, including three-phase cable to dimmers

laying cabling so that it does not obstruct the free movement of other equipment or endanger personnel

ensuring that maintenance of cabling and connectors meets OHS requirements

ensuring that all components of sound equipment are connected to the correct voltage supply

ensuring that distribution of electrical loading is within working limits

ensuring that all electrical fittings are tested and tagged in accordance with safety regulations.

Production requirements may include:

purpose and style of production

sound specifications

venue or location requirements

production schedule

organisational policies and procedures

legislative and/or organisational OHS requirements

manufacturer specifications

performers' requirements

resource constraints

length of the run of the production

attributions

audience

budget

confidentiality

content

contractual arrangements

copyright

deadlines

direct quotes

intellectual property

interviews.

Sound cues may be required for:

audience PA

effects

foldback to stage.

Packing sound equipment may involve:

ensuring that containers are suitable for the storage and carriage of the equipment in a safe and secure manner

ensuring that packing of hazardous items complies with current regulations

labelling containers accurately and clearly

checking containers for durability

ensuring documentation for packed equipment is accurate and legible

adhering to strict forward production timelines.

Work environment may include:

dubbing suite

on location, including interior and exterior

outside broadcast

post-production studio

recording studio

sound stage.

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
In consultation with relevant personnel confirm sound equipment requirements, referring to production documentation as required 
Together with relevant personnel, assess the acoustic properties of installation area to ensure that equipment and accessories are appropriate 
Calculate power requirements and identify power locations and patching requirements 
Communicate special requirements to relevant personnel so that they can be organised in a timely fashion 
Safely and neatly secure and label cabling so that it is clear of moving elements 
Set up power distribution 
Position microphones, mountings, microphone accessories and cabling 
As required, ensure that lapel microphones fitted to personnel meet technical performance standards 
Provide phantom power at microphone inputs as required 
Perform all installation work with due regard to mechanical and electrical safety considerations 
Connect effects rack to mixer as required 
Match interfaces between source and destination according to level, impedance, phase and frequency 
Route test signals to the correct signal path 
Check that the level of test signal is correct for production requirements 
Check systems for potential feedback frequency problems and make adjustments as required 
Check all microphone lines for continuity and patching 
Test microphones to ensure that they are functioning correctly to produce the required sound 
Fit microphones to relevant personnel to perform sound cues as required 
Patch, test and tune sound system to suit facility 
Conduct sound check and document adjustments according to organisational procedures 
Inform relevant personnel of problems that arise during testing so that they can be rectified in a timely fashion 
Disassemble equipment safely, giving due consideration to other production requirements 
Ensure that all equipment and accessories are packed and stored according to safety regulations and production requirements 
Check hired equipment against inventory before packing and report lost or damaged equipment to the appropriate personnel 
Pack sound equipment for transit as required 
Clean work environment after use and restore environment to previous condition 
Seek feedback from relevant personnel on own work performance and note areas for improvement 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CUSSOU303A - Set up and disassemble audio equipment
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

CUSSOU303A - Set up and disassemble audio equipment

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: