CUASOU309
Restore audio tracks


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to perform restoration work on recorded audio tracks.

It applies to individuals who restore fragile and archival audio tracks in film, television, radio, audio post-production and archival environments.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Clarify scope of restoration project

1.1 Interpret documentation and confirm restoration requirements with relevant people

1.2 Locate source material for restoration and confirm that it is the most original and best quality recording with relevant people

1.3 Evaluate condition of source material and discuss its fitness for playback or restoration with relevant people

2. Prepare source material for digital transfer

2.1 Repair and clean source material in preparation for playback as required

2.2 Select audio playback and recording equipment to provide the most authentic audio reproduction, taking into account fragility of the source material

2.3 Set playback paths and recording settings to generate a flat, transparent and (where possible) uncompressed file

2.4 Set audio levels to achieve maximum fidelity

3. Make digital recording of source material

3.1 Create digital recording of source material in line with restoration requirements

3.2 Monitor recording and mark sections that contain audio artefacts or damage

3.3 Record from other sources if sections of original version are missing or heavily damaged

4. Apply restoration techniques to audio tracks

4.1 Select the most appropriate restoration equipment and tools

4.2 Apply manual restoration techniques to the most audible artefacts and faults

4.3 Use automated restoration processes to de-noise audio tracks as required

4.4 Seek feedback on restoration work from relevant people, and make adjustments as necessary

5. Make a copy of restored audio tracks

5.1 Apply post-production processes, including signal and noise processing, to restored audio track as required

5.2 Create master copy of restored audio track in the required format, taking into account its intended end use

5.3 Deliver master copy to relevant people in line with restoration requirements

5.4 Complete required documentation in line with restoration requirements and enterprise procedures

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

interpret restoration documentation and requirements, in consultation with others

identify and remove unwanted audio artefacts and repair damage

create a digital recording of source material

use appropriate equipment to restore digital recording to meet restoration requirements

apply correct post-production processes to restored audio tracks.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.


Evidence of Knowledge

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

describe the methods used to evaluate the condition of audio tracks

describe the different types of playback and recording equipment used in audio restoration work

explain the manual restoration techniques used to remove audio artefacts

explain the automated restoration processes used to de-noise audio tracks

describe the restoration equipment and tools used in audio restoration work

explain the issues and challenges that typically arise when restoring fragile and archival audio tracks, and how to address them.


Assessment Conditions

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:

audio tracks

audio playback and recording equipment

audio restoration equipment and tools

restoration documentation.


Foundation Skills

This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.

Skill

Performance

Criteria

Description

Reading

1.1, 2.4, 3.1, 5.3, 5.4

Interprets textual information from relevant sources to identify technical requirements and adherence to procedures and standards

Writing

5.4

Uses relevant language to complete workplace documentation

Oral Communication

1.1-1.3, 3.2, 4.4

Clearly articulates requirements using relevant language suitable to team members, and employs listening and questioning techniques to confirm understanding

Derives meaning from listening to audio playback, making suitable adjustments to audio file

Navigate the world of work

5.4

Follows enterprise policies and procedures

Interact with others

1.1-1.3, 4.4

Works collaboratively to identify and complete task requirements

Get the work done

1.1, 1.2, 2.2-2.4, 3.1-3.3, 4.1-4.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4

Plans and sequences tasks to complete objectives

Identifies issues and analyses information to solve problems and aid in decision making

Evaluates feedback to determine solutions and improvements

Uses digital tools to complete required tasks


Sectors

Media and entertainment production – audio/sound