Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to interpret artistic and technical production requirements for music, and to operate professional audio equipment for mixing music in the music, screen, media and entertainment industries.
It applies to individuals who work in a studio environment and create quality sound for conventional audio formats to produce the final mix of a musical production.
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. Prepare for mixing music in a studio | 1.1 Review production documentation and confirm mixing requirements with relevant people 1.2 Set up audio equipment according to operational and production requirements 1.3 Anticipate problems that could arise during mixing and plan accordingly |
2. Undertake pre-mixing operations | 2.1 Check all inputs and outputs for continuity and adjust as required 2.2 Establish an effective workflow for mixing music 2.3 Label all track and channel paths 2.4 Complete audio check and document changes according to organisational requirements 2.5 Discuss audio issues with relevant people and adjust mix as required |
3. Mix music and audio sources | 3.1 Manage signal control to achieve a balanced sound mix 3.2 Apply effects and adjustments according to production requirements 3.3 Monitor signal and sound pressure levels and adjust to meet production requirements 3.4 Identify and resolve problems with minimal disruption to session |
4. Finalise mix | 4.1 Undertake final mix and create a master according to production requirements 4.2 Save and archive audio data 4.3 Complete session documentation as required and distribute to relevant people 4.4 Evaluate own performance and note areas for improvement |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
confirm requirements for mixing music using documentation and discussion with relevant people
set up a recording environment to meet production requirements
complete a music mix, monitoring and adjusting inputs and outputs as required
create final production master and associated files and documentation in appropriate format.
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 information normally found in production documentation
explain the techniques used for mixing sound
list and describe commonly used sound mixing equipment
explain the issues and challenges that typically arise when mixing sound and how to address them
identify conventional formats for a final production master.
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:
sound equipment
environments where sound is recorded
relevant production documentation
source material for mixing
interaction with others.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
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, 1.2, 2.1, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1 | Comprehends and interprets textual information from multiple sources |
Writing | 2.3, 2.4, 4.3 | Completes documentation in required format Creates clear and accurate labels |
Oral Communication | 1.1, 2.5 | Uses appropriate technical language to explain to relevant people relating to audio issues in the mix and session outcomes |
Navigate the world of work | 2.4 | Follows organisational policies and practices |
Interact with others | 1.1, 2.5 | Follows accepted communication practices and protocols |
Get work done | 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.2, 2.4, 3.1-3.4, 4.1-4.3 | Plans and sequences tasks and workload to meet production requirements Analyses issues and uses problem-solving techniques to address them Uses digital equipment to complete work tasks |
Sectors
Media and entertainment production – audio/sound