CUASOU404
Manage wireless audio operations


Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to specify, fit and operate radio microphones and in-ear wireless monitors for performers in the screen, media, entertainment and events industries.

Individuals who apply these skills work autonomously in a team environment as they take responsibility for managing frequency spectrum and overseeing the use of a range of wireless audio equipment during productions. They may also be responsible for supervising others.

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


Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance Criteria

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

1. Prepare for wireless audio operations

1.1 In consultation with relevant personnel and with reference to production documentation, identify factors that impact on the operation of wireless audio equipment

1.2 Assess both technical and performance factors to establish the most appropriate approach to using wireless audio equipment according to regulatory requirements

1.3 Identify wireless frequencies in use within range, including security and building services users

1.4 Identify wireless instrument and in-ear monitor frequencies that could be used by performers and musicians associated with performances

1.5 Plot proposed and currently used frequencies onto suitable plot and compare with legal and available frequencies

1.6 Allocate frequencies to people or departments as required

1.7 Prepare a suitable spreadsheet or plot where multiple use of the same frequency for different performers or segments is required

1.8 Document wireless audio equipment requirements prior to productions to ensure easy interpretation by others

1.9 Ensure availability of equipment and accessories according to production requirements

2. Set up wireless equipment

2.1 Establish suitable location for equipment and technician work area in consultation with relevant personnel

2.2 Run audio lines from wireless equipment to stage box or patch point and make connections according to plot

2.3 Run standby microphone cables as required, and have wired and wireless standby equipment on hand

2.4 Establish backup channels with appropriate personnel, and put in place other appropriate contingency management measures

3. Fit wireless audio equipment

3.1 Make appropriate checks on wireless audio equipment prior to fitting to ensure equipment is correctly labelled, in working order and fully charged

3.2 Check that frequency setting on microphones and transmitters is matched and complete appropriate tuning

3.3 Identify the most appropriate position for equipment based on performance and technical issues

3.4 Use appropriate attachment techniques to fit radio microphones and transmitter packs to performers

3.5 Follow appropriate protocols with performers during the fitting process

3.6 Clearly explain technical operation issues to performers

3.7 Check and adapt gain structure to meet production requirements

4. Monitor wireless audio equipment systems

4.1 Set wireless audio equipment so that signal is received by sound desks

4.2 Ask performers to test equipment to ensure it is working correctly, and then crosscheck

4.3 Monitor wireless systems throughout productions, identify problems promptly, and take appropriate action to rectify

5. Complete work operations

5.1 Retrieve wireless equipment from performers at performance end

5.2 Clean and arrange or store wireless equipment in readiness for the next user or performance

5.3 In consultation with relevant personnel, evaluate effectiveness of wireless operations and note areas for future improvement

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

fit wireless equipment to a number of performers in line with production requirements

apply knowledge of the regulatory and technical issues that affect the use of wireless audio technology to work activities

determine the best way of using wireless audio technology to meet production requirements

work collaboratively with performers and others involved in productions.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided for each of the above points at least once.


Evidence of Knowledge

To complete the unit requirements the individual must:

describe performance factors that impact on the use of wireless audio technology

explain how to use different types of wireless audio equipment in a range of production contexts

explain how common frequencies used with wireless audio equipment may be reserved or affected by local television or radio transmitters

explain the features of a range of antennae

describe ways in which radio equipment can be fitted to people

describe protocols for dealing with performers while fitting wireless audio equipment

explain Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) requirements for allocating frequencies for wireless audio equipment

explain the frequency spacing required for adjacent wireless channels, and how to establish a number of practical and available channels at a given location

describe safety requirements for the use of wireless audio equipment

discuss how to address issues and challenges that typically arise when managing wireless audio operations.


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:

radio microphones, in-ear monitors, transmitters and receivers

a venue where a production requiring wireless audio technology can be held.

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, 1.5

Obtains information from a range of written sources

Writing

1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 5.3

Prepares and updates workplace documentation

Documents outcomes of evaluations

Oral communication

1.1, 1.2, 1.9, 2.1, 2.4, 3.1, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.2, 5.1, 5.3

Obtains information by listening and questioning

Uses clear language to contribute information and express requirements

Discusses ideas and solutions in relation to audio operations

Numeracy

1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6

Allocates frequencies for wireless audio equipment

Navigate the world of work

1.2, 1.8, 3.1, 3.5, 4.3, 5.2, 5.3

Follows workplace protocols and safety procedures

Meets work deadlines

Demonstrates a commitment to improving own work performance through contributing to evaluations of wireless operations

Interact with others

1.1, 1.2, 1.9, 2.1, 2.4, 3.1, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.2, 5.1, 5.3

Works collaboratively to determine requirements and complete tasks

Respects people’s privacy when fitting radio microphones and in-ear wireless monitors

Get the work done

1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2

Adopts a methodical and logical approach to managing wireless audio operations

Assesses information about wireless audio technology and devises the most effective way to meet wireless audio requirements

Plans for contingencies

Recognises and takes responsibility for addressing predictable, and some less predictable, problems that arise in audio operations

Applies knowledge of wireless audio concepts and principles to the set-up and operation of radio microphones and transmitter packs

Uses standard word processing and spreadsheet applications to prepare production documentation


Sectors

Media and entertainment production - audio/sound