Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to mix music that has been recorded live or in a studio. It involves balancing all instrumentals, vocals and recorded/imported sounds, and adding effects.
It applies to individuals who work with clients and colleagues to mix down existing multi-track recordings to formats ready for mastering.
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 music mix | 1.1 Consult with relevant people to clarify mixing requirements with reference to documentation from recording sessions 1.2 Allocate sufficient time to complete the mix and organise required facilities and equipment 1.3 Anticipate problems that may arise during the mixing process, and plan accordingly |
2. Mix music elements | 2.1 Confirm that headphones and studio monitors are set at appropriate levels 2.2 Follow work health and safety (WHS) procedures and use safe work practices when using sound mixing software and equipment 2.3 Balance instruments and vocals 2.4 Apply appropriate effects to enhance the music mix 2.5 Apply understanding of music genre mix styles to enhance the sound of the mix 2.6 Consider client preferences when determining how the mix should sound 2.7 Remove unwanted sound from each recorded track in the mix 2.8 Seek feedback on draft mix from relevant people, and adjust as required |
3. Finalise mixing operations | 3.1 Save and deliver final mix in the required format for mastering 3.2 Complete relevant documentation on the final mix, and confirm adequate information is provided for mastering and other relevant people 3.3 Confirm work environment is cleaned after use and restored to pre-mixing condition 3.4 Evaluate own performance, and note areas for improvement |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
mix a range of existing multi-track recordings to formats ready for mastering, in collaboration with colleagues and clients
use the features of a range of industry current sound mixing software and equipment in line with industry standards
balance instruments, vocals and recorded/imported sounds
incorporate appropriate effects into the final mix.
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 main techniques and methods of mixing music
outline mixing conventions for different music genres and explain techniques used to balance instruments and vocals
list and describe effects that can be used to enhance a music mix
briefly outline the operational principles for the available sound mixing software and equipment
describe the issues and challenges that typically arise in the context of mixing music, and how to address them
explain work health and safety considerations for mixing sound.
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 mixing software and equipment
work environments where sound is mixed
relevant recording documentation
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 | Interprets textual information from recording sessions to determine requirements |
Writing | 3.2, 3.4 | Legibly completes relevant reports and documentation, using clear and technically specific language |
Oral Communication | 2.3, 2.6, 2.8 | Listens for relevant information from clients, using appropriate questioning methods Uses listening skills to determine appropriate levels of balance between instruments |
Numeracy | 1.2, 1.3 | Uses formal and informal mathematical practices to plan and schedule work tasks to meet deadlines Applies numeracy skills to determine appropriate sound pressure levels for operating equipment |
Oral Communication | 1.1, 1.2, 2.6 | Clearly articulates mixing process requirements, using language appropriate to audience and environment, and participates in a verbal exchange of ideas/solutions |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1, 2.2, 3.3 | Follows required safety procedures Follows organisational protocols and procedures to achieve work outcomes |
Interact with others | 2.6, 2.8 | Collaborates with others to achieve joint production outcomes |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.3, 2.1-2.8, | Plans and prioritises a range of complex tasks, including contingencies to achieve goals efficiently Uses initiative to address problems with equipment or in creative processes Reviews feedback to make improvements in the creative process Uses digital equipment to mix and store sound |
Sectors
Media and entertainment production – audio/sound