CUASOU506
Create a final sound balance


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to create a final sound balance for a production.

It applies to individuals who work creatively and collaboratively with sound engineers, sound mixers, sound editors and studio technicians to create a final sound balance for a range of recorded and live productions.

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. Assess sound sources for simultaneous balance

1.1 Assess compatibility of sound sources against requirements in production documentation

1.2 Discuss with relevant people creative options for achieving simultaneous balance

1.3 Propose options for meeting production requirements to relevant people

2. Identify creative and artistic possibilities

2.1 Explore the creative possibilities of sound sources, and agree on best options with relevant people

2.2 Consider requirements in production documentation when developing creative options

2.3 Confirm with relevant people that the position and blend of sound sources meet production requirements

3. Create final sound balance

3.1 Confirm that level of the composite signal is within technical limits and required dynamic range

3.2 Confirm transitions between sound sources meet production requirements

3.3 Adapt and adjust sound balance to meet production requirements

3.4 Confirm sound balance and sound characteristics meet production requirements

3.5 Identify and rectify problems with minimum disruption to production

3.6 Work collaboratively and constructively with relevant people to ensure final sound balance meets requirements

3.7 Listen critically to final sound balance to confirm sound quality meets requirements

3.8 Clean and restore work environment to pre-use condition

4. Evaluate final sound balance

4.1 Evaluate process of creating final sound balance in consultation with relevant people

4.2 Evaluate own role, and note areas for improvement

4.3 Provide feedback to team members on their performance as required

4.4 Document evaluation outcomes according to organisational procedures

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

create final sound balances that meet creative, artistic and production requirements

make adjustments so that sound balance and characteristics are within technical limits

work creatively and collaboratively with others on the creation of sound balances

use a range of industry current sound recording, production and playback equipment in line with production requirements and safety standards.

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 production requirements that may impact ideas and decisions about options for creating sound balance

describe the principles and techniques used to achieve a simultaneous balance

explain the operational principles for available sound recording, production and playback equipment

describe the main techniques for evaluating the process used to create a final sound balance

explain the issues and challenges that typically arise when creating a final sound balance, 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:

sound recording, production and playback equipment

productions that require a final sound balance

production 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

2.2

Interprets textual information from relevant sources to inform work requirements

Writing

1.3, 2.3, 3.4, 4.2-4.4

Completes documentation using clear and technically specific language

Oral Communication

1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.3, 3.3, 3.7, 4.1, 4.3

Uses industry appropriate language to liaise with others throughout the design process, to check understandings and to elicit different viewpoints

Applies appropriate strategies to listen for quality of audio and to make decisions on adjusting input and output

Numeracy

3.1

Calculates capacity of audio equipment to process the input and output of the audio signal

Navigate the world of work

1.1, 1.3, 2.2, 2.3, 3.2-3.4, 3.6-3.8, 4.4

Follows protocols and procedures, including for house-keeping

Interact with others

2.1, 3.6, 4.1

2.3, 4.2

1.3

Collaborates and advises others to achieve joint production outcomes

Get the work done

1.1-1.3, 2.1-2.3, 3.1-3.3, 3.5, 3.8, 4.1, 4.2

Plans and sequences a range of tasks, including contingencies, to achieve goals efficiently

Uses initiative to develop new and innovative approaches

Uses problem-solving skills to anticipate and address issues

Evaluates products to assess own role, to provide feedback and to make improvements in the creative process


Sectors

Media and entertainment production – audio/sound