CUESOU04C
Mix live audio

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to mix audio for live performance. As such it builds on other units dealing with the set-up and operation of audio equipment. Skills in mixing audio are developed over an extended period. This unit defines a minimum standard for the mixing of live audio.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application

People working as sound technicians apply the skills and knowledge described in this unit. Typically they are responsible for the front-of-house mix which involves creating quality sound for an audience. The skills and knowledge associated with managing the foldback mix for performers on stage are covered in:

CUESOU11B Set up and operate stage monitor systems.

The work often involves long or irregular hours and can be physically demanding. The ability to work cooperatively as part of a production team is essential.

It is strongly recommended that this unit be assessed with or after the following units:

CUESOU07B Apply a general knowledge of audio to work activities

CUESOU10B Operate wireless audio equipment

CUSSOU303A Set up and disassemble audio equipment

CUESOU03C Operate professional audio equipment.

This unit also has linkages to other audio units and combined assessment and/or training with those units may be appropriate, e.g.:

CUESOU11B Set up and operate stage monitor systems.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Tune and balance audio equipment

Power up equipment and check to ensure it is in working order

Match interfaces between audio and destination in accordance with level, impedance, phase and frequency

Route signals to correct signal path

Operate faders to produce an audio level in accordance with production requirements

Operate audio controls in accordance with acoustic and dynamic requirements

Promptly identify faults and problems and take appropriate action to rectify or report to relevant personnel

Complete audio check, implement any required adjustments and document accurately in accordance with organisational requirements

2. Mix audio sources

Mix audio to produce the required audio level and tonal balance in accordance with production requirements

Monitor signal paths throughout the performance

Select effects in accordance with production requirements

Adjust equalisation for required tonal balance

Adjust relative fader levels in accordance with the musical context

Balance signal levels appropriately

Produce transitions between sound signals that are technically accurate and produce the required effect

Ensure that the level of the composite signal is within technical limits and the desired dynamic range

Maintain overall audio level in accordance with venue requirements and safe noise levels

Required Skills

Required skills

communicating skills sufficient to liaise with other stage technicians

planning and organising skills tomanage and monitor the mix during performance

numeracy skills sufficient to set gain structure

problems solving skills in the context of identifying and responding to need for adjustments to mix during performance

technology skills tooperate a mixing console

Required knowledge

console types and features, both small and large FOH consoles, analogue and digital, and their mixing capabilities

matrix and main outputs of consoles and their use

typical mixing requirements for different types of performance, e.g. theatre, music concert

techniques for adding sub-mixers and properly patching into system

overview of VCA masters, and use of them

overview of working with automation, and working with snapshot automation and cue delivery

overview of the use SMPTE and/or MIDI to fire cues and automation

dynamic automation factors sufficient to understand processing limitations and interface required for timed (dynamic) automation and crossfades

overview of contemporary audio effectors and DSP effects

overview of signal processing options and their applications, including use of signal processing as a tool for troubleshooting and creative uses for effects and signal processing

Evidence Required

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:

ability to use the range of console features to mix audio which meets the requirements of a production

knowledge of specific techniques for mixing audio in different environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

The assessment context must provide for:

practical demonstration of skills through the mixing of audio for more that one live performance/production

involvement of and interaction with a production team to reflect the collaborative nature of the production process

use of industry-current equipment.

Method of assessment

Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:

evaluation of the mix at a live event where the candidate is responsible for mixing audio

case studies to assess ability to adapt mix to different production environments

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of mixing techniques and equipment features

review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment of this unit requires access to:

industry-current audio mixing consoles

venue in which audio can be mixed for a live event.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Equipment operated to mix audio must include:

a range of microphones

amplifier

equaliser

loudspeakers

mixing consoles

signal processor (effects units)

Relevant personnel may include:

designer

director

performers

stage manager

other technical staff

Effects may include:

compression

distortion

echo

gates

limiters

pitch band

reverberation


Sectors

Unit sector


Competency Field

Media and entertainment production - audio/sound


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.