People working as sound technicians apply the skills and knowledge described in this unit. Typically they are responsible for assembling the range of sound effects required during a live performance and ensuring that these are replayed in the correct sequence and required level during performances.

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 unit:

CUESOU07B Apply a general knowledge of audio to work activities.

This unit has linkages to a range of other audio units, and combined assessment and/or training with those units may be appropriate.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Assess source materials

1.1. Liaise with relevant colleagues to determine production needs for replay materials

1.2. Identify sources of materials and ascertain availability

1.3. Prepare an accurate record of material noting source, content and duration required

1.4. Establish any copyright restrictions on source materials and seek clearance for use as required

2. Assemble source materials

2.1. Collect and collate pre-recorded materials and check correct versions and duration

2.2. Liaise with relevant colleagues to determine the most appropriate replay mechanism or platform

2.3. Ascertain hardware and software availability for duplication and recording

3. Duplicate and record materials

3.1. Correctly record voice using a range of devices

3.2. Correctly prepare an Edit Decision List (EDL)

3.3. Use appropriate techniques and equipment to record sources at different source levels

3.4. Use correct techniques and equipment to complete editing of tracks or cues

3.5. Make back-up materials using equipment correctly

4. Test and play materials on cue

4.1. Check final source material against show log

4.2. Correctly prepare replay equipment, sound levels and back-up hardware

4.3. Confirm cues with relevant colleagues

4.4. Play materials on cue

Required skills

literacy skills sufficient to interpret cue documentation and source materials

Required knowledge

optimum recording levels for a range of devices

operating techniques for different recording devices, both digital and analogue

operating techniques for a range of audio equipment to complete a signal chain

safety issues associated with recording material

copyright, moral rights and intellectual property issues and legislation that impacts on the recording and replay of material

techniques for creation and adaptation of cue sheets

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 correctly use equipment to record and edit source materials for use as audio effects in a live production

knowledge of recording and replay devices.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

The assessment context must provide for:

practical demonstration of skills through the recording and editing of sound effects for use in a live production

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 audio materials compiled/edited by the candidate

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of equipment and techniques

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:

source materials

recording and replay devices.

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.

Replay requirements may include:

multi-tracking

music

sound effects

voice overs

Source materials may include:

cassette

CD

live effects

musical instruments

radio and TV broadcasts

voice

Replay mechanisms or platforms may include:

cassette decks

CD player

DAT machine

hard disk recorder

mini disk player

PC

reel-to-reel machines

Unit sector

Media and entertainment production - audio/sound

This unit contains employability skills.