The size of an enterprise or project determines who undertakes the role described in this unit. In a large-scale environment, the person responsible for this task would typically be supervised by an audio asset creator or audio engineer and an audio programmer or interactive media author.

In a radio station, the prime focus of the task involves converting radio programs into podcast material or in a form appropriate to streaming or downloading, and this may be a dedicated role under the supervision of a producer.

In a smaller enterprise or project, an audio programmer, interactive author or audio/sound engineer would absorb this task into their role.

In all cases, they are collaborating closely with other team members.

Skills associated with other aspects of audio/sound production at this level are covered in:

CUSSOU201A Assist with sound recordings

CUFSOU204A Perform basic sound editing.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Identify audio assets

1. Obtain analogue or digital sources of audio

2. Identify the source file formats

3. Identify the output purpose, destination and platform

4. Discuss with relevant personnel the required output file format and audio codecs for specified bandwidths

5. Discuss with relevant personnel the appropriate audio encoding software

Prepare audio assets

6. Open appropriate audio encoding software and load audio file

7. Eliminate or treat defects on sound recordings

8. Equalise sound output levels where necessary

9. Ensure duration of audio sequences meets that required by the specification, and adjust if necessary

10. Determine and apply appropriate audio codecs

11. Batch optimise audio files where possible

12. Save files in appropriate output file format using standard naming conventions

Package audio assets

13. Assign metadata tags if required

14. Group files logically in folder system using standard naming conventions

15. Store in share drive or repository for production team access

Required skills

communication and literacy skills sufficient to interpret and clarify written or verbal instructions

ability to work as a member of a production team, both independently on assignment and under direction

technical skills sufficient to:

use audio software to prepare audio sequences for inclusion in interactive media

manage files using standard naming conventions

apply appropriate metadata tags to describe files

self-management and planning skills sufficient to:

prioritise work tasks

meet deadlines

seek expert assistance when problems arise

Required knowledge

industry knowledge, including:

roles and responsibilities of project team members, e.g. designers, content creators, information architects, programmers and coders

basic understanding of the relationship between the technical and creative aspects and requirements of interactive media projects

features of a range of delivery platforms

basic understanding of what happens when audio files are compressed for inclusion in interactive media products

appropriate codecs for various platforms and destinations

digital audio source and output formats

equalisation techniques

techniques for saving and preparing digital audio output to optimise file size

OHS standards as they relate to working for periods of time on computers

OHS principles of safe listening (including safeguards against hearing loss)

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

preparation of a range of audio sequences to be included in interactive media products that meet appropriate technical specifications

proficient use of audio encoding software.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to industry-current audio encoding software

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required

use of culturally appropriate processes and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance

evaluation of audio assets prepared by the candidate on a number of occasions

written or verbal questioning to test knowledge of codecs for various platforms and understanding of file compression.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

CUFDIG301A Prepare video assets.

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.

Source file formats may include:

WAV

AIFF

AU

MP3

WMA

AAC (Apple lossless)

OGG.

Purposes may include:

audio sequences, e.g.:

SFX (sound effects)

music

foley

atmospherics

dialogue

additional dialogue, e.g. rerecorded and narration

audio sequences incorporated into a:

website

podcast

game

learning object

interactive application

animation.

Destinations may include:

computer-based playback software, e.g. iTunes

downloading server

internet audio players, e.g.:

Quicktime

Windows Media Player

RealPlayer

progressive downloading (buffering) server

streaming server.

Platforms may include:

CD

digital audio players (e.g. iPod, MP3)

DVD

games console

internet

kiosk

mobile phone

PDA (personal digital assistant).

Relevant personnel may include:

audio engineer

clients

producer

programmers and technical support people

supervisor

other specialist creative and administrative personnel as appropriate.

Output file formats include:

AAC (advanced audio coding)

AMR-NB

Apple lossless

MP3

RAM

WMA.

Audio codecs may include:

bit depth

bit sampling rates

mono or stereo

standardised and preset codecs.

Audio encoding software may include:

audio editing tools, e.g.:

Audacity

Adobe Audition

Pro Tools

specialised audio compression tools.

Metadata tags may include:

album

artist

defaults

description

episode

resolution

track

version.

Unit sector

Media and entertainment production - audio/sound

This unit contains employability skills.