Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to operate sound reinforcement systems for live performances.
It applies to individuals whose main role is to monitor and maintain sound quality through front-of-house sound reinforcement systems during live performances.
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 sound reinforcement operations | 1.1 Confirm production requirements with relevant people 1.2 Confirm audio equipment has been correctly installed and tested according to manufacturer instructions and work health and safety (WHS) guidelines 1.3 Confirm adequate standby facilities are accessible in the event of equipment malfunction 1.4 Prepare for playback of pre-recorded material as required 1.5 Listen critically to sound system and adjust as necessary to take account of venue acoustics 1.6 Conduct final sound check in line with production requirements |
2. Monitor sound reinforcement system | 2.1 Confirm that sound quality and balance meet production requirements 2.2 Monitor sound levels to ensure they do not exceed safe noise levels 2.3 Identify and rectify equipment malfunctions with minimum disruption to sound quality 2.4 Communicate appropriately with relevant people throughout the performance |
3. Complete work operations | 3.1 Complete documentation in line with production requirements 3.2 Assist with the disassembly of audio equipment as required 3.3 Seek feedback from relevant people on own performance, and note areas for improvement |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
test and operate a range of sound reinforcement systems and audio equipment in line with work health and safety (WHS) procedures, production requirements and industry standards
monitor and maintain sound quality for at least three live performances
communicate appropriately with personnel before and during live performances
follow procedures for completing documentation and disassembling equipment at the conclusion of performances.
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:
explain the basic principles and practices of sound reinforcement
explain the basic principles of acoustics
explain the main techniques for installing and testing audio equipment
explain the operational principles for a range of sound reinforcement systems
explain the issues and challenges that typically arise when operating sound reinforcement systems for live performances, and how to address them
outline the work health and safety (WHS) procedures that relate to the operation of sound reinforcement systems and audio equipment, including:
safe manual handling techniques
working safely with electricity and noise
safeguards against hearing loss.
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 reinforcement systems and audio equipment
live performance venues
relevant production documentation.
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 |
Learning | 3.3 | Applies feedback from peers to inform own performance as audio engineer, identifying areas for improvement |
Reading | 1.2, 3.1 | Recognises and interprets textual and diagrammatic information from relevant sources to determine artistic, technical and equipment requirements |
Writing | 3.1, 3.3 | Prepares workplace documentation that communicates information clearly and effectively |
Oral Communication | 1.5, 1.6, 2.1, 2.4 | Uses listening and questioning skills to confirm understanding of requirements Listens to the audio output, responding to and adjusting the tonal balance |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1-1.3, 1.6, 2.2, 3.1 | Follows organisational policies and procedures, including work health and safety requirements Appreciates the implications of legal and regulatory responsibilities related to sound levels, and works within the guidelines |
Interact with others | 1.1, 1.2, 2.4, 3.3 | Collaborates and cooperates with others to achieve required outcomes |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.6, 2.1-2.4, 3.1, 3.2 | Plans, organises and completes work according to requirements Identifies and addresses problems directly related to own role, seeking advice when required Evaluates outcomes to identify opportunities for improvement |
Sectors
Media and entertainment production – audio/sound