People working as sound technicians apply the skills and knowledge described in this unit. They are responsible for interpreting audio production requirements and participating in technical run-throughs prior to operating professional audio equipment during a live performance or event.

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

CUSSOU303A Set up and disassemble audio equipment

CUESOU04C Mix live audio.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Participate in technical or creative run-through

1.1. Liaise with relevant personnel and accurately interpret documentation to determine audio requirements

1.2. Position and prepare equipment in accordance with requirements

1.3. Plot and run through cues on direction from relevant colleagues and in accordance with equipment, sequencing, timing and speed requirements

1.4. Implement appropriate changes to audio operation and document in accordance with organisational procedures

1.5. Communicate appropriate technical information to performers/presenters

2. Prepare for audio operation

2.1. Power up equipment at the appropriate time and check to ensure correct functioning

2.2. Complete audio check and implement and document any adjustments in accordance with organisational procedures

2.3. Promptly identify, rectify and/or refer any equipment faults/problems to the relevant personnel as required

3. Operate audio equipment

3.1. Execute all audio cues in accordance with the running sheet, directions from colleagues and performance requirements

3.2. Promptly identify the need for change during the performance and modify cues as required to cater for unexpected events and to minimise negative impact on the performance

3.3. Operate console to produce the required technical level and tonal balances

3.4. Adjust equalisation for required tonal balance

3.5. Balance signal levels appropriately

3.6. Maintain overall audio level within the requirements of the venue

3.7. Play back audio effects at the required level through the appropriate speakers

3.8. Monitor equipment for correct operation throughout the performance and identify and action any problems appropriately

4. Complete post-performance procedures

4.1. Safely power down equipment at the appropriate time in accordance with manufacturer instructions and organisational procedures

4.2. Identify and complete necessary equipment adjustments, including maintenance and re-setting where appropriate in preparation for the next performance

4.3. Make accurate changes to documentation and process in accordance with organisational procedures

Required skills

numeracy skills sufficient to complete required calculations for audio operation

literacy skills sufficient to interpret audio production documentation and make modifications to documentation

Required knowledge

features, formats and meaning of audio production documentation and plans, including cue sheets and audio plans

features and operating procedures of audio mixing consoles, amplifiers, speakers and equalisers

knowledge of varied characteristics of sound in a range of environments

use of sound shaping effects

knowledge of types of signal distortions that occur in amplifiers

techniques for amplifying music to suit varying live environment conditions

typical faults and problems that may occur in a live audio environment and ways of addressing these

relevant organisational and legislative occupational health and safety requirements, in particular in relation to working with electricity and safe noise levels

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:

correct and safe operation of professional audio equipment to meet production requirements

knowledge of relevant audio equipment and operating procedures

effective communication with colleagues during the production.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

The assessment context must provide for:

practical demonstration of skills through the operation of audio for more than one live production

involvement of and interaction with a production team to reflect the collaborative nature of the 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 audio aspects of a production for which the candidate is responsible

direct observation of the candidate operating audio equipment during a production

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of equipment and operating procedures

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:

a range of audio equipment and material as identified in the Range Statement

venue location for the staging of a production/event.

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.

Relevant personnel may include:

designer

director

stage manager

other technical staff

Documentation may include:

audio plots

design, director's and sound specifications

manufacturer specifications

occupational health and safety requirements

organisation standards

performers' requirements

production and venue requirements

production schedule

stage plans

text requirement

Audio equipment to be operated must include:

amplifiers

audio input sources

equaliser

mixing console

speakers

Audio equipment to be operated may include:

DAT machine

DVD

mini disc

sequencer/sampler

tape machines

turntables

Unit sector

Media and entertainment production - audio/sound

This unit contains employability skills.