CUSSOU24A Edit sound using computerized digital equipment/systems

 

Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to edit sound using digital editing equipment and/or systems for a production in the cultural industries.
 


Elements of Competency and Performance Criteria

National Code Element Name
CUSSOU24A/01 Determine the production requirements
 

·  Research and discuss creative and practical considerations with relevant personnel so as to fulfill production requirements and/or editorial standards 

·  Decide on suitable digital sound editing equipment requirements with the relevant personnel and document all requirements as per organisational guidelines if necessary 

·  Determine the format and materials required for the edit with relevant personnel and document in accordance with production requirements 

·  Obtain or access equipment and accessories as required and ensure consistency with the production requirements before commencement of production 

·  Receive final approval from production stakeholders if required 
CUSSOU24A/02 Plan for digital sound editing
 

·  Ensure that digital audio editing equipment is operational and functioning adequately according to organisational and production requirements 

·  Identify, preview and list all sound sequences to be used in the production according to production requirements 

·  Ensure that all materials are at hand to complete the editing session 

·  Create a digital copy of all original audio tracks to ensure there is a backup should an error in editing occur 

·  Preview the recorded audio and identify edit positions on the edit plan document/production schedule in order to optimize sound 

·  Complete any documentation required to meet the legal, operational or organisational standards 
CUSSOU24A/03 Perform digital sound editing
 

·  Load the source audio into the edit suite disk store system or software ensuring that it is loaded in the appropriate sequence 

·  Perform editing, using functions such as cut, paste, copy, move and fade to enhance the sound recording 

·  Use locators to navigate around the audio file 

·  Ensure that there are no tight or loose edits, sudden changes in ambience, levels or continuity 

·  Apply effects, equalization, normalizing and other digital enhancements as appropriate to enhance the sound 

·  Ensure that an appropriate track list is generated for all tracks 

·  Use the play back controls and playback list to evaluate the production and identify any problems 

·  Manipulate the editing suite/ software to solve any identified problems
CUSSOU24A/04 Evaluate the production, complete documentation and store appropriately
 

·  Evaluate the production with relevant personnel and/or according to production standards and requirements 

·  Ensure that the edited audio file is transferred from the disk store of the online editing system to a data recorder or disk for archiving 

·  Complete all appropriate documentation in line with organisational standards and to meet production/broadcast requirements
CUSSOU24A/05 Decommission the editing facility
 

·  Report to relevant personnel and document any equipment that is damaged and that requires maintenance 

·  Leave the work site in the original or improved condition, ensuring that there has been no adverse impact on the site

 
 

Range Statement

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance. The following variables may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the trainee, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts. If bold italicised text is shown in Performance Criteria, details of the text are provided in the Range Statement.

Types of productions and programs for which sound may be edited may include:
·  music programs

·  music video

·  advertisements/commercials/promotional trailers

·  other television programs and broadcasts for example: education and training programs
·  films and documentaries such as: feature films, animated productions, short films, commercial,

·  filmed events or performances, and other live or pre-recorded television productions
·  radio documentaries and features, such as pre recorded radio programs or pre-recorded program segments, interviews, current affairs and news segments

Equipment, accessories and materials may include:
·  digital and analogue recording devices

·  mixers

·  microphones

·  radio microphones

·  amplifiers

·  speakers

·  mixing console/desk analogue, digital, digitally controlled analogue (hybrid)

·  effects rack

·  tape machines

·  CD's

·  mini discs

·  DVDs

·  turntables

·  CD player/burner

·  sequence sampler

·  DAT (digital audio tape)

·  mini disc

·  reel to reel tape recorder

·  hard disc recorder

·  digital non linear (online) editing systems

·  linear (off line) editing systems

Source material may include:
·  voice recordings/dialogue

·  additional dialogue/voiceovers

·  FX (effects)

·  music

·  atmosphere

·  foley

Relevant personnel may include:
·  producers

·  directors

·  artists

·  editors

·  program managers

·  broadcasters

·  performers

·  other technical staff

·  other specialist staff

·  director of photography

·  assistant editor

·  picture editing personnel

·  sound editing personnel

·  sound effects personnel

·  editing suite personnel

·  laboratory personnel

·  floor manager

·  production designer
·  designers

Factors to be considered in optimizing the sound may include:
·  music balance

·  distortion

·  sudden changes of level, balance of background music

·  out of balance track levels

·  consistency of voice levels, natural pausation

·  continuity of background ambience in location recordings

·  editorial requirements

Legal, operational or organisational standards may include:
·  studio bookings

·  any line bookings or approvals required to access the digital editing system

·  copyright or releases required

·  storage of files etc

Sound edit may include:
·  initial edit of sound rushes

·  edit of source and recorded materials

·  edit of rough and fine cuts

·  integration of the picture (image) editing process to ensure sound and picture are in sync
 


Evidence Guide

The Evidence Guide describes the underpinning knowledge and skills that must be demonstrated to prove competence. It is essential for assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines of the relevant Training Package.

Underpinning knowledge and skills:

Assessment must include evidence of essential knowledge of, and skills in, the following areas requirements may vary according to the medium eg film, video, radio or music):
·  knowledge of principles and practice of sound editing

·  sound editing conventions

·  history, aesthetics and theory of soundtrack/ sound editing

·  equipment and technical knowledge

·  understanding of spatial imaging and special effects

·  knowledge of functions/operations of sound mixing consoles

·  connecting sound equipment

·  knowledge of, and ability to operate, signal processing and effects devices

·  knowledge of acoustics

·  knowledge of varied characteristics of sound in a range of environments

·  manipulating input signals and gain structure using monitoring and metering functions, equalisers, filters, compressors/expanders, faders and auxiliaries

·  knowledge of relevant organisational and/or legislative occupational health and safety requirements, in particular safe noise levels

·  knowledge of types of signal distortions that occur in amplifiers

·  amplifying music to suit varying live environment conditions

·  microphones, consoles, signal flow and acoustics appropriate to the enterprise

·  reading and interpreting sound documentation and plans

·  identifying typical faults that may occur in audio production environments

·  knowledge of computer technology

·  relevant editorial skills

Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit:

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:
·  critical listening and aural discrimination

·  use of a range of editing equipment

·  knowledge of editing and audio terminology.

Relationships to other units:

This unit has strong linkages to the following units and combined training delivery and/or assessment is recommended:
CUSSOU07A Edit sound using analogue systems

CUSSOU09A Mix sound sources

CUFPOP14A Produce a pre-recorded program segment

CUSSOU03A Transfer sound

Method and context of assessment

Assessment may take place on the job, off the job or a mix of both of these. Off the job assessment must be undertaken in a simulated workplace environment.

Assessment methods must include observation of a practical demonstration. Direct observation may need to occur on more than one occasion to establish consistency of performance. Methods to assess the application of essential underpinning knowledge might include:
·  work samples or simulated workplace activities

·  oral questioning/interview

·  projects/reports/logbooks

·  third party reports and authenticated prior achievements

·  portfolios of evidence

·  listening exercises using recordings as a basis for discussion of editing methods, strategies and outcomes.

Specific resource requirements:

Assessment requires access to a range of up to date equipment listed in the range of variables statement.

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