CUSSOU11A: Operate sound mixing console
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to operate a sound mixing console/desk and to monitor sound quality within required technical and artistic parameters for a production in the cultural industries.
Prepare sound mixing console for operation
- Liaise with relevant personnel and/or read production documents to interpret and confirm the sound requirements so that technical and creative requirements are met
- Match interfaces between source and destination according to level, impedance, phase and frequency
- Route test signals to the correct signal path and check that level of test signal is correct to meet production requirements
- Check that sound mixing equipment is operational according to safety requirements and organisational procedures
- Provide phantom power at microphone sockets, where necessary, and check that the phasing of all microphones is correct, according to production requirements
Operate console during production
- Observe OHS requirements for operating the sound mixing console
- Provide amplification from microphones and other sources as required to meet sound production requirements
- Operate faders to produce a level appropriate to the required sound
- Adjust equalisers to produce an appropriate tonal quality
- Operate sound controls to produce perspective, acoustic, dynamic range appropriate to production requirements
- Implement computerised or manual fader systems appropriately
- Interpret and evaluate relevant documentation and take appropriate action as required
Monitor technical quality during production
- Monitor the level of sources and mix and balance them so that relative loudness of sources in the output is within the required technical limits, and satisfies the creative requirements
- Monitor sources and outputs both aurally and visually to meet with accepted safety standards and production requirements
- Where required, allow audio signals to be processed, adding desired effects or other signal processing where necessary
- Monitor phantom power supply to ensure that microphones are operational at all times
- Provide communication facilities with relevant personnel, when required, throughout the production
Complete work operations
- Complete all necessary documentation in accordance with organisational procedures and production requirements
- Finalise operations in accordance with OHS requirements
- Ensure that any equipment is handled, cleaned, maintained and stored in accordance with organisational and/or production requirements
- Ensure that the work environment is clean and restored to its original condition in readiness for the next user
