Overview 

This standard involves recording audio, both on location using portable recording devices, and in studios. It is about testing and checking equipment, and recording audio from a variety of sources.

This standard applies to all those who record audio on location or in a studio in the radio and audio industries

 

Performance Criteria 

You must be able to: 

  1. test equipment carefully to ensure it is working correctly
  2. select appropriate microphones for given conditions or allow for the particular characteristics of individual microphones when recording
  3. check recording levels and monitor inputs to ensure that the audio volume is appropriate
  4. record audio on to the appropriate medium and format
  5. be selective in what is recorded, taking account of the amount of original recorded material likely to be used in the final product
  6. ensure you have sufficient audio material for the editing process taking into account any issues arising during the recording
  7. assess a location for its suitability, and if necessary make provision to minimize the problems of intrusive or unexpected noise
  8. identify any defects in the sound, failures in the system, or mechanical breakdowns, remedy where possible or seek assistance
  9. name and label audio materials according to protocols, and save and store them securely
  10. ensure that your actions do not present a safety hazard to others
  11. complete the recording within specified timescales

 

Knowledge and understanding 

You need to know and understand: 

 

  1. the basic principles of sound and acoustics
  2. microphone types and their characteristics
  3. the key constraints in recording audio
  4. the operating characteristics of portable digital recorders and studio recording equipment and the limitations of the equipment at your disposal
  5. the difference between automatic and manual level control and their implications in different situations
  6. how to test and check equipment
  7. how to identify problems with recording equipment, and what to do to rectify them
  8. the acoustic characteristics of any studio or location to be used
  9. the problems associated with wind noise, unexpected sounds and ambient noise on location
  10. the considerations involved in recording audio from different sources such as interviews, live performance, actuality or atmosphere
  11. the implications of recording material to be edited or recording for as-live transmission
  12. the type and variety of material you need to record to facilitate editing
  13. the relevant protocols for labelling and storing audio material
  14. the timescale and deadlines for the recording