Unit 3 - Live Sound
Level: 1 and 2
Unit type: Optional specialist
Guided learning hours: 30
Assessment type: Internal
Unit Introduction
Live sound is the heart of the music industry. The sound engineer’s role is key to its success and is a rewarding and challenging career path. This unit offers you the opportunity to learn about live sound and carry out the role of a live sound engineer. As a sound engineer, you must be able to manage the technical requirements for an entire concert, such as festivals, concerts, shows, gigs, school events, charity fundraisers, open air events, theatre and small venue events. You will begin by considering the sound requirements of the venue. You must ensure that there is sufficient amplification for the audience to enjoy the performance without exceeding safe sound limits. You must organise and direct sound checks and you must know how to use and operate equipment safely without causing injury to yourself or others.
During performances you will mix sound signals together from a variety of sources in real time to give the audience a balanced sound. Many of the tasks in live sound are the same as in a recording studio, but you must be aware that the environment is likely to change and the mix will need constant reviewing and adjustment. The sound engineer must be able to adapt and respond to technical problems in performance and ensure that minimal disruption to the event occurs.
Finally, you will de-rig at the end of the show and ensure that all equipment is checked and stored safely. You will be the first to arrive and the last to leave as the success of a live music event relies heavily on a skilled and attentive sound engineer.
Learning aims
In this unit you will:
- Plan for a live music event.
- Demonstrate understanding of health and safety.
- Set up and use live music systems.
Click here for the full success criteria.
Click here to see what evidence you will need to have in your portfolio [link to ‘Assessment evidence.pdf’ file]
Assignment 1
Scenario
You have been asked to plan and execute the sound for the school summer concert.
Whilst liaising with the director of music and, as part of your preparations, you will need to produce a list of organisational tasks and an assessment of all technical requirements, including schedules, stage plans and a risk assessment. Your preparation will include meetings with crew and performers to work through your risk assessment, the schedule for the evening and the individual performer’s requirements.
You will now be responsible for the safe rigging and de-rigging of the sound system for the summer concert and ensuring suitable FOH and monitor mixes for each performance.
Evidence you must produce for this task:
- Job descriptions, equipment lists, stage plans and schedules.
- Health and safety course evidence and risk assessment.
- Video evidence of set up.
- Annotated photographs.
- Video and audio recordings of sound checks/performances.
- Teacher observations/interviews
Task 1
- Create a list of roles and responsibilities for the technical sound crew.
- Create an inventory of sound equipment needed based on the set list for the concert.
- Design a stage plan showing the positions and types of equipment and which channels they will route through to the main mixing desk.
- Design a schedule for the set-up, sound check and de-rig of the sound system.
For this part of the assignment you will need in your portfolio folder:
- A list of job roles.
- An equipment inventory.
- A stage plan.
- Sound check schedule.
Task 2
You will need to carry out set-up and operation of the sound system safely whilst being aware of the associated health and safety issues:
- Complete the introduction to manual handling course.
- Complete the introduction to on-stage electrical safety course.
- Create a risk assessment for the concert and for the set-up and de-rig of the sound system.
For this part of the assignment you will need in your portfolio folder:
- Completed Manual Handling Test.
- Completed Electrical Safety Quiz.
- A Risk Assessment for the concert and set-up.
Manual Handling is all about how to move loads safely as you will need to do when setting up and de-rigging sound equipment for an event.
- Health and Safety leaflet on Manual Handling.
- Manual Handling Quiz that you need to complete and include in your portfolio.
Electrical safety is important when dealing with sound equipment when setting up and when using equipment on stage.
- Article about on-stage electrical safety.
- Visual safety checks that you will be required to carry out when setting up.
- What to do in the event of an electric shock.
- Electrical Safety Quiz that you need to complete and include in your portfolio.
Finally you will need to think through all the possible risks that are involved in setting up/de-rigging and running a concert. You will need to complete a Risk Assessment which outlines what the risks are and what procedures are in place to minimize each hazard.
Task 3
- Set up the system to be used for the summer concert correctly and safely, testing that both FOH and monitor mixes are functioning effectively.
- Perform basic safety checks, for example securing cables with tape where necessary and ensuring that public access is limited.
- Work methodically and professionally, keeping a record of initial levels and settings.
- You will produce FOH and monitor mixes for each performer for the summer concert, using all systems correctly and safely.
- You monitor and review the live mixes throughout each performance and adhere to maximum allowed sound pressure levels.
- You are responsible for both the quality of sound, and the safe de-rigging of the system after the concert.
You will need to be able to use the mixer to get a good balanced sound for each concert item.
During the Sound Check you will work out the levels (volume) for each instrument/microphone that gives you the best balance.
Keep a record of the different settings for each concert item using a Track Sheet. During the concert you can use this sheet to create a balanced mix before each item starts.
Click here for an example Track Sheet.