Sound Engineer (1 years diploma)
Sound Engineer click here
Brief Job Description: Individuals at this job are responsible to record and mix
sound sources to create end-products that meet the quality standards and
requirements of production.
Personal Attributes: This job requires the individual to know how to operate a
range of sound equipment and software. The individual must be well-versed with
the principles of sound and acoustics. The individual must be able to select sound
sources and apply various mixing techniques and treatments to create quality
end-products that meet production requirements.
Description
Acoustics Acoustics is the science of sound production, creation of effects and their
transmission
Budget Budget is an estimate of the total cost of production that may include a
break-up of cost components
Continuity Continuity represents the seamless transition from one shot to another
Copyright Laws A legal framework linked to intellectual property and the rights given to
creators of original products/ concepts
Creative Brief Creative brief is a document that captures the key questions that serve as
a guide for the production including the vision, objective of the project,
target audience, timelines, budgets, milestones, stakeholders etc.
Target Audience Group of people at whom content/ adverting is aimed. A target audience
is typically defined by age, gender, economic classification, geography and
any other relevant parameters
Timelines Timelines is a listing of dates by which the production milestones/stages
need to be completed
Sector Sector is a conglomeration of different business operations having similar
businesses and interests. It may also be defined as a distinct subset of the
economy whose components share similar characteristics and interests.
Sound concept Sound concept is a description of the overall sound experience for the
production
Sub-sector Sub-sector is derived from a further breakdown based on the
characteristics and interests of its components.
Vertical Vertical may exist within a sub-sector representing different domain areas
or the client industries served by the industry.
Occupation Occupation is a set of job roles, which perform similar/related set of
functions in an industry
Function Function is an activity necessary for achieving the key purpose of the
sector, occupation, or area of work, which can be carried out by a person
or a group of persons. Functions are identified through functional analysis
and form the basis of OS.
Sub-functions Sub-functions are sub-activities essential to fulfill the achieving the
objectives of the function.
Job role Job role defines a unique set of functions that together form a unique
employment opportunity in an organization.
Occupational Standards
(OS)
OS specify the standards of performance an individual must achieve when
carrying out a function in the workplace, together with the knowledge and
understanding they need to meet that standard consistently. Occupational
Standards are applicable both in the Indian and global contexts.
Performance Criteria Performance Criteria are statements that together specify the standard of
performance required when carrying out a task
National Occupational
Standards (NOS)
NOS are Occupational Standards which apply uniquely in the Indian
context.
Qualifications Pack
Code
Qualifications Pack Code is a unique reference code that identifies a
qualifications pack.
Qualifications Pack(QP) Qualifications Pack comprises the set of OS, together with the educational,
training and other criteria required to perform a job role. A Qualifications
Pack is assigned a unique qualification pack code.
Unit Code Unit Code is a unique identifier for an Occupational Standard, which is denoted
Unit Title Unit Title gives a clear overall statement about what the incumbent
should be able to do.
Description Description gives a short summary of the unit content. This would be
helpful to anyone searching on a database to verify that this is the
appropriate OS they are looking for.
Scope Scope is the set of statements specifying the range of variables that an
individual may have to deal with in carrying out the function which have
a critical impact on the quality of performance required.
Knowledge and
Understanding
Knowledge and Understanding are statements which together specify the
technical, generic, professional and organizational specific knowledge that
an individual needs in order to perform to the requiredstandard.
Organizational Context Organizational Context includes the way the organization is structured and
how it operates, including the extent of operative knowledge managers
have of their relevant areas of responsibility.
Technical Knowledge Technical Knowledge is the specific knowledge needed to accomplish
specific designated responsibilities.
Core Skills/Generic
Skills
Core Skills or Generic Skills are a group of skills that are key to learning and
working in today’s world. These skills are typically needed in any work
environment. In the context of the OS, these include communication
related skills that are applicable to most job roles.
Keywords /Terms Description
NOS National Occupational Standard(s)
QP Qualifications Pack
NSQF National Skill Qualifications Framework
NVEQF National Vocational Education Qualifications Framework
NVQF National Vocational Qualifications Framework
Prepare sound equipment
Description This OS unit is about preparing sound equipment prior to recording/ playback to
ensure that they are correctly aligned in accordance to requirements
Scope This unit/task covers the following:
Aligning the sound input and output interfaces
Performance Criteria (PC) w.r.t. the Scope
Element Performance Criteria
Aligning the
sound input and
output interfaces
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC1. understanding the sound requirements of production
PC2. align/synchronize the inputs and output interfaces (including sound levels,
polarity/phase, acoustic impedance, frequency, path, interferences,
troubleshooting, sampling rate, bandwidth) of sound systems to ensure that
the sound signals are sent and received at the correct specifications
PC3. test sound signals for an appropriate duration to ensure that they meet
requirements and are free from disturbances and defects
PC4. respond positively to feedback and changes in creative requirements
Knowledge and Understanding (K)
A. Organizational
Context
(Knowledge of the
company /
organization and
its processes)
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KA1. the acoustics of the performance area and how they affect sound production
requirements (e.g.: the bifurcation of different sound sources)
KA2. the layout and positioning of sound equipment, including the various origin and
destination points
B. Technical Knowledge
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KB1. the principles of sound and acoustics
KB2. how to use and handle various types of sound equipment (input and output
devices)
KB3. how to create a good signal-to-noise ratio, amplifying certain sounds while
limiting ambient noises to a safe and appropriate sound level
KB4. how to align sound equipment to the appropriate polarity, acoustic impedance,
frequency etc.
KB5. how to use audio metering devices to meter, monitor and level sound,
mitigating sound-quality deviations
KB6. how to place output devices such as amplifiers, speakers, headphones etc. in
an optimum way so as to not cause interference with input devices
KB7. how to phone in and out
Reading Skills
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA2. read recording schedules to ensure that the sound equipment is aligned and
ready for recording/play out ahead of timelines
SA3. read user manuals, handling specifications and safety considerations to aid
the correct use and handling of sound equipment
Oral Communication (Listening and Speaking skills)
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA4. discuss the sound requirements and the layout of sound equipment with the
relevant parties and clarify doubts, if any
SA5. discuss handling guidelines and safety considerations with contributors
(artists, commentators, presenters, field journalists etc.)
B. Professional Skills
Plan and Organize
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB1. plan work according to requirements and agreed timelines
SB2. have a methodical, organized approach to work
Problem Solving
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB3. identify potential issues/variations from sound requirements and identify
solutions to be able to resolve/correct them proactively
Decision making
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB4. select the equipment that will be used throughout the duration of the project
Customer Centricity
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB5. check that your own work meets project requirements
Analytical Thinking
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB6. have a keen eye for detail and maintain an aesthetic sense towards the final
output
Critical Thinking
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB7. have precise attention to all the details
Record sound
Description This OS unit is about procedures for preparing and making recordings in a variety of
styles as per the production requirements
Scope This unit/task covers the following:
Monitor the recorder line-up
Make sound recordings
Maintain documentation
Across productions and sound sources such as:
Productions could include sound tracks/bytes/compressed formats,
background scores, interviews, documentaries, live events, news broadcasts,
radio programmer
Sound sources can include live music, songs, interviews, announcements,
dialogues, commentaries etc., pre-recorded sound tracks/clips, phone-ins
Performance Criteria (PC) w.r.t. the Scope
Element Performance Criteria
Monitor the recorder
line-up
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC1. confirm that the recorded line-up meets the standards required of the
production (required frequency response, signal-to-noise ratio, free from
audible defects, maintains the phase relationship of the line-up signals)
PC2. include in the recorded line-up the identifying codes and information for its
correct reproduction
PC3. supply, monitor and check the correct line-up tone at either the camera,
mixer and/or recorder
PC4. assess locations and report to the appropriate person any problems or
potential problems that will prevent the making of an acceptable recording
Make sound
recordings
PC5. provide, or ensure availability of, suitable equipment for any reasonable
audio requirements likely to arise within the expected parameters of the job
PC6. make test recordings, using typical programmer material, which are free
from audible defects
PC7. make sure the recording medium has sufficient capacity for the expected
duration of the recording
PC8. make sure that previously recorded material that may be needed is not
lost or recorded over
PC9. make sure that, when synchronization is required, the recording machine
is correctly referenced, and that it runs stably
PC10. where appropriate control background sound levels to be consistent and
suitable for the subsequent use of the recording
PC11. produce required sound in the desired format, at the required level, and
with the dynamic range appropriate for the recording medium or
technology
PC12. record sufficient sound at the beginning and end of the take to allow a
smooth transition to adjacent material
PC13. make any additional recordings that are required by the editor or sound
editor such as wild tracks of atmosphere, sound effects or dialogue
Maintain
documentation
PC14. produce documentation and labelling which is accurate, legible, up-todate, readily accessible and which meets the requirements of the
production
PC15. identify and log all recording accurately, and in a way that is acceptable
and understandable by subsequent users in editing and post-production
Knowledge and Understanding (K)
A. Organizational
Context
(Knowledge of the
company /
organization and
its processes)
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KA1. the technical and creative requirements of sound as laid down in the sound
concept
KA2. the expected quality standards for the production and formats in which they
need to be stored
KA3. the end-use and likely output devices from which the sound would be heard
KA4. applicable timelines and budget for recording the required sound
B. Technical Knowledge
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KB1. how to assess the acoustic characteristics of the sound stage (interior) or
location (exterior)
KB2. the sources of different types of sound that would be required during
recordings and the estimated cost of procurement and copyrights for
pre- recorded sound tracks (if applicable)
KB3. how to use sound recording equipment, including the correct alignment and
configuration of recording equipment
KB4. how to record sound onto digital audio tape or hard disk recorders
KB5. the operational and technical limitations of the medium being used (e.g.:
the duration/capacity of recording media at the speed or sample rate used)
KB6. the application and principles of ADR and Foley recording (ifapplicable)
KB7. the significance of signal-to-noise ratio, signal phase, and control of audio
level and headroom
KB8. the types of common recording formats and the compatibility of relevant
digital standards/output with different types of playback- and use this to
deliver tracks with the appropriate configurations for editing
KB9. the use of timecodes and/or other logging requirements in relevant
digital and analogue applications
KB10. the proper use and care of commonly used sound recording equipment
Skills (S) (Optional)
A. Core Skills/
Generic Skills
Writing Skills
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA1. prepare notes to use during recording sessions
Reading Skills
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA2. read and understand the sound concept
SA3. read and understand the creative and technical requirements for recording
SA4. read the script and understand the context/emotion that would need to be
expressed through the sound
Oral Communication (Listening and Speaking skills)
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA5. communicate with the sound supervisor, producers or contributors regarding
the sound concept, and any other creative/technical requirements
SA6. discuss the possibilities of creating sound with the given sound sources so as
to conform to the sound concept
SA7. present/solicit feedback on end-products and identify modifications required
B. Professional Skills Plan and Organize
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB1. plan individual work and timelines so as to deliver the end-products required
within timelines and within the designated budget
Problem Solving
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB2. identify problems with successful execution of the task and resolve them in
consultation with the sound supervisor
Critical Thinking
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB3. critically analyses the end-products to ensure they are of the optimum quality
and meet the requirements of post-production
Decision making
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB4. manage decision on suitable course of action to meet creative and technical
project requirements
Customer Centricity
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB5. check that your own work meets customer requirements
Analytical Thinking
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB6. have a keen eye for detail and maintain an aesthetic sense towards the final
output
Mix sound
Description This OS unit is about recording/mixing sound using different sound sources in
accordance to production requirements
Scope This unit/task covers the following:
Tasks:
Work with sound sources
Mix sound during post-production or live recordings to achieve the level, tone
quality, audio image and intelligibility required
Work with contributors and colleagues
Across productions and sound sources such as:
Productions could include sound tracks, background scores, interviews,
documentaries, live events, news broadcasts, radio programmer
Sound sources can include live music, songs, interviews, announcements,
dialogues, commentaries etc., pre-recorded sound tracks/clips, phone-ins
Performance Criteria (PC) w.r.t. the Scope
Element Performance Criteria
Work with
sound sources
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC1. select valid criteria and use reliable methods to assess the sources required
for the final mix
PC2. confirm that sound sources have the desired intelligibility, position and
image in terms of the required sound
PC3. ensure that stereo and multi-channel sound sources have the required
compatibility, where appropriate
PC4. control the level of the composite signal within technical limits and within the
desired dynamic range
Mix Sound during
post-production or live
recordings to achieve
the level, tone quality,
audio image and
intelligibility required
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC5. manipulate sound sources to achieve the level, balance, tonal quality,
perspective and dynamic range appropriate to the required sound
PC6. create the sound mix within production constraints
PC7. create a sound mix which is appropriate to the context in which it will be
heard
PC8. accurately identify and promptly correct any problems in creating the mix,
minimizing disruption to contributors and colleagues
PC9. ensure that tracks and mixes are organized in a way that is suitable for later
use in editing
PC10. ensure that any paperwork is accurate, legible and conforms with
conventions that will be understood by other mixers, sound technicians etc.
Work with
Contributors
and Colleagues
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC11. efficiently communicate with sound or other crew regarding equipment
positioning and requirements
PC12. respond to and interpret suggestions from the contributor, colleagues, client
or production during sound mixing, clarify any ambiguities or
misunderstandings, and take appropriate action
PC13. explain clearly any problems with the sound mix, and offer realistic options
Knowledge and Understanding (K)
A. Organizational
Context
(Knowledge of the
company /
organization and
its processes)
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KA1. the creative and technical requirements of the production/sound concept
KA2. the expected quality standards for the production
KA3. applicable timelines and budget for recording the required sound
B. Technical Knowledge
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KB1. the functional and operating characteristics of commonly used mixing,
ancillary and encoding equipment
KB2. the principles of “storytelling” and the conventions of different genres and
styles of film and programmer-making
KB3. the requirements for dynamic range and intelligibility, and how to achieve
them
KB4. the different kinds of sound treatment and equalization, and how to achieve
them
KB5. the characteristics of tonal quality and perspective, and how to achieve them
KB6. basic principles of pitch, rhythm, melody, harmony and time signatures and
how to apply them
KB7. the characteristics, uses and requirements of mono, stereo and surround
formats, and how to achieve them
KB8. the principles and styles of music and different musical ensembles (orchestra,
string quartet, rock group, jazz quartet, soloist, etc.)
KB9. the context in which the mix will be played, what the end-product will be
used for and the equipment it will be heard through- and how to take this
into account when creating the mix
KB10. the needs of post-production sound and editing, and how the sound will be used
in postproduction
KB11. sound editing/mixing software (e.g.: Adobe Audition, Nuendo, Pyramix) w.r.t.
both their theoretical and practical components
KB12. The applicable copyright norms and intellectual property rights
Skills (S) (Optional)
A. Core Skills/
Generic Skills
Writing Skills
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA1. prepare notes to use during the recording/mixing sessions
Reading Skills
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA2. read and understand the sound concept
SA3. read and understand the creative and technical requirements for recording
SA4. read the script and understand the context/emotion that would need to be
expressed through the sound
Oral Communication (Listening and Speaking skills)
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA5. communicate effectively with the Sound Supervisor, producers or
contributors regarding the sound concept, as well as creative/technical
requirements
SA6. discuss the possibilities of creating sound with the given sound sources so as
to conform to the sound concept
SA7. present and solicit feedback on the end-products and identify modifications
required
B. Professional Skills
Plan and Organize
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB1. plan individual work and timelines so as to deliver the end-products required
within timelines and within the designated budget
Problem Solving
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB2. identify problems with successful execution of the task and resolve them in
consultation with the Sound Supervisor
Critical Thinking
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB3. critically analyze the end-products to ensure they are of the optimum quality
and meet the requirements of post-production
Decision making
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB4. manage decision on suitable course of action to meet creative and technical
project requirements
Critical Thinking
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB5. mix more subtle sounds to enhance mood and feeling
Analytical Thinking
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB6. have a keen eye for detail and maintain an aesthetic sense towards the final
Maintain workplace health and safety
Description This OS unit is about contributing towards maintaining a healthy, safe and secure
working environment
Scope This unit/task covers the following:
understanding the health, safety and security risks prevalent at the workplace
knowing the people responsible for health and safety and the resources available
identifying and reporting risks
complying with procedures in the event of an emergency
Performance Criteria (PC) w.r.t. the Scope
Element Performance Criteria
Understanding the
health, safety and
security risks
prevalent in the
workplace
To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:
PC1. maintain one’s posture and position to minimize fatigue and any risk of injury
PC2. maintain first aid kit and keep oneself updated on the first aid procedures
PC3. identify and document potential risks like sitting postures while using
computer, eye fatigues and other hazards at the workplace
PC4. accurately maintain accident reports
PC5. report health and safety risks/ hazards to the concerned personnel
PC6. participate in organization’s health and safety knowledge sessions and drills
Knowing the people
responsible for health
and safety and the
resources available
PC7. identify the people responsible for health and safety at the workplace,
including those to contact in case of an emergency
PC8. identify security signals e.g. fire alarms and places such as staircases, fire
warden stations, first aid and medical rooms
Identifying and
reporting risks
PC9. identify aspects of your workplace that could cause potential risk to own and
others health and safety
PC10. ensure own personal health and safety, and that of others at the workplace
through precautionary measures
PC11. identify and recommend opportunities for improving health, safety, and
security to the designated person
PC12. report any hazards outside the individual’s authority to the relevant person in
line with organisational procedures and warn other people who may be
affected
PC13. follow organization’s emergency procedures for accidents, fires or any other
natural calamity in case of a hazard
PC14. identify and correct risks like illness, accidents, fires or any other natural
calamity safely and within the limits of individual’s authority
Knowledge and Understanding (K)
A. Organizational
Context
(Knowledge of the
company /
organization and
its processes)
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KA1. organization’s norms and policies relating to health and safety
KA2. government norms and policies regarding health and safety and related
emergency procedures
KA3. limits of authority while dealing with risks/ hazards
KA4. the importance of maintaining high standards of health and safety at a
workplace
B. Technical Knowledge
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand:
KB1. the different types of health and safety hazards in a workplace
KB2. safe working practices for own job role
KB3. evacuation procedures and other arrangements for handling risks
KB4. names and contact numbers of people responsible for health and safety in a
workplace
KB5. how to summon medical assistance and the emergency services, where
necessary
KB6. vendors’ or manufacturers’ instructions for maintaining health and safety
while using equipment’s, systems and/or machines
Skills (S) (Optional)
A. Core Skills/
Generic Skills
Writing Skills
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA1. how to write and provide feedback regarding health and safety to the
concerned people
SA2. how to write and highlight potential risks or report a hazard to the concerned
people
Reading Skills
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA3. read instructions, policies, procedures and norms relating to health and
safety
Oral Communication (Listening and Speaking skills)
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SA4. highlight potential risks and report hazards to the designated people
SA5. listen and communicate information with all anyone concerned or affected
B. Professional Skills Decision making
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB1. make decisions on a suitable course of action or plan
Plan and Organize
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB2. plan and organize people and resources to deal with risks/ hazards that lie
within the scope of one’s individual authority
Problem Solving
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB3. apply problem solving approaches in different situations
Critical Thinking
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB4. understand hazards that fall within the scope of individual authority and
report all hazards that may supersede one’s authority
SB5. apply balanced judgements in different situations
Analytical Thinking
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB6. analyze data and activities
Customer Centricity
The user/individual on the job needs to know and understand how to:
SB7. build and maintain positive and effective relationships with colleges and
customers
