Record audio content

URN: SKSRACC12
Business Sectors (Suites): Radio and Audio Content Creation
Developed by: ScreenSkills
Approved: 2024

Overview

This standard is about recording audio content, 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 is for those who record audio content on location or in a studio in the radio and audio industries.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. select appropriate microphones for given conditions or allow for the particular characteristics of individual microphones when recording
  2. check recording levels and monitor inputs to ensure that the audio volume is appropriate
  3. record audio on to the appropriate medium and format
  4. be selective in what is recorded, taking account of the amount of original recorded content likely to be used in the final product
  5. ensure you have sufficient audio content for the editing process taking into account any issues arising during the recording
  6. assess a location for its suitability, and if necessary make provision to minimize the problems of intrusive or unexpected noise
  7. identify any defects in the sound, failures in the system, or mechanical breakdowns, remedy where possible or seek assistance
  8. name and label audio content according to protocols, and save and store them securely
  9. ensure that your actions do not present a safety hazard to others
  10. 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 content
  4. the operating characteristics of 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 content to be edited or recording for as-live transmission
  12. the type and variety of content you need to record to facilitate editing
  13. the relevant protocols for labelling and storing audio content
  14. the timescale and deadlines for the recording
  15. health and safety legislation, regulations and organisational requirements

Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

2027

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

ScreenSkills

Original URN

SKSRAC14

Relevant Occupations

Station Manager, Production Coordinator, Studio Manager, Radio Presenter, Technical Producer, Broadcast Assistant, Assistant Producer, Producer, Executive Producer, Drama Producer, Comedy Producer, Documentary Producer, Podcast Producer, Audio Producer

SOC Code


Keywords

record; audio; content; equipment; location; studio; recording equipment;