Assistant recording technician

KSBs

Knowledge

K1: Audio equipment set up requirements to meet differing recording specifications and its final application. Back to Duty

K2: How to use software to edit and mix sound. Back to Duty

K3: How to regulate volume levels and the impact on sound quality. Back to Duty

K4: How to minimise unwanted sounds. Back to Duty

K5: Audio dynamics of the studio and how this impacts on the quality of the recording. Back to Duty

K6: What different items of audio equipment are for, their functions and ideal uses, and in what situations they should be deployed. Different types of microphones and the situations in which they could be used to best effect. Back to Duty

K7: How to set up inputs and outputs on the mixing console and its impact on the final sound. To include pre-amp, EQ, pan/mute and fader. Back to Duty

K8: How to mix input sound signals and send them to the outputs (aux sends, subgroups and main mix). Back to Duty

K9: Procedures to identify and diagnose problems with audio equipment and common solutions for their resolution. Back to Duty

K10: When to refer issues with equipment to a technician for repair/maintenance. Back to Duty

K11: Boundaries of responsibility in regard to recording sessions. Back to Duty

K12: How the set-up of the studio is impacted by the type of music/sound being recorded and its final application. Back to Duty

K13: How to identify studio equipment and integrate with client’s own equipment. The set up and operation of recording software and hardware protocols. Back to Duty

K14: Inputs and outputs assignment and how to set these up on equipment. Back to Duty

K15: The protocols for labelling and documenting channels. Back to Duty

K16: Back up procedures for digital sound files and sound library requirements. Back to Duty

K17: How the security of sound files and physical assets on site can be protected. Back to Duty

K18: How credits are assigned and the implications this has upon the recording. Back to Duty

K19: How to collaborate with producers and performers. Back to Duty

K20: How the requirements of different media can vary according to where the sound recording will be used (e.g. tv/film, computer games). Back to Duty

K21: The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Assessing the risks and potential health and safety issues that apply, particularly in relation to ear protection and electrical safety. Back to Duty

K22: The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (CNWR), and the relevant guidance for the music and entertainment sector. Back to Duty

K23: The importance of meeting deadlines during sessions that use several external paid musicians. The need to maintain the momentum of the recording session to minimise costs. Back to Duty

Skills

S1: Establish editor, producer and client requirements. Determines hardware and software needed to achieve the sound specification. Back to Duty

S2: Sets up the studio and equipment to meet sound brief. Takes into account acoustics to produce the best quality outputs tailored to the purpose. Positions microphones, sets up amps and sound levels. Back to Duty

S3: Reviews the effectiveness of the setup and adjusts equipment to achieve the required specification and quality. Back to Duty

S4: Evaluates information and makes recommendations, for different sound requirements. Supports stakeholders preparing for and during the live recording and maintains client relationships. Back to Duty

S5: Sets up and assists with the operation of the mixing console. Balances and adjust sound sources using equalization and audio effects, mixing, reproduction, and reinforcement of sound. Back to Duty

S6: Plans work in a methodical way to ensure the efficiency of the recording session and takes into account competing priorities. Back to Duty

S7: Balance the differing needs required by clients and the priorities of the organisation/ studio. Back to Duty

S8: Manage the security and format of different types of sound files. Back to Duty

S9: Uses problem solving techniques to diagnose equipment faults/issues. Escalates faults/issues when they are outside the levels of their own responsibility. Back to Duty

S10: Implements solutions to address equipment faults in a live environment to ensure the continuing running of the recording session. Considers cost and artist requirements when implementing the solution. Back to Duty

S11: Produce records related to the set-up of the studio and particular equipment for future reference/ continuous improvement and to ensure repeatability. Back to Duty

S12: Log when credits may be due to self or other individuals involved with the recording. Back to Duty

S13: Synchronises audio with other mediums/ productions. Back to Duty

S14: Restore work area and store equipment maintaining equipment integrity and to ensure the condition of the equipment is not compromised Back to Duty

S15: Monitor the maintenance requirements of electrical equipment in line with company procedures. Consider the frequency of checks required, the inspection requirements and testing needed. Back to Duty

S16: Complies with statutory and organisational health & safety regulations and policies. Back to Duty

S17: Supports stakeholders preparing for and during the live recording and maintains client relationships. Back to Duty

S18: Follow protocol to correctly label file names and archive the different mixes and multitrack recordings for easy retrieval. Back to Duty

Behaviours

B1: Champions the importance of adherence to the organisation’s Environmental, Health and Safety management systems. Actively displays and promotes a safety first culture within the organisation. Back to Duty

B2: Operates in a systematic, proactive and transparent way. Back to Duty

B3: Keeps abreast of developments in emerging technologies and actively promotes the use of new technologies to optimise performance. Back to Duty

B4: Takes full responsibility for own professional development, seeking opportunities to enhance knowledge, skills and experience. Back to Duty

B5: Accepts responsibility for their workload with a responsible approach to risk. Demonstrates a high level of motivation and resilience when facing challenge. Back to Duty

B6: Sensitive to the needs of artists. Creates and maintains positive, professional, trusting and ethical working relationships with their team and the wider range of internal, external and connected stakeholders. Back to Duty

B7: Acts professionally with a positive and respectful attitude. Back to Duty