SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Check sound source quality 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
114529  Check sound source quality 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Music Industry 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 02 - Culture and Arts Music 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The purpose of the learning for this unit standard is that learners are able to ensure sound source quality. This includes making the correct cable connections, as well as assessing sound source and signal flow (and rectifying where required). 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Learners should have attained the outcomes of NQF Level 3 outcomes regarding mathematics, literacy, computers and music in the Further Education and Training (FET) Band, before embarking on learning towards this Unit Standard (since this Unit Standard builds on these competencies). Life Skills level 2 is recommended. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
The range of this unit standard is reflected in the Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Identify and select cables and connectors for facilitating signal flow. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Cables are identified and selected correctly to accommodate specified equipment 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Specified connectors are identified to match specified equipment 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Matching connectors are used to facilitate signal flow 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Length of cables are adequate for specified application to ensure connection 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Selected connectors facilitate signal flow 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Selected cables facilitate signal flow 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Patch bays and connection points ensure signal flow 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Quality of cables and connectors are assessed by trouble shooting 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Assemble components and check lines for signal flow. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Specified components were assembled and checked to ensure signal flow, and in a way that is safe for both people and equipment 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Signal levels are detected to ensure signal flow 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Power supplies are connected to earth to ensure there is no power interference 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Voltages are SA standard (220v) to ensure compatibility of components 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Balanced and unbalanced lines match to ensure signal flow 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Identify, select and setup equipment for signal flow. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Equipment is identified and selected from specifications or manuals 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Specified equipment is set up to ensure signal flow and in a way that is safe for people and equipment 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. MIDI din 5 pin connectors were identified and selected to ensure signal flow 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. XLR connectors were identified and selected to ensure signal flow 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Stereo and mono connectors are identified and selected to ensure signal flow 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Signal flow is detected on relevant meters to confirm signal flow and level 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Measurement meters and parameter controls are utilised to ensure a recording level 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. All connections have matching connectors to ensure compatibility 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Equipment has adequate air flow to prevent overheating and damage to equipment 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Perform line level and microphone checks to monitor sound quality. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Signal flow disturbances are identified, traced and rectified to optimise sound quality 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Monitor signals are in phase to eliminate/minimise phasing problems 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Phantom power is applied to specific microphones to ensure signal flow 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Readings on line levels are high enough to facilitate recording 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Line input signals are clean to ensure quality signal flow 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Gain levels are adjusted when required to ensure adequate signal level 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Perform line level and microphone checks are performed through troubleshooting 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
Repair signal flow disturbances. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Repair tools are selected and used correctly, appropriately and safely 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Faulty cables and connectors are detected and repaired to ensure signal flow 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. XLR, RCA and jack plugs are wired to relevant hot, cold and sleeve points to ensure signal flow 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Soldering tasks are performed and tested to ensure signal flow 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Soldering joints are neat and clean to ensure solid connections 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. No hum is detected signifying the absence of interference 


UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Assessment of learner achievements takes place at providers accredited by a relevant ETQA (RSA, 1998b) for the provision of programs that result in the outcomes specified for this unit standard.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with a relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with a relevant ETQA.
  • The relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures will oversee moderation of assessment and is responsible for moderation of learner achievements of learners who meet the requirements of this unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Credited learners understand and can explain:
  • Sound engineering concepts, equipment types, specifications and terminology
  • Basic electronic principles
  • Installation, maintenance and care of equipment, materials and tools
  • The relevant safety regulations imposed
  • First Aid - Level 3
  • Ear anatomy, physiology and protection
  • Sound principles (vibrations, amplitude etc) 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems by performing line level and microphone checks, to monitor sound quality, troubleshooting tasks are performed and distortions are remedied. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others in a team when setting up specified equipment for signal flow. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Employ self-management when performing line level and microphone checks to monitor sound quality, demonstrating that signal flow is identified, troubleshooting tasks are performed and distortions are remedied. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Manage information when checking sound source quality. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively when assembling components and checking lines for signal flow. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate basic technological competence in order to ensure sound source quality. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Understand contextual world-systems when attempting to remedy signal flow disturbances and using technology. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  67462   Further Education and Training Certificate: Music Industry: Sound Technology  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  61450   Further Education and Training Certificate: Film and Television Production Operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MICTS 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. BLC Entertainment 
    2. Epitome Villa (Pty)Ltd 
    3. EYETHU NATIONAL COMPUTER COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    4. Facilitation Development (PTY) LTD 
    5. FILM Mentorship & Training SA 
    6. Greater Tzaneen Community Foundation 
    7. HILLCROSS BUSINESS SCHOOL (PTY 
    8. Information Technology Resource Centre 
    9. K Boneng Consulting Services P 
    10. OL Afrika Media 
    11. Peo Entle HIV Wellness Management and Youth Skills Development NPO 
    12. Posh Multimedia 
    13. Q-NOTE DIGITAL MUSIC ACADEMY 
    14. Together Lifestyle Resort Pty Ltd 
    15. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 
    16. VUTHLARI MARKETING CONSULTING 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.