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: 

Master sound recordings 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
114527  Master sound recordings 
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 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
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
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 this unit standard is to enable learners to:
  • Identify sound mastering processes and techniques
  • Monitor environments
  • Select post -production procedures
  • Record sound for commercial release, referencing, broadcasting and CD duplication
  • Produce a master sound recording

    The unit standard contributes to the competence of those learners who want to pursue a career in Sound Engineering, and contribute to greater levels of competence, and thus productivity and quality in the Music Industry. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The following competencies are assumed for a learner embarking on the unit standard:
  • Communication and Literacy, NQF Level 4
  • Mathematics, NQF Level 4 
    		•

    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 sound recording and manufacturing processes for a master sound recording. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Recording are identified, accurately. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Necessary editing requirements are identified, accurately. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    An Pre Master is created which is optimal for the purpose. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    CD manufacturing process is identified which is optimal for the purpose. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify and select analogue mastering formats for a master sound recording. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A analogue mastering format is chosen which is suited to the requirement. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    An analogue tape speed for mastering is selected which is optimal for the application. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Analogue generation loss is identified to optimise potential for achieving the required sound. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Magnetic tape dropouts is identified and tape hiss eliminated to optimise required sound. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Identify and select digital mastering formats and monitoring environment. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Identify and select digital mastering formats and monitoring environment for a master sound recording. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A digital mastering format is chosen which is suited to the requirement. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Digital headrooms, resolution and sample rates are identified to assess impact on required sound. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A monitoring system is utilised which is sonicly neutral. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Reference music and test tones are used to assess the environment`s impact on required sound. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Identify and select digital audio workstation for a master sound recording. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A digital audio workstation is selected which is suited to the application. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Digital enhancement is performed to optimise potential for achieving the required sound. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A master equalisation curve is created which is optimal for the purpose. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A digital playlist is created according to set requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Prepare and create DAT master recording. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Digital dynamic ranges are identified which is optimal for the application. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Digital editing is performed for optimal compliance to sound requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Peak levels maintained and set for optimal compliance to sound requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Digital ID points are set to requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Digital time codes are maintained for optimal compliance to sound requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Prepare and create analogue tape master recording. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Tape recording speeds are selected to be the highest. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tape leadering and splicing techniques performed to ensure optimal sound quality. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Calibration tones have been recorded and tested to assess potential final quality. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Noise reduction procedures have been used to optimise sound quality. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Analogue master is handled, transported and stored correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    A safety copy or back-up is made for security purposes. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Prepare and create CD master recording. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A mastering format is chosen which is suited to the purpose. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    CD manufacturing standards are identified and complied with to ensure quality master recording. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The international standards for recording codes are adhered to (ISRC) to ensure quality master recording. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    CD is analysed and tested to assess quality of master. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The E32 count and bler rate test is conducted to assess quality of master. 


    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:
  • Mastering formats and procedures
  • CD manufacturing standards (red and orange book)
  • International standard recording codes
  • Copy management and piracy policies 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems when preparing CD master recording. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others when mastering sound recordings in general. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Employ self management when selecting mastering formats. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Manage information when creating masters. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively when mastering sound recordings in general. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Demonstrate scientific and technological competence when mastering sound recordings in general. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Understand Contextual world -systems when selecting a monitoring environment. 

    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  48671   National Certificate: Music Industry: Sound Technology  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  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. Facilitation Development (PTY) LTD 
    2. Jeppe College of Commerce and 
    3. Metanoia Ratings PTY LTD 
    4. Q-NOTE DIGITAL MUSIC ACADEMY 
    5. 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.