Compose audio material using software instruments and samples

​This standard is about composing audio material using software instruments and samples on digital audio workstations (DAWs).  Material might be music or other outputs and needs to be composed so that it meets the requirements of the brief.

This includes identifying when to use software instruments and when to use samples, operating software instruments to compose material, identifying and accessing samples, mixing down, synchronising, editing and balancing material and backing up and transporting files.

This standard is for recording engineers and programmers who compose material using software instruments and samples.

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1. confirm that equipment and software are set up, configured and working as required
2. identify aspects of material that can be created using software instruments and when the use of samples would improve outputs
3. use menus, functions and features of software in line with software developers' instructions
4. use software instruments to compose required material
5. identify samples that meet the requirements of the brief
6. obtain samples with correct copyright clearances
7. mix down and synchronise material from software instruments and samples to produce a cohesive output
8. edit material to meet time and quality requirements
9. make adjustments to achieve the required sound quality
10. produce a balanced stereo mix of composed material
11. compose material that complies with performance protocols and meets the requirements of the brief
12. use appropriate storage media to backup and transport files
13. work in line with health and safety requirements for safe listening at all times

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1. how to set up equipment and software instruments including headphones, monitor systems, MIDI sequencers, audio connectors
2. the capacities of the software and hardware involved
3. how equipment, instruments and technology can enhance own music making and improve creative outcomes 
4. the characteristics and capabilities of any  instruments or voices that will perform the music
5. the styles and musical forms and conventions in performance or composition of chosen genre
6. how to use relevant composing techniques effectively
7. how to use appropriate elements of musical organisation in own work
8. how to use appropriate composition and performance protocols relevant to area of specialisation
9. how to recognise intervals, chords, scales and chord progressions commonly used in selected styles 
10. how to operate software instruments for required processes including composing, recording, play back, synthesising, sequencing, synchronising, controlling multiple channels simultaneously
11. sources of samples and procedures for complying with the copyright requirements for their use
12. how software instruments and samples work alongside each other and the implications and considerations of using each
13. how to use critical listening skills to identify required adjustments  
14. the content of the project brief
15. omputerised file structures and computer network storage systems
16. the reasons for data backup policies
17. how to  use storage media to secure data
18. health and safety  principles of safe listening, including safeguards against hearing loss

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2

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2024

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Current

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Original

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Creative & Cultural Skills

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CCSMT7

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Recording Engineers, Recording Producers, Mix Engineers, Assistant Engineers , Programmers , Composers, Tape Ops, Writers , Re-mixers

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3417

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Compose, Audio material; Software instruments; Sound quality; Sound; Music; Sound Recording; Music Technology;

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