I have a few specific ways that I like things done in my “shop”. These are just a few things that help work be safe, effiecient, and courteous.
Cable
Coil xlr cables beginning with the pins connecter facing AWAY from your body. Keep your coiling hand on the cable at all times, until it’s done.
Coil excess cable onstage. Under the mic stand, or near the speaker. This saves time when things move, and they will move.
Don’t wrap mic cables around the stand. Mic cables should fall loosely from the mic, over the boom pivot T-knob, and coil or pass beneath the stand. Usually avoid the clips supplied with stands, except if needed to make things extra neat.
Use subsnakes if you have them. Better one cable running for multiple channels than a whole array of mic cables running offstage.
Think neat as you lay cable, but don’t dress or tape cable until after sound check and everything is set.
Load-in, load-out and storage
Store microphone stands with the counterweight up, near the pivot joint, with the stand feet flush with the bottom of the main shaft, like this:
Use wheels to move equipment, especially heavy equipment. Avoid lifting and carrying as much as possible.
Mic clips stay with their mic. It might feel counterintuitive when you’re striking, but this ensures you’ll have the clip you need for each mic.
Move gear in its case, a rack, a bag or a tub. If it is moving, it should have SOME kind of protection.
Lift cables and roll cases under, not the other way around!
Pro Audio Acumen
Patch one-to-one when possible. If you need to cross-patch, only do it at one spot (the patch bay is usually the best spot).
Restore the default system patch and console file (or zero the analog console) after the show.
For temporary labels on consoles, cables, and other gear, use 1/2” artist’s tape and a Sharpie. Remove all labels after the show. Use a label maker for permanent/long term labeling, keep things small. Case labels can be bigger. Do not use duct tape or masking tape for labels!
Safety
Don’t walk backwards onstage. Don’t fall off the stage, or trip over things.
Push cases by the edge nearest you, not the sides, especially through doors
