Tips for Live Sound Production

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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