I have a few specific ways that I like things done in my “shop”. I’ve found these approaches keep people safe, save time during setup and strike, increase efficiency, make sound check easier, keep gear functioning well, reduce stress and frustration with misplaced things, exhibit professionalism, extend professional courtesy to co-workers and the people who use the space and equipment next.
Onstage
Coil excess cable under the mic stand, or near the speaker (such as monitor wedges). This saves time if something needs to move, and things WILL need to move!
Mic cables should fall loosely from the mic, and coil or pass beneath the stand. If you’d like, you can loosely loop the cable over a knob on the stand. Don’t wrap cables around the boom or stand.
Use subsnakes onstage to reduce mic cable run length and keep the stage tidy
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 if you can to move equipment, especially heavy equipment. Avoid lifting and carrying as much as possible.
Microphone clips stay with their microphone! It might feel counterintuitive when you’re striking, but this keeps clips from getting damaged in moving/storage, and most importantly, ensures you’ll always have the right clip for a mic.
If a piece of gear is moving, it should be in its case, a rack, a bag or a tub. If it is moving, it should have SOME kind of protection.
Lift cables over heavy rolling cases, not the other way around!
Pro Audio Acumen
For analog equipment, clear/zero the mixer/console and any outboard gear. Return the knobs, faders, switches and input and output patch to the neutral state when the show is completed.
Patch one-to-one whenever possible. If needed, cross-patch at only one point, onstage or at console.
Return the patch room patch to it’s neutral or normaled state when show is completed.
Keep labels neat on consoles, outboard gear, cases, etc. by using a label maker, or artist’s tape (1/2” is my favorite) and Sharpie. White gaff or spike tape if you’re in a pinch. Keep labels small, and please do not use duct tape or masking tape!
Remove all labels when the show/run/session is complete!