The Live Events Dictionary / Audio

A line check verifies that audio sources reach the expected inputs and signal paths. A soundcheck adds the performers, their material and the work of adjusting the audience mix and monitor mixes. A channel producing signal is one useful result; it does not establish that the whole performance sounds right.

For a tour manager, the first task is to confirm which session the schedule actually provides. For the audio team, the detail depends on the production and equipment.

Ask what “check” means on this date

• Will the performers be onstage, or is this an equipment check before arrival?

• Which inputs, playback sources and monitor paths need to be checked?

• Is the system shared with other acts, and what changes after the check?

• Who needs to attend, and when must they be ready to play?

• Is there time for the full ensemble, or only a short line check during changeover?

Sound On Sound distinguishes testing microphones and DI boxes from the broader soundcheck. Yamaha’s live-mixing course then places soundcheck after subjects such as gain structure, EQ, dynamics and effects. Those are technical tasks for the audio team, not a checklist a manager should improvise at the console.

A fictional readiness note

“16:00 line check complete. Keyboard left/right and lead vocal reach the expected channels. Full band soundcheck scheduled 16:15. Drummer’s monitor request still open; monitor engineer to confirm before the band leaves stage.”

This note is more useful than “audio checked.” It identifies what passed, what has not happened and who owns the open item. After a microphone, input patch or playback device changes, tell the engineer rather than assuming the earlier check still covers it.

Choose representative material

Agree a short passage that exercises the actual show: lead and backing vocals, the loudest instrument combinations, quiet sections and any special playback. Prepare instruments and files beforehand so the scheduled session is spent checking the performance rather than locating adapters or finishing arrangements.

If the set includes an unusual instrument or guest vocal, put it on the input list even when it appears in only one song. The least-used source can still create a show-stopping surprise.

Leave with a clear status

Record unresolved items and the next check time. Do not report “soundcheck complete” while a critical source or performer remains untested. Once the audience arrives, the room and stage conditions can change; the engineer still needs to respond during the show.

Next: input lists, technical riders and changeovers.

References

Sound On Sound: Effective Soundchecking; Yamaha: How to Mix Live Music. The status note is a fictional example.