Pre-Show, During Show, and Post-Show Procedures
A thorough live sound checklist prevents the embarrassing and career-damaging failures that can occur when basic setup or verification steps are forgotten. Professional audio engineers develop systematic approaches to system deployment and operation, catching potential problems before they affect the audience experience. This comprehensive checklist covers the complete lifecycle of a live sound production from initial setup through post-show strike and storage.
Every item on these checklists exists because someone, somewhere, forgot that step and experienced a catastrophic failure at the worst possible moment. Building these procedures into muscle memory through consistent application ensures reliable performance regardless of the production's scale or complexity. The goal is to identify and resolve problems during setup and sound check, leaving the show itself to run smoothly without surprises.
Proper pre-show preparation begins days before the actual event, with equipment staging, system design review, and logistics coordination.
Systematic sound check verifies every aspect of the audio system before the audience arrives. Problems discovered during sound check can be addressed; problems discovered during the show cannot.
Vigilant operation during the performance maintains consistent sound quality and addresses any issues that arise before they become audience-impacting problems.
Proper post-show procedures protect expensive equipment, prepare for future shows, and document lessons learned.
Quick diagnosis of common problems prevents extended downtime during critical moments.
No sound from a channel: Check signal present indicator, swap cables to isolate problem, verify channel isn't muted, test direct out if available, check patchbay connections.
Hum or buzz: Check for ground loops (lift grounds selectively), verify cable shielding, ensure balanced connections throughout, check for proximity to power cables or transformers.
Feedback: Identify which channel is feeding back (usually microphones near monitors), reduce gain on that channel, reposition microphone or monitor, check EQ for resonances, reduce monitor level to that microphone.
Wireless dropouts: Check antenna positioning and connection, verify frequency isn't conflicting with other sources, replace batteries, check for body-blocking of transmitter antenna, verify receiver antenna coverage.
Explore these helpful resources for your audio system: