Pre-show line check (short checklist)

Before doors. Takes 10-20 minutes for a small band.

Before anyone plays

• Load the right show/scene on the console.
• Mains and monitors on, at a low level. Faders down.
• Phantom power (48V) on only for condenser mics and active DIs that need it.
• Every channel is named and patched to the right input.

Line check (one input at a time)

• Have someone tap or speak into each mic, or play each DI. Check the signal arrives on the right channel.
• Set gain so the loudest part peaks well below clip, with headroom left. Watch the meter, not the fader.
• Listen in headphones (solo/PAFL) for hum, buzz, crackle or a dead cable. Swap the cable first.
• Check the HPF is on where the card says, and the gate isn't cutting off soft playing.

Monitors

• Each wedge or in-ear gets the right mix. Ask the player, don't guess.
• Ring out vocal mics at show volume: bring the level up slowly, and cut any ringing note with a narrow EQ.

Effects and outputs

• Reverb/delay sends reach the FX and the FX returns are up in the main mix.
• Check playback: play a few seconds from every device that feeds the console (tracks, videos, walk-in music) and check the level, left and right, and that it only goes where it should.
• Check any stream or recording feed.
• Mute or pull down everything not used in the first song.

Last step

• Save the scene once it sounds right.
• Walk the room for 30 seconds with a song playing. Fix anything that booms or disappears.

Tick the boxes as you go (they reset when you reload the page). Print checklist

Terms you don't know? See the glossary.