Line Check

What Is a Line Check?

A line check is a basic test to make sure signal is making it from inputs on stage to the mixing board. No sound is required to do a line check and it is often done with the output of the mixing console muted.

A line check is handy for making sure that all the equipment is properly connected and routed before doing a full soundcheck.

During a line check, the engineer may need a performer or an assistant to talk into microphones and play instruments. A visual indicator on the mixing console is used to verify that signal is flowing through each input one at a time. The engineer may also adjust the input gain knobs on the channels at this time to make sure that there is a healthy amount of signal coming through.

The engineer is not trying to do any mixing here. They are just making sure everything is connected and that they are getting a healthy level of signal from all inputs.

What Is the Difference Between Line Check and Soundcheck

A soundcheck is when the band plays on stage. The engineer works with them to get the right sound. They adjust levels, EQ, and effects. This takes time, sometimes an hour or more.

A line check is much shorter. It might take five to ten minutes. The band may not even be on stage. The engineer just tests the equipment.

Sometimes a venue skips the full soundcheck. They only do a line check. This is common for short sets or quick turnarounds.