Soundcheck

What Is Soundcheck?

Soundcheck is a test of the sound equipment before a show. Performers do the soundcheck on the actual performance stage shortly before the event.

Typically, performers are assisted by one or more sound engineers to make sure everything is functioning and sounding good.

In a dedicated music venue like a theatre, you can expect to have a thorough soundcheck before doors open for the show. For a club show, you might be checking sound while the club is open with audience members already in the space.

Sometimes there may only be a quick line check 5 minutes before the show. But everyone loves to have a nice full out soundcheck when it is possible.

Soundcheck makes the performers and engineers happy. It prepares everyone for a successful show and makes the show less stressful.

What Happens During Soundcheck?

During soundcheck, the engineer first runs a line check to make sure every microphone and instrument is getting signal to the mixing board.

Then the band plays through a few songs or parts of songs while the engineer adjusts the overall volume levels.

Each performer also tests their stage monitors or in-ear monitors and tells the engineer what they need to hear.

The FOH engineer does a rough mix for each band. The performance will almost always call for some adjustment. This is just a starting point.

Ideally, the performers walk away from soundcheck feeling confident and happy about the way the stage sounds.

Soundcheck can last anywhere from 15 minutes for a simple show to a couple hours for a complex setup with many bands.

What Happens Before Soundcheck?

Before soundcheck can happen, several things need to be ready.

The load in must be complete with all equipment brought into the venue and set up on stage. The stage must be set up according to the stage plot with all microphones, stands, and DI boxes in position.

The sound crew should have reviewed the input list and stage plot ahead of time and have all necessary equipment ready.

What Does Soundcheck Not Prepare You For?

Soundcheck is helpful, but a good mix in soundcheck is just a starting point. Many things change during a performance that can affect the mix.

• Acoustic changes – Bodies in the room absorb and reflect sound differently than an empty room.
• Crowd noise – An empty room sounds different from a full room. Once the audience arrives, the sound changes.
• Performance energy – The band may play louder or softer during the show because of their performance energy. This can affect how the mix translates.
• Last-minute issues – Even if you check everything properly during a soundcheck, equipment can still fail during the show.

How Does Soundcheck Work With Multiple Bands On The Same Night?

When there are multiple bands on the bill for the same night, there is ideally a soundcheck for each band. The headliner typically would get the most time to soundcheck.

During each soundcheck the FOH engineer either programs the settings for each band into the board or makes careful notes about the levels that they set for each band.

It can be helpful for the opener to do soundcheck last so that when it is performance time, the engineer doesn’t have to change anything between soundcheck and the first set.

At a big festival, soundcheck may happen one or more days in advance. This allows for longer soundcheck times with each band. On the day of the show, they may only do a quick five minute line check with each performer before they start the set.