The sound check is one of the most critical parts of putting on a successful live performance. It’s the best way to confirm that the instruments, amps, and microphones are properly set up and that all audio levels and balances are appropriate. By presenting audiences with professional audio quality is key to improving the quality of the performance. Here are five tips to ensure the most effective sound check.

How to Sound Check Successfully

1. Communicate Throughout

The best sound checks prioritize communication with the artist from start to finish. The front-of-house (FOH) microphone should be fed through the monitors so that everyone on stage can hear you. Make sure that all of the instruments are on stage, along with spares accessories, in case a drumstick or guitar string needs to be replaced.

2. Perform the Line Check

Next, confirm that all of the equipment on the stage is delivering signals to the audio mixer. To do this, the performers will need to play their respective instruments one at a time while you adjust the levels. Verify details such as how the performance sounds throughout the venue, whether there’s feedback, and whether there are any changes in dynamics or texture you should account for (for instance, if the guitarist uses different tones).

3. Adjust the Volume Levels

While the band plays, adjust the volume to ensure professional audio quality during the performance. This can be accomplished while the entire band is playing, or as you go through the line check. The approximate volume setting at this stage may not be the final setting you use during the show, but it can be adjusted during the rest of sound check as needed.

4. Finish Setting Monitor Volumes

Just like when you handle the volume, you might choose to adjust the monitors while the performer is playing, or after you set up everything else. This element is crucial, as it lets you make sure the band can hear themselves as they play.

5. Run Through the Set

Once the right levels are set, the performers can run through their set or a few selections from it. This is an opportunity to confirm that everything sounds as good during the final run as it did during the sound check. Make sure that the performers can hear themselves, that individual instruments or vocals aren’t drowning out the others, and that the audio levels can accommodate the different dynamics of the performance.
 

Whether you’re interested in installing or renting new audio equipment, the team at Claiborne Sharp Professional Audio is committed to your mixing success. Serving clients within a 100-mile radius of Shreveport, LA, the company installs professional audio and video equipment to ensure that your project goes smoothly from start to finish. Visit them online for more information, or call them at (318) 861-5953.