Documents & Sheets / Sound Check Run Sheet & Briefing Template

Sound Check Run Sheet & Briefing

Reference: SOUNDCHECK-01. This pairs with the existing "Ringing Out a Monitor System" guide — that's the technical procedure; this is the human side of running a check: the order you work through the stage, and what needs to be communicated in both directions before you start.

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Standard Running Order

Drums (kick and snare first, then toms and overheads/cymbals) — the loudest, most level-defining source sets the floor for everything checked after it. Bass. Rhythm instruments — guitars, keys. Lead guitar/solo instruments. Vocals — backing first, then lead. Full band together, once every individual source is set. Multi-act bill: check in reverse performance order where possible, so the first act on stage is the last one checked and their settings stay freshest.

What the Engineer Needs From Performers

A setlist, with any instrument changes or lineup changes mid-song flagged in advance. Known hot spots or dead zones on stage from their own experience with in-ears/wedges, if this isn't their first time on this system.

What Performers Need to Know

Basic stage etiquette for the check — play/sing at performance level, not half-volume, so what you set is what you actually get in the show. Who controls mute/EQ during the show and how to flag a problem quickly without stopping the set — a hand signal or a quick word to a monitor tech beats waving mid-song and hoping someone notices.

Source: Boyce, Teddy. Live Sound Reinforcement, §13.5 "The Sound Check." Rewritten in Ryan's own words from the source material.