#142 - 6 Tips For Working Alongside A Sound Engineer
Safe To Unplug? - We've all been there. But unless you wanna frighten the life out of your audience, don't be unplugging until the sound engineer has given you the go-ahead!
Ask Over The Mic - Don't be afraid to speak up if you need something tweaking. No amount of hand signals to the sound engineer will get the message across faster than just asking over the mic.
Offer A Set List - If you have any instrument changes, your sound engineer will need to know. Provide a set list with breakdowns of each song so they know what's coming.
Stage Plan - If you perform in a band, having a printout of a stage plan can be really helpful for all concerned! The plan should indicate where everyone and all the equipment is situated on stage and should overlap with your set list (see above).
Bring Your Own Gear - You will have checked what backline is available for the gig, but for peace of mind, bring everything you'll need for your performance. It seems obvious, but always have your own gear at the ready, especially if it’s something specific such as a particular cable, or batteries. Don't be caught out!
Buy ‘Em A Drink - A tip to use at your own discretion, but we've found that offering the sound engineer a tip can go a long way. They probably get free drinks from the venue, but it's the gesture that counts! Watch how there's improved attention to detail during your soundcheck!
Having great sound at your music show is the goal of every live musician, and of course the sound engineer. Remember that the sound engineer is there to help you and your band sound great, everyone is working towards the same goal. Giving the sound engineer as much information about what is being performed is very crucial, no matter how in detail you go with your tech specification, stage plan etc. it is valuable information for the live sound engineer, not only that, we all need reminding of what we are actually doing sometimes, right? We hope these 6 tips are helpful when you are planning for your next show…
