Basics
The concepts behind stage plots, input lists, monitor mixes, and tech riders — explained plainly.
What Is a Stage Plot? (And How to Read One)
A stage plot is a top-down map of your band's stage setup. Learn what goes on it, how it differs from an input list and tech rider, and what makes one engineer-readable.
6 min readBasicsWhat Is a Tech Rider? (Sections Explained)
A tech rider is the full technical package a band sends a venue — console, monitors, PA, backline, power, stage plot, input list, hospitality. Learn every section.
7 min readBasicsStage Plot Symbols & Legend Explained
A visual glossary of stage plot symbols — mics, DI boxes, wedges, IEM packs, drums, amps, keys, power drops. Learn what each icon means and how to read any stage plot.
7 min readBasicsStage Left vs Stage Right (and Stage Directions Explained)
Stage left and stage right are from the performer's perspective facing the audience — which is the mirror of what the audience sees. A clear, memorable explainer of stage directions, house left/right, and upstage/downstage.
7 min readBasicsInput List vs Patch Sheet: What's the Difference?
An input list says what each channel IS. A patch sheet says where it physically patches. Learn the columns each contains, where they overlap, and why keeping them linked beats two drifting files.
9 min readBasicsWhat Is a Monitor Mix? Wedges, IEMs & Mixes Explained
A monitor mix is the dedicated feed a performer hears on stage — through a wedge or in-ear monitors. Learn what it is, why everyone needs their own, wedges vs IEMs, the 'more me' mix, and where it fits in your rider.
9 min readBasicsWhy Your Tech Rider Should Be a Living Document
A tech rider shouldn't be a frozen PDF re-emailed per gig. The case for treating it as a living, single-source-of-truth document: live link beats re-sending, async collaboration lets the right person edit, and rider reuse stops version drift.
12 min readBasicsStage Plot & Tech Rider Basics
Start here: plain-English guides to stage plots, tech riders, input lists, patch sheets, monitor mixes, and stage directions — the fundamentals every band and engineer should know.
3 min readBasicsStage Plot Examples for Bands, Duos, DJs, and Solo Artists
See practical stage plot examples for five common live setups, learn what each one must show, and use a clear checklist before sending yours to a venue.
8 min readBasicsWhat Is Phantom Power? 48V in Live Sound Explained
Phantom power sends DC through a balanced mic cable to run condenser microphones and active DIs. Learn when to use 48V and how to mark it on an input list.
6 min readBasicsIEM vs Wedge Monitors: Which Is Better for Your Band?
Compare IEMs and stage wedges by sound, isolation, feedback, cost, portability, communication, setup, and the details your monitor engineer needs.
6 min readBasicsLine Check vs Soundcheck: What's the Difference?
Learn the difference between a line check and a soundcheck, what each one verifies, who participates, and which rider details help both run efficiently.
8 min readBasicsWhat Is a DI Box? Direct Boxes in Live Sound Explained
Learn what a DI box does, when instruments need one, how active and passive DIs differ, and how to document DI requirements in a stage plot and input list.
7 min readBasicsBalanced vs Unbalanced Audio: Live Sound Connections Explained
Understand balanced and unbalanced audio signals, common connectors, noise rejection, cable runs, and how to document each connection in a live sound rider.
6 min readBasicsXLR vs TRS Cables: Which Connection Should You Use?
Compare XLR, TRS, and TS connectors for microphones, instruments, line-level equipment, headphones, and live sound rider handoffs.
6 min readBasicsMicrophone Stand Types for Live Sound: A Practical Guide
Choose and document straight, tripod, boom, short-boom, round-base, desktop, and instrument microphone stands for a readable stage plot and input list.
6 min readBasicsHospitality Rider vs Technical Rider: What's the Difference?
Separate hospitality and technical rider requirements clearly, assign each item to the right owner, and keep both documents aligned during the show advance.
9 min read