How to Make an Acoustic Duo Stage Plot

TL;DR — Place the two performers in separate stage-left and stage-right lanes, label each vocal and instrument input, show whether guitars use DIs or microphones, assign one or two monitor mixes, and mark power near pedalboards or keyboards. Pair the drawing with a numbered input list. A basic two-guitar, two-vocal duo usually starts with four inputs, but the actual source list—not a generic number—should determine the count.

Table of contents

1. Choose the exact duo configuration
2. Build the plot in five steps
3. Example input lists
4. Monitor and feedback planning
5. Common acoustic duo mistakes
6. FAQ

Choose the exact duo configuration

“Acoustic duo” can describe very different shows. Define the actual source configuration before drawing anything.

Do not use equipment because a template contains it. If both guitars have balanced DI outputs from artist-carried preamps, say so. If the venue must supply DIs, state the quantity. If one performer switches between guitar and mandolin, show the stand and both sources even if they never play simultaneously.

Build the plot in five steps

1. Set orientation and performer lanes

Draw the stage from above and mark the audience along the downstage edge. Put Performer A stage left and Performer B stage right from their perspective facing the audience. Use names or roles—“Sam: vocal + guitar”—rather than anonymous stick figures.

Leave enough space between the vocal microphones for comfortable movement and to reduce spill. The exact spacing is venue-dependent, so show relative positions rather than inventing precise dimensions unless your setup truly requires them.

2. Add instruments, stands, and seating

Place each guitar, keyboard, percussion station, or instrument stand beside its performer. Mark stools or chairs as artist carries or venue provides. Keyboard rigs should show the stand footprint, stereo L/R outputs when used, and power.

If instruments change during the set, add their stands without blocking the route on and off stage. A stage plot is also a cable and movement plan.

3. Add microphones and DIs

Label the two vocal microphones separately. Then show each instrument connection:

• pickup to artist-carried preamp, then XLR to stage box;
• unbalanced instrument output into venue-provided DI;
• instrument microphone with the required stand type;
• stereo keyboard through two DI channels.

“Acoustic guitar” does not automatically mean “microphone it.” The artist and engineer should agree on the real connection during advance. If a guitar needs phantom power for an active DI, put that instruction in the input list rather than crowding the map.

4. Assign monitor mixes

Show one wedge in front of each performer if separate mixes are requested. Label them by destination:

• Mix 1 — Performer A — wedge
• Mix 2 — Performer B — wedge

If the duo is comfortable sharing, show one shared mix and state it clearly. Do not request two mixes by habit: separate mixes improve control, while one shared mix can simplify a tiny stage. The right choice depends on arrangement, vocal balance, and available monitor sends.

For IEMs, state whether the system is wired or wireless, mono or stereo, and who supplies it. Do not imply that the venue supplies compatible bodypacks unless that has been confirmed.

5. Mark power and connect the input list

Mark grounded power near each pedalboard, keyboard, looper, or playback device. Avoid vague “power on stage” notes. The venue needs location and quantity; qualified production staff decide safe distribution.

Add small channel references beside sources, then create the matching input list. The plot communicates where; the list communicates what and how. Read What Is a Stage Plot? for the underlying document relationship.

Example input lists

Two vocals and two acoustic guitars

Vocal/guitar and vocal/keys

“Confirm” is appropriate while advancing, but the final show document should record the agreed answer. Phantom power depends on the specific DI and signal path; do not generalize from the instrument name.

Monitor and feedback planning

Acoustic instruments, open vocal microphones, and small reflective stages can make monitor level a practical constraint. Help the house engineer by keeping the plot honest:

• place wedges in front of the intended performers and label the mixes;
• keep vocal microphones and wedge positions consistent with the microphones actually supplied;
• identify any instrument microphone that must be kept away from a wedge;
• state when a performer uses IEMs and does not need a wedge;
• do not promise a feedback-free stage at a fixed level—the engineer must tune the real system in the room.

Monitor notes should describe priorities, not attempt to mix the show on paper. “Performer A: own vocal and guitar prominent; Vocal B for blend” is more useful than a fake list of exact percentages.

Common acoustic duo mistakes

Calling both performers “vocal.” Use stable names or roles so the input list, monitor mixes, and house notes refer to the same people.

Omitting changeover instruments. A mandolin used for one song still needs a stand, input, and safe cable path.

Drawing DIs but not assigning a provider. State whether the artist carries the preamp/DI or the venue supplies one.

Requesting stereo keys without two channels. Stereo means two inputs and usually two DI paths. If mono is acceptable, record that alternative.

Using audience-left directions. Stage left and stage right are from the performer's perspective. Include an audience arrow.

Sending only the drawing. Add the numbered input list, monitor destinations, power, contact, and revision date.

Pre-send checklist

• Both performers are named with roles.
• Audience direction and stage sides are clear.
• Every vocal and instrument source has a channel.
• DIs, microphones, stands, and providers are stated.
• Monitor mixes have numbers and owners.
• Power is marked beside the equipment that needs it.
• Stools, keyboard stands, and instrument stands have providers.
• Input list names match plot labels exactly.
• Artist contact and revision date are visible.

FAQ

What should an acoustic duo stage plot include?

It should include two labeled performer positions, vocals, instrument inputs, microphones or DIs, stands, monitor mixes, power, audience direction, and any seating or supplied backline. Attach a matching input list.

Does an acoustic guitar need a DI box?

It depends on the pickup, preamp, output connector, and chosen signal path. Many live acoustic rigs feed a DI or balanced preamp output, while some are microphone-based. Document the actual rig and confirm who supplies each device.

Can an acoustic duo share one monitor mix?

Yes, if both performers are comfortable with the same balance and the venue setup supports it. Separate mixes provide more control; one shared mix reduces complexity. Record the chosen arrangement before show day.

How many inputs does an acoustic duo need?

A two-vocal, two-guitar setup commonly begins with four inputs. Stereo keys, percussion, playback, instrument changes, or ambient microphones increase the count. Build the list from real sources rather than assuming a standard number.

Where should wedges go for an acoustic duo?

Place each wedge for its intended performer and label its mix. The house engineer will refine position and level for the supplied microphones, stage geometry, and feedback behavior.

Create a reusable duo setup

Build the plot in Techrider.live, connect its channels and monitor mixes, then send both a dated PDF and the current live link. For broader layout patterns, browse Stage Plot Examples.

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Last updated: 2026-07-14 · Reviewed by the Techrider.live team for small-stage acoustic workflows.