Soundcheck
Pre-show technical rehearsal where performers and engineers test and adjust sound equipment and levels.
Definition
Soundcheck is the pre-performance period where artists and engineers test and refine the live sound setup. It includes checking instruments and mics, setting monitor mixes, adjusting front-of-house sound, and often running through songs or parts of songs.
Adequate soundcheck time is crucial for professional performances. Rushed soundchecks lead to poor sound quality, unhappy artists, and technical problems during shows.
Why It Matters
Live sound quality directly impacts audience experience and artist satisfaction. Soundcheck time is where problems are caught and solved before they ruin a performance.
Soundcheck also helps artists adjust to unfamiliar venues. Room acoustics, stage layout, and equipment differences can all be addressed before the audience arrives.
Examples in Practice
A thorough soundcheck identifies a monitor wedge malfunction before the show, allowing replacement before it would have left the lead vocalist unable to hear.
Extended soundcheck time for a complex production ensures every technical element works correctly, with the investment in time preventing show-stopping issues.
A soundcheck line check confirms all inputs are working after a rushed load-in, catching a disconnected cable that would have meant no bass guitar during the show.