Input List for Live Sound: Essential Documentation for Shows

An input list for live sound documents every audio source requiring mixer channels. This essential reference guides setup, enables advance preparation by venues, and maintains consistency across performances. Professional acts treat input lists as fundamental documentation alongside stage plots and technical riders.

Purpose and Applications

Input lists tell engineers exactly what needs amplification. Without this documentation, engineers guess at channel requirements, potentially providing insufficient inputs or inappropriate equipment.

Advance input lists enable venue preparation. Engineers can configure mixers, prepare microphones, and plan signal routing before the band arrives. This preparation speeds load-in and extends soundcheck time.

Consistent documentation maintains setup standardization. Using the same channel assignments show after show builds familiarity with the mixing surface, regardless of whether the band or house engineer operates it.

Essential Information Per Channel

Channel number provides the reference point. Starting kick drum on channel 1 follows convention, though any consistent numbering works.

Source description identifies what connects to each channel. “Kick Drum,” “Lead Vocal,” and “Acoustic Guitar DI” describe sources clearly. Ambiguous descriptions like “Guitar” require clarification for multi-guitarist bands.

Microphone type indicates the preferred or required microphone. “Shure SM57” tells engineers exactly what to provide. “Dynamic cardioid” describes requirements when specific models are flexible.

Stand type, if relevant, specifies boom stands, straight stands, or short stands for specific applications. “Tall boom” for vocal microphones differs from “short stand with clip” for guitar amp microphones.

Notes capture special requirements. “Phantom power required,” “Needs ground lift,” or “Stereo pair with channel 8” communicate important configuration details.

Standard Format Structure

Column-based layouts present information clearly. Columns typically include: Channel, Source, Mic/DI, Stand, and Notes. Rows list each input in channel order.

Header rows identify column contents. Table formatting with gridlines improves readability compared to comma-separated or unformatted lists.

Total channel count at the top or bottom informs venues of overall requirements at a glance. “24 total inputs” communicates scope immediately.

Sample Input List Structure

A typical rock band input list might organize as follows:

Channels 1-8 for drums: kick, snare top, snare bottom, hi-hat, rack tom, floor tom, overhead left, overhead right.

Channels 9-10 for bass: DI and amp microphone.

Channels 11-14 for guitars: two guitars each with DI and amp mic, or simpler configurations as appropriate.

Channels 15-16 for keyboards: stereo feed from keyboard outputs.

Channels 17-20 for vocals: lead vocal and background vocals.

Remaining channels for additional percussion, acoustic instruments, or special sources.

Microphone Specifications

Specifying exact microphone models helps venues provide appropriate equipment. “Beta 91A inside kick, Beta 52A front” tells engineers precisely what to prepare.

Alternative specifications allow flexibility. “Shure SM57 or equivalent” accepts substitutions while communicating quality expectations.

DI boxes require specification alongside microphones. “Radial J48” or “Active DI” or “Passive DI with pad” communicates direct box needs.

Condenser microphones should note phantom power requirements. Engineers enabling phantom power appropriately requires knowing which inputs need it.

Stand and Positioning Notes

Stand height and type affect microphone positioning. “Tall boom stand” differs from “short boom” or “straight desk stand.” Specifying requirements prevents improper stands at show time.

Clips and specialized mounting may need specification. “Audix D-Vice on snare rim” or “Kelly SHU kick drum mount” assumes venues provide these accessories.

Position notes help engineers place microphones correctly. “Pointed at cone center” or “Three inches off drum head” provide useful starting guidance.

Additional Useful Information

Phantom power channel list collected in one place helps engineers configure mixers efficiently. “Phantom power on channels 7, 8, 15, 16, 20” prevents accidental omission.

Monitor send requirements may appear on input lists or accompanying documents. “Channel 17 needs sends to all six monitor mixes” clarifies routing needs.

Stereo pairs identified together prevent separation. “Channels 7-8 overhead L/R” and “Channels 15-16 keys L/R” indicate paired channels.

Formatting and Distribution

PDF format ensures consistent appearance across different software. Export final lists as PDF rather than editable document formats.

Include input lists with stage plots when submitting to venues. These documents work together to provide comprehensive technical information.

Date versions to track updates. Band configurations change; old input lists cause confusion if circulated after changes.

Band name and contact information on the document enables questions and confirms correct association.

Maintaining Currency

Update input lists when lineup changes. New drummer with different kit, new guitarist with different rig, and similar changes affect input requirements.

Review lists periodically even without personnel changes. Equipment evolves; lists should reflect current reality.

Confirm venues receive current versions before shows. Outdated lists prepared in advance cause problems on arrival.

Carry printed copies to shows as backup. Technical difficulties with digital files happen; paper backup ensures access.

Integration With Technical Rider

Input lists often accompany broader technical riders detailing power requirements, backline needs, and other technical specifications. Together, these documents communicate everything venues need to know for successful shows.

Cross-reference between documents ensures consistency. The input list specifying a stereo keyboard feed should match the stage plot showing keyboard position and the rider requesting appropriate keyboard stand and power.