In this article, I’ll explain why soundcheck is important and how it affects your concert experience.
Getting Ready for the Show: What is a Soundcheck & How to Do One Right
What is a Soundcheck?
A soundcheck is a pre-show ritual that helps ensure a smooth performance. It’s a chance for the sound engineer to check the sound levels and make sure everything’s working properly. It’s also a great opportunity for the band to get familiar with the venue’s sound system and make sure they’re comfortable with their sound.
Why Do a Soundcheck?
Doing a soundcheck is essential for any performance. It helps ensure that the sound is balanced and that the band is comfortable with the sound system. It also allows the sound engineer to make adjustments and fine-tune the sound levels. Plus, it gives the band a chance to practice and get familiar with the sound system before the show.
How to Do a Soundcheck
Doing a soundcheck doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few tips to help you get it right:
- Start with the basics: Make sure all the equipment is working properly and that the sound levels are balanced.
- Check the sound levels: Have each band member play their instrument and adjust the sound levels accordingly.
- Practice: Take the time to practice and get comfortable with the sound system.
- Listen: Listen to the sound and make sure it’s balanced and clear.
- Make adjustments: Make any necessary adjustments to the sound levels.
- Have fun: Don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the process!
Soundchecking: A Necessary Evil
The Basics
Soundcheck is a necessary evil for any headlining act. It’s a privilege that’s usually reserved for the headliner, and it can take a while to get everything set up and running. For the opening acts, it’s usually just a matter of getting their gear set up on stage and then walking out to play an additional set.
The Benefits
Soundcheck has its benefits, though. It’s a great way to make sure that everything is running smoothly and that the sound is balanced. It also gives the band a chance to work out any kinks in their set before the show starts.
The Logistics
Logistically, soundcheck can be a bit of a pain. It takes up a chunk of time that could be used for other things, like setting up the stage or getting ready for the show. But it’s a necessary evil, and it’s worth it in the end.
The Takeaway
At the end of the day, soundcheck is an essential part of any show. It’s a great way to make sure that everything is running smoothly and that the sound is balanced. It’s also a great opportunity for bands to work out any kinks in their set before the show starts. So, don’t be afraid to take the time to do a soundcheck – it’ll be worth it in the end!
Tips for a Rockin’ Soundcheck
Do Your Research
Before arriving at the venue, do your research and know what to expect. Send your band’s stage plot to the sound engineer at the venue so they can be prepared for your arrival. Make sure to load and set up your gear efficiently so you can have a productive soundcheck.
Arrive Early
Give yourself an hour to arrive early and spend time loading in and setting up. This will cut down on critical soundcheck time, or even eliminate it altogether.
Be Prepared
Get ready to hit the stage and know your set. Set up your rig accordingly in advance, including the number of guitars you’ll need. Don’t forget spares and amp and FX pedal settings. Make sure you have the proper cables and power supplies, and dial in your amps and settings. Adjust as needed during soundcheck.
Let the Engineer Do Their Job
Accept that the sound engineer knows best. Let the engineer help you get your music sounding good (or great!). Let the engineer be the best judge and if they ask you to turn down the volume, it’s a common request. Don’t forget that the audience absorbs the sound in rooms differently than people do. If it sounds boomy or bad, it’s time to adjust.
Soundcheck is Rehearsal Too
Soundcheck time is not just for plugging in and letting loose. Start killing it on the stage and use the time to toy around with new songs, writing, and performing your set. Preparation time sets the stage for a quality performance. Just ask Paul McCartney – he used offbeat numbers during soundcheck that he later used on a live album. Play snippets of songs and choose the loudest and quietest tracks. Let the engineer work their magic and play the songs as you use your instruments and mics.
Do All Bands Get a Chance to Soundcheck?
What is a Soundcheck?
A soundcheck is a process that bands go through before a show to make sure their instruments and equipment are working properly. It’s a chance for them to make sure their sound is just right before they hit the stage.
Do All Bands Get a Chance to Soundcheck?
Unfortunately, not all bands get the chance to soundcheck. Despite the risks it presents, a lot of shows don’t provide the opportunity for soundcheck. Here are some reasons why:
- Poor planning: Many shows don’t provide the time or resources for soundcheck.
- Ignorance: Some bands don’t even know what soundcheck is or how important it is.
- Skipping soundcheck: Some bands consciously choose to forgo soundcheck, which can lead to a poor performance.
Soundcheck Tickets
Soundcheck tickets are special VIP passes that allow fans to be present during the soundcheck process. Just like a regular concert ticket, they provide access to the show, but they also provide access to the “soundcheck experience” (also known as VIP soundcheck).
A soundcheck experience is a unique opportunity for bands to offer their fans, allowing them to get a behind-the-scenes look at the soundcheck process. Generally, soundcheck tickets are sold alongside regular tickets, but they provide additional access and experiences that are limited to the general public.
Some bands have also introduced bundles to incentivize purchasing a soundcheck experience package. These bundles usually include early access to the venue, some sort of exclusive merch item, and a behind-the-scenes look at the pre-performance opportunity to meet and interact with the band or artist.
How Do I Get Soundcheck Tickets?
Soundcheck tickets are usually available for purchase online through the touring artist’s distribution services like Ticketmaster or Stubhub. However, soundcheck tickets are usually limited and available for a brief period of time, so it’s best to research ahead of time.
When a band or artist announces a tour, tickets are generally put on sale the same day, so VIP soundcheck tickets can sell out quickly. It’s best to be ready to buy the moment the tour is announced.
Of course, you don’t have to sit at a computer all day waiting for your favorite band or artist to announce a tour. Most bands and artists will follow them on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify, so you can turn on notification settings to make sure you don’t miss big announcements like tour dates.
If you want to ask Soupy from The Wonder Years how he got his nickname, tell Hayley Williams from Paramore how she inspired you, or get a selfie with Lewis Capaldi, buying a soundcheck experience package is one of the best ways to get that opportunity and support your favorite artists.
Although soundcheck experience packages can be a little expensive, they’re usually pretty reasonable in perspective to people who are willing to pay a lot to spend a day standing in line at a local amusement park or watch their team lose from good seats at a live sports event.
Differences
Soundcheck Vs Send-Off
Soundcheck and send-off are two distinct processes that are used to prepare for a performance. Soundcheck is the process of testing the sound equipment and adjusting it to the desired levels. Send-off is the process of getting the performers ready and setting the stage for the show. Soundcheck is usually done before the show, while send-off is done right before the performance. Both processes are important for ensuring the best possible performance, but they have different purposes and should be treated as such. Soundcheck is all about making sure the sound is perfect, while send-off is about getting the performers in the right mindset. Both processes are essential for a successful show, but it’s important to recognize the differences between them.
FAQ
How long does soundcheck last?
Soundcheck usually lasts about 30 minutes.
Important Relations
Audio Engineer
A soundcheck is an important part of the concert preparation process for both the artist and the audio engineer. The audio engineer is responsible for setting up the sound system and making sure that the sound is balanced and optimized for the venue. During the soundcheck, the audio engineer will adjust the levels of the instruments and microphones to ensure that the sound is balanced and clear. They will also adjust the EQ settings to make sure that the sound is as natural and accurate as possible.
The audio engineer will also work with the artist to make sure that their performance is as good as it can be. They will adjust the levels of the instruments and microphones to make sure that the artist can hear themselves properly. They will also adjust the EQ settings to make sure that the sound is as natural and accurate as possible.
The soundcheck is also important for the audience. The audio engineer will adjust the levels of the instruments and microphones to make sure that the sound is balanced and clear. They will also adjust the EQ settings to make sure that the sound is as natural and accurate as possible. This ensures that the audience will be able to hear the music clearly and enjoy the performance.
The audio engineer is an integral part of the concert preparation process. They are responsible for setting up the sound system and making sure that the sound is balanced and optimized for the venue. During the soundcheck, they will adjust the levels of the instruments and microphones to ensure that the sound is balanced and clear. They will also adjust the EQ settings to make sure that the sound is as natural and accurate as possible. This ensures that the audience will be able to hear the music clearly and enjoy the performance.
Decibel Reading
A soundcheck is an important part of any concert, as it allows the sound engineer to make sure that the sound system is working properly and that the sound is balanced and clear. It also allows the musicians to make sure that their instruments are tuned and that they are playing at the right volume.
The decibel reading of a soundcheck is important because it helps the sound engineer to determine how loud the concert should be. The decibel reading is measured in dB (decibels) and is a unit of sound pressure. The higher the decibel reading, the louder the sound. Generally, the sound at a concert should be between 85 and 95 dB. Anything above this can cause hearing damage, so it’s important to make sure that the sound is at a safe level.
The sound engineer will use a decibel meter to measure the sound levels during a soundcheck. This meter will measure the sound pressure in the room and will give the sound engineer an idea of how loud the concert will be. The sound engineer will then adjust the sound levels accordingly to ensure that the concert is at a safe level.
It’s important to note that the decibel reading of a soundcheck is not the same as the decibel reading of the actual concert. The sound engineer will adjust the sound levels during the actual concert to ensure that the sound is balanced and clear. This is why it’s important to have a soundcheck before the concert, as it allows the sound engineer to get an idea of how loud the concert should be.
Conclusion
A soundcheck is an essential part of preparing for a concert and should not be overlooked. It allows the sound engineer to adjust the sound levels and ensure that the performance will sound great for the audience. It also gives the band time to practice and get comfortable with the stage and equipment. To make the most of a soundcheck, arrive early, be prepared with the necessary equipment, and be open to feedback from the sound engineer. With the right preparation and attitude, a soundcheck can be the key to a successful performance.
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Neaera and a content marketer, dad, and love trying out new equipment with guitar at the heart of my passion, and together with my team, I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2020 to help loyal readers with recording and guitar tips.
