On a typical show, I take eight tall tripods, two short tripods, and one solid base “shorty” for a kick drum mic, and can’t remember the last time I used them all.
To speed set up time, ask the band at the outset how many inputs they need and where the players are going to be located. Because the drum kit is almost always the last thing finished, I start with vocals, then instruments next, and finally, drums.
Before the drummer is getting comfortable behind the kit, I’m already done with miking the rest of the band. With the subsnakes also laid out in advance, it’s just a matter of placing the drum mics and running short cables.
Showtime & After
The mix is the primary focus during the show, of course, but we should keep our ears open for specific issues such as subs that are being over-stressed, a buzz in a DI channel, etc.
It’s easy to get tunnel vision, so intent on the mix or specific aspects of it that other problems aren’t heard until it’s too late. In other words, don’t focus on getting that guitar sound “just right” to the exclusion of the whole.
I also try to get up to the side of the stage and make eye contact with each band member to make sure they’re happy with their monitors. A simple gesture like this can mean a lot to bands, and who knows — they might just give you a call the next time they need PA.
If possible, walk the coverage area while the show is happening. It may sound completely different up front than it does back at the mix position, and it’s our job to make it sound good for everyone, not just ourselves.
Right after the conclusion of the show, go to the stage to pull mics and DIs. These items have a nasty habit of “walking away” so get ‘em tucked away safely ASAP. Also pull monitors and stands, placing them out of the way to give the band more room to do their own teardown.
I then go pack up front of house, then unhook and organize amp racks and other cases, de-stack the PA, and then pull the main snake.
Usually by this point, it’s safe to pull the remaining subsnakes and cables, typically standing next to where the main snake head was located, pulling everything toward me. And then it’s time to pack the trailer…which is where we started. Cabling stays in place since band gear is most likely sitting around/over of at least some of it. Plus, if you start pulling cable with a bunch of people milling about, moving things and carrying loads, you might trip someone.
There’s just one more thing to keep in mind: drive safely as you make your way home or back to the shop. The goal is to do this all again tomorrow!
