What is backline?
Backline is the instruments, amplifiers and performance equipment musicians use on stage.
Read the answerKnowledge field / Backline
Backline
The instruments and performance equipment artists rely on.
Learn what backline means in live production, what equipment it includes, how it differs from PA and sound, and how riders, substitutions, festivals and touring affect backline planning.
3 guides16 connected concepts66 answered questions
01
Start here
EXPLAINER · BEGINNER
What Is Backline?
Learn what backline means in live production, what equipment it includes, how it differs from PA and sound, and how riders, substitutions, festivals and touring affect backline planning.
Read the guideWhere backline sits in live production
Performance equipment
01Performer→
02Backline
System boundary→
Sound system
01Microphone / DI→
02Mixing→
03PA→
04Audience
02
Learning path
Learn Backline
02
EXPLAINER · BEGINNER
03Backline vs Sound: What's the Difference?
Understand the difference between backline and sound equipment, where the two systems meet, what each usually includes and how production responsibilities should be divided.
GUIDE · INTERMEDIATE
How to Read Backline Requirements in a Technical Rider
A practical method for turning an artist's backline rider into an approved equipment plan, covering specification review, hidden requirements, inventory checks, substitutions, stage plots, input lists, preparation and QC.
03
Knowledge map
Explore Backline
Concepts
- Backline
- Performance equipment used by musicians on stage.
- Backline Substitution
- Bass Rig
- DI
- Drum Kit
- Equipment QC
- Festival Changeover
- FOH
- Guitar Amplifier
- Input List
- A structured, current list of the audio sources required for a performance or programme, with the identity, capture or connection information and notes needed to prepare their entry into the live-sound system.
- Keyboard
- PA
- Production Advance
- The pre-show coordination process used to review current requirements, clarify responsibilities and interfaces, record decisions and keep unresolved questions visible so a live production can be prepared for load-in and delivery.
- Shared Backline
- Stage Plot
- A current visual plan showing the intended positions of performers, instruments and important stage equipment, with orientation and supporting notes needed to review and prepare the physical layout.
- Technical Rider
- A document communicating production requirements.
Common questions / 66
Who supplies backline?
It varies. Equipment may travel with the artist, be provided by the promoter or production company, be rented locally from a specialist provider, or be shared between artists at a festival.
Read the answerAre microphones part of backline?
Usually, general vocal and instrument microphones belong to the sound system rather than backline. There can be exceptions or overlapping responsibilities depending on the production and artist rider.
Read the answerAre keyboards considered backline?
Yes. Keyboards, synthesizers, digital pianos, stands and associated performance accessories are commonly part of backline.
Read the answerWhy do touring artists rent backline?
Large drum kits, amplifiers, keyboards and other equipment can be expensive and impractical to transport between cities or countries. Local rental allows the touring party to specify suitable equipment while reducing transport requirements.
Read the answerWhat equipment is considered backline?
There is no single equipment list that defines backline for every performance. The exact requirement depends on the artist, the performance and the technical rider.
Read the answerIs a guitar amplifier considered backline?
Yes. Guitar amplifiers and their speaker cabinets are commonly considered backline because they form part of the equipment the guitarist performs through on stage.
Read the answerWhat happens when requested backline is unavailable?
The requirement should be advanced with the artist or technical representative and a suitable alternative proposed for approval. Substitutions should ideally be resolved before show day.
Read the answerContinue exploring
Event Production
The planning, technical systems, people and operations that turn an event brief into a live show.
Live SoundThe systems, equipment and techniques used to capture, mix, monitor and reproduce live performance audio.
Technical RidersArtist technical requirements, stage plots, input lists, substitutions and the production advance process.