Knowledge field / Live Sound

Live Sound

The systems, equipment and techniques used to capture, mix, monitor and reproduce live performance audio.

A beginner’s guide to live sound as a connected system: how voices, instruments and playback are captured or connected, controlled and mixed, then routed to performer monitoring and the audience PA.

10 guides13 connected concepts81 answered questions

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EXPLAINER · BEGINNER

Learn Live Sound

Choose a route for what you want to understand. Read in order, or go directly to the question you are working on.

6 guides / suggested sequence

New to live sound

Follow the signal, then understand audience reproduction and performer monitoring.

3 guides / suggested sequence

Prepare and check the audio

Understand the information and checks that support performance readiness.

More guides in this knowledge field

Backline vs Sound: What's the Difference?

Knowledge map

Explore Live Sound

Concepts

Backline: Performance equipment used by musicians on stage.
DI
FOH
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.
Line Check: A line check is a check that the expected audio sources reach the intended inputs and relevant signal paths correctly. It helps identify missing signals, incorrect patches and connection problems before broader soundcheck or programme testing. The exact scope and terminology vary by production.
Live Sound: The system and workflow used to capture or receive, control, mix, route, monitor and reproduce audio during a live performance or event.
PA
Performer Monitoring: The provision of audio mixes that help performers hear the sources they need during a performance, delivered through stage loudspeakers, in-ear systems or another agreed arrangement.
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.
Signal Flow: The path an audio signal follows from its source through inputs, processing and routing to one or more destinations.
Soundcheck: The pre-show process of checking performers and programme sources with the prepared live-sound system, monitoring, audience reproduction and venue so adjustments and unresolved problems can be identified before performance.
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 / 81

Live sound is the process of capturing or receiving audio sources, controlling and mixing their signals, routing them where they need to go, and reproducing them for performers and audiences during a live event.

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What is a PA system?

A PA system is the loudspeaker system and associated equipment used to reproduce and distribute sound to an audience.

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What is a soundcheck?

A soundcheck brings performers and programme sources into the prepared audio system so inputs, routing, performer mixes, audience balance and operational readiness can be checked before the show.

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What are stage monitors?

Stage monitors are loudspeakers positioned for performers, carrying mixes of the voices, instruments and other programme sources they need to hear. In-ear monitoring is another way to provide performer mixes.

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What is FOH in live sound?

FOH means front of house. It commonly describes the audience-area position and function from which the audience-facing sound mix is controlled.

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Why does the venue affect live sound?

The venue’s dimensions, layout, surfaces, reflections, reverberation, background noise and audience arrangement affect sound-system design, microphone behaviour, loudspeaker coverage and what listeners hear.

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What equipment is used for live sound?

Depending on the event, a live-sound system may include microphones, DI boxes, stage boxes, cabling or audio networks, mixing consoles, signal processing, monitor systems, amplifiers and PA loudspeakers. The appropriate system is determined by the programme, performers, audience and venue.

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