08/23/2026
Soundcheck is not a rehearsal, and it is definitely not a jam session. It is your single opportunity to set up a clean stage mix, dial in your tone, and build a working relationship with the sound engineer before the show starts.
Here are 3 essential soundcheck procedures every musician should follow:
1. Play at your real performance volume.
Noodling or playing softly while the sound engineer sets your levels guarantees your mix will be off during the set. When the adrenaline kicks in and you hit your instruments harder during the actual show, you will overwhelm the front-of-house mix. Play with the exact dynamics and volume you plan to use during the gig.
2. Maintain complete silence when it is not your turn.
The fastest way to waste time and frustrate a sound tech is playing guitar riffs or tapping drums while they are trying to isolate someone else's mic. When the engineer is dialing in another band member, keep your instrument completely quiet.
3. Focus on your stage monitor, not the front of house.
Your job during soundcheck is to make sure you can hear what you need on stage to play accurately. Trust the sound engineer to handle how the room sounds. When asking for adjustments, give specific feedback like "more lead vocal in my monitor" rather than vague statements like "it sounds weird."
A clean, efficient soundcheck sets the foundation for a great set. Respect the crew, respect the time, and save the full energy for when the house lights go down.
