You Asked, We Answer: Sound Crew FAQ’s!

Whether you're planning your first show or your fiftieth, questions always come up about what it’s like to work with a professional sound crew. We've rounded up some of the most common ones we hear - along with answers that will help you feel more prepared, confident, and show-day ready.

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"How early should we arrive for sound check?"

Earlier than you think.

Ideally, your cast/performers/speakers will be clear of your performing area and waiting backstage 30 minutes before your production starts. And depending on your cast size, it may take up to 45 minutes to mic up and soundcheck. So, a good rule of thumb is that your performers are ready for their microphones 60 minutes before show start - that means hair and makeup done with no touch ups needed. This gives us time to mic up, soundcheck, troubleshoot, level adjust, and make sure everything feels comfortable for you before the audience arrives. Rushing equals stress - and we want your show to start smooth and stay that way.

"Can I bring my own gear?"

Absolutely - but let us know ahead of time.

Wanting to bring your own foldback, playback rig, or interface? That’s great - but there’s some things to take into account. Not all gear plays nicely together, and a heads-up lets us plan for clean integration without hiccups.

Bonus tip: If your items are being used in combination with professional equipment, a picture of the plug in/set up features goes a long way in our pre-show preparation to make sure we bring the necessary cabling/routing.

"Why do you tape down all the cables?"

Safety & sanity.

Taped-down cables help prevent trip hazards for performers and crew - but they also keep things neat and organised so we can work faster and avoid mid-show chaos. We promise, it's not just for looks (even if we do love a tidy stage).

"Do I really need a sound check for a small event?"

Yes. Always.

Even a two-mic setup in a small room deserves a proper check. Every space sounds different, and levels can shift dramatically based on a variety of factors. A quick sound check equals a smoother performance.

"What happens if something goes wrong during the show?"

That’s why we’re there.

Live events are unpredictable - but so are we (in the best way). If something goes sideways, we’re on it. We’ve seen it all, and we know how to fix it on the fly, often before anyone notices.

"How can I make things easier for the sound crew?"

You already are, just by reading this.

Beyond that: Communicate early. Over-explain (trust me, we don't mind. We are just happy to have all of your details). Be on time. Don’t move anything without asking. Talk to your crew when you have a concern. Trust us to do our thing - we’re here to make you sound great.

"Why can’t we just use the venue’s sound system?"

You can, but that doesn't always mean you should.

House systems vary wildly in quality, suitability, and condition. Bringing in our own setup ensures consistency, reliability, and most importantly - control. Our gear is matched to the requirements of each event, and we know it inside and out.

"Do you stay for the whole event?"

If you’ve hired show crew, then YES - and we’re working the entire time.

We’re not just pressing 'play' and disappearing. Throughout your performance, we’re riding levels, adjusting mixes, managing feedback, and preventing issues in real-time. If we’re doing our job well, you won’t even notice us - and that’s the point.

"Can’t you just ‘make it louder’?"

We can - but it might not sound better.

Louder isn't always clearer. If you’re not hearing yourself well, it might be a monitor issue or a matter of EQ. We're here to make you sound great, not just loud - so tell us what you're feeling, and we’ll make the right adjustments.

"Can we do a quick mic swap during the show?"

Yes, but let’s plan it.

Mic swaps, soloist changes, instrument handoffs: we can handle it all, but it’s smoother when we know it’s coming. If we have everything properly organised, we can switch things seamlessly without missed lines or awkward silences.

"Is it okay if we move things around on stage?"

Let’s talk first.

Even small unplanned shifts can have big implications for your sound quality. Ideally, when we set up for a production, we do so in a way that won't require any movement at all. But if it does, we’re happy to adjust - we just want to do it safely and smartly. Surprise stage rearrangements are always a recipe for trouble.

"What if I don’t know what I need?"

That’s what your Project Manager is here for.

You don’t need to know all the tech lingo - just tell us what kind of event it is, how many people are involved, and what you're aiming for. We’ll take it from there and guide you through the rest of the process.

"Is it okay if I bring snacks for the crew?"

Yes please! Absolutely. While it is never required, it is always appreciated.

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Got a question we didn’t cover? Send it our way — our amazing team are always happy to help.

Wishing you a Noteworthy November,

Loud and Clear Audio - Bringing Your Sound to Life!