Pre-Sound Check Verification
Verify the system is operating correctly before musicians arrive. This phase includes mute management, a reference track test, and wireless system checks.
Channel Mute Management
Proper mute management is one of the most important habits for any FOH operator. It prevents two common problems: unexplained signal loss ('why can't I hear anything?') and unwanted noise or feedback when musicians connect instruments.
Mute Staging Order
Always manage mutes in this order: Individual Channel Mute first, then DCA Group Mute, then ST Master. This ensures you always know exactly which layer is causing a channel to be silent.
Best Practice
Keep all input channels muted until every instrument is connected and the musician is ready for sound check. Unmute one channel at a time, in order. This prevents unexpected noise and protects the system from loud pops when instruments are plugged in hot.
| Task | |
|---|---|
| Confirm all input channels are individually muted. | |
| Confirm all DCA groups are muted (DRUMS, GUITARS, KEYS, VOCALS, BAND, SPEECH, MEDIA, FX). | |
| Confirm ST Master is at unity (0 dB) and FOH speaker outputs are unmuted. | |
| Note the current mute state of every channel before proceeding. |
Reference Track Playback Test
Play a known reference track through the system to verify the FOH speakers and signal chain are working correctly before musicians arrive.
CG vs PHONE Input
Both the CG and PHONE inputs accept a stereo line-level signal. Use whichever is most convenient for your playback device. The CG input is typically used for a laptop, while PHONE is used for a mobile device.
| Task | |
|---|---|
| Connect a reference track source to either the CG (Computer/General) or PHONE input, depending on what the FOH operator is using. | |
| Unmute the CG or PHONE channel. | |
| Raise the channel fader and verify audio is coming through the FOH speakers. | |
| Check that the sound is clean, balanced, and at a reasonable level. | |
| Mute the reference track channel when finished. |
Wireless System Check
| Task | |
|---|---|
| Power on the SLX-D handheld transmitters and confirm RF signal on the receivers. | |
| Unmute the HOST and PREACH channels and speak into each microphone to confirm audio. | |
| Check battery levels on all wireless transmitters. | |
| Power on the PSM300 IEM bodypacks and confirm RF signal on the transmitters. | |
| Mute all wireless channels when finished. |