Tech Specs and Stage Plots
What you need to provide and how best to provide it
Top Tips for ‘Tech Specs’
We often get asked about what to include
in a band information pack.
The info you send out to venues,
production companies or just the couple
who book you for their wedding is really
important. It is really good to have an up
to date list of requirements that can
help make the gig go smoothly and the
‘get in’ and sound check less stressful.
1
Make sure your tech spec is up-to-date and relevant to
the line up for the specific event – don’t send an old one
and then try to improvise it on the night.
2
The MU asked Chris Webster of AML
Group who are regularly engaged to
provide production support for indie, folk,
funk and function bands in all manner
of venues from tents to Town Halls,
festivals and weddings for his top tips…
Send it in early – most sound engineers prep in advance
to respect your performance and aim to have the right
kit and understanding for each act. Respect their
professionalism by giving them the time to get things right.
3
Include a Channel Listing and Stage-Plot, including
names of musicians, their instruments and where they
are positioned on stage.
4
Keep it to what ‘you’ genuinely need. Do not get distracted
by the venue’s PA equipment or the number of db at
FOH position. If you have any access requirements
make the venue and the production team aware.
5
Take reponsibility for all the equipment you intend to take.
This includes making sure it is fully working, regularly
inspected and PAT tested.
6
The tech spec should include specifics such as where DI
input, XLR or +48v phantom power are required. State your
preferred microphone – the actual mic used may be down
to the venue, but if you highlight what has worked well for
you in the past, it is a start. Also highlight if you need a mic
stand and whether short or tall boom, straight or overhead.
7
A vocalist should have his or her own microphone – for
sound reasons, and hygiene reasons too!
8
If you need 13a power, an ‘in-ears’ mix feed or a monitor,
put it on the stage plot and highlight the requirement.
9
Make sure you have your cables, Pro audio engineers
work with XLR audio cables, Musicians mostly work with
1/4" jack cables – take your own, treat them well, coil
them nicely and they will last longer!
Plus MU member Steven Wright who
runs the function band ‘Candy Apple
Blue’ adds:
“As a band leader I find it really useful to
have a detailed tech spec to send in
advance, to the venue/production/
client/event etc, especially as not all
musicians/artists are technical. If this is
the case, then it is well worth investing
time and money to make sure you get a
detailed tech spec. I find this is key to
making sure pre-production and
communications are organised well
before your event. This saves all parties
time and ensures your gig runs
smoothly, which always reflects on the
performance in a positive way. Most of
the communication is done via email,
but a good old conversation really helps
too – just to make sure everybody is
singing off the same hymn sheet. Always
be prepared to adapt and compromise
if the situation needs it.”
the sound engineer’s name, and take a few
10 Know
minutes to walk them through your set and highlight any
areas for extreme ambience or effects that may be
needed. Plus talk to them about your monitor mix and do
not assume they are hearing what you are hearing.