A line check confirms signal, not sound. Each channel gets a hit or a word, the engineer sees it arrive at the desk, and the show starts.
What it covers
- Every microphone and DI passing signal
- Phantom power where it is needed
- Wedges and in-ears making noise at each position
- Playback and click, if the set uses them
How long it takes
Two to five minutes for a band, less for a DJ. It happens inside the changeover with the house lights up and the audience watching, so it is done fast and without playing a song.
Making it work
The engineer starts from your input list and from whatever notes exist from another night, so send the list ahead and keep it accurate. Artists that tour without soundchecks carry a written monitor mix per position, which turns the first two songs from guesswork into adjustment.