Stage Plots and Input Lists Explained

Ask any house engineer what makes a band easy to work with and the answer is nearly always the same: "They sent a clear stage plot and input list in advance." These two documents turn a stressful changeover into a smooth one, get you a better sound and make you look like professionals.

#What is a stage plot?

A stage plot is a simple top-down diagram of your stage set-up as seen from the audience. It shows:

• Where each musician stands or sits
• Instruments, amps and drum kit positions
• Microphone positions (vocal and instrument)
• DI boxes
• Monitor wedges or in-ear monitor positions
• Power requirements and where you need sockets
• Any risers

It does not need to be a work of art. It needs to be clear.

#Tips for a good stage plot

• Draw it from the audience's point of view and label "front of stage" clearly. This avoids left/right confusion.
• Label every person by name and role ("Sam — lead vocal, acoustic guitar").
• Show power drops — where you need mains power and how many sockets.
• Number monitors and match the numbers to your monitor mix list.
• Keep it to one page.

#What is an input list?

An input list (or channel list) is a table of every sound source that needs a channel on the mixing desk, in the order you want them. It tells the engineer how many channels you need, what microphones or DIs to use and what stands to set out.

#A typical input list

#Conventions engineers expect

• Drums first, then bass, guitars, keys, other instruments, then vocals. Effects returns and playback usually go at the end.
• Mark your own equipment ("own") so the venue knows not to provide it.
• Note stereo pairs clearly.
• Note wireless systems and their frequency ranges if you are using them at a larger event.
• Be honest about channel count. If you need 24 channels and the venue has a 16-channel desk, you need to know before the day.

#Monitor mixes

Add a short section listing what each person wants in their monitor:

If you use in-ear monitors with your own mixer, say so — the engineer may only need to give you a split or a feed.

#Power

Many problems on the day come from power. Specify:

• How many sockets you need and where (match them to your stage plot)
• Whether anything needs its own circuit (lighting rigs often do)
• That you need safe, earthed power close to the stage

For weddings and corporate events, power requirements should also be in your booking contract.

#The technical rider

For bigger shows, the stage plot and input list sit inside a wider technical rider, which might also include:

• Backline requirements (if the venue or festival provides drums or amps)
• Minimum stage size
• Changeover and soundcheck time needed
• Lighting notes
• Contact details for your engineer or production manager

Keep the tech rider separate from your hospitality rider (food, drinks, dressing room). Engineers want the technical information without wading through requests for hummus.

#Sending it

• Send it early — at least a week before the gig, and with your first confirmation for festivals.
• Send it to the right person. The promoter often forwards it, but ask for the house or production engineer's email and send it directly.
• Use a link, not just an attachment, so everyone sees the latest version.
• Bring printed copies on the day — one for front of house, one for monitors.

#Keep versions for different line-ups

Many bands play in different formats: a full eight-piece with horns for big weddings, a five-piece for smaller events, an acoustic trio for receptions. Keep a stage plot and input list for each, and make sure the right one is attached to each gig.

#When you provide your own PA

At most weddings and private functions, you bring your own PA and possibly your own engineer. You still need a stage plot and input list:

• Your engineer knows what to set up
• Deps know where they will stand and what to bring
• The venue knows how much space and power to provide

#Common mistakes

• Drawing the plot from the band's point of view without saying so. Engineers assume the audience's view.
• Forgetting playback, click or a laptop. These need channels too.
• Listing a mic you do not bring and assuming the venue has one. If you need a particular mic, say whether you are bringing it.
• Out-of-date documents. A new keys player with a stereo rig adds channels; update the list.
• No contact name. Include the name and number of the person the engineer should talk to about technical questions.

#Build it once, use it everywhere

A stage plot and input list take an hour to make properly and save hours of confusion over a year. BandQuill's Pro plan has a drag-and-drop stage plot builder with input lists, monitor mixes and power drops. Attach the right plot to each gig and it goes to the engineer with the gig details, and there is a public link for venues. It sits alongside your gear inventory and packing lists, so nothing is left in the rehearsal room.