Sound Board Operator
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What You Do
As the Sound Board Operator, you’re responsible for mixing the live microphones during the performance. Your job is to make sure every actor can be heard clearly and at the right volume, adjusting levels throughout the show to create a balanced, professional sound.
Quick Reference
- Keep faders down until actors speak, then bring up smoothly
- Trust your ears more than your eyes
- If feedback starts, pull the fader down immediately
- Stay one step ahead - know what’s coming next
- Breathe and stay calm - mistakes happen, just keep going
Skills You’ll Need
- Attention to detail and focus
- Ability to multitask (listening while adjusting)
- Quick decision-making
- Good communication with stage manager
- Steady hands for smooth fader movements
Before the Show
2-3 Hours Before Curtain
For cafetorium/mobile setup: Follow the Mobile Sound Setup Checklist before beginning your sound check procedures.
1. Power up the system in the correct order:
- Turn on all wireless receivers first
- Turn on the sound board/mixer
- Turn on amplifiers LAST (this prevents loud pops through speakers)
2. Check all wireless systems:
- Verify all receivers are powered on and showing signal
- Check that frequencies are set correctly
- Confirm no interference (all channels showing clear RF signal)
3. Review your cue sheet:
- Know which actors are in each scene
- Note any special cues (music starts, sound effects, volume changes)
- Highlight or mark important moments
- Review any trouble spots from previous performances
4. Set up your workspace:
- Cue sheet in clear view
- Pencil/pen for notes
- Water bottle (you’ll be there for 2+ hours)
- Headphones if you use them for monitoring
- Flashlight with red filter (if needed in dark theater)
30-60 Minutes Before Curtain
5. Conduct mic check with each performer:
- Have mic wrangler help actors put on their mics
- Ask each performer to speak/sing at performance volume
- Set the gain for each channel (see Sound Board Basics)
- Mark or note any actors with particularly quiet or loud voices
- Check that each fader starts in the correct position for Act 1
6. Set up your scenes/snapshots (if your board has them):
- Load or verify the scene settings for each major moment
- Test scene transitions to make sure they recall properly
- Have a backup plan if scene memory fails (know your manual fader positions)
7. Communication check:
- Test your headset communication with stage manager
- Confirm mic wrangler knows how to reach you during show
- Make sure you know the emergency stop signal
During the Show
Your Primary Responsibilities
1. Ride the faders:
- Constantly adjust individual mic levels as actors speak/sing
- Bring up the fader when an actor is speaking
- Lower (but don’t fully mute) faders when actors aren’t speaking
- Keep the overall mix balanced so no one overpowers others
2. Follow your cue sheet:
- Know who’s speaking in each scene
- Anticipate entrances (bring fader up just before actor speaks)
- Stay one step ahead - know what’s coming next
- Mark your place continuously so you don’t get lost
3. Listen actively:
- Are all actors audible?
- Is anyone too loud or too quiet?
- Is there any feedback starting to build?
- Are there any unusual sounds (interference, rustling, battery warnings)?
4. Make smooth adjustments:
- Move faders gradually, not suddenly
- Small adjustments are better than big ones
- If you need to make a big change, do it during loud music or applause
- Never pull a fader down suddenly in the middle of a line
5. Respond to problems quickly:
- Dead battery? Switch to backup actor mic or have mic wrangler swap battery
- Feedback? Pull down the fader immediately, then troubleshoot
- No sound? Quick check: transmitter on? Battery good? Fader up? Channel unmuted?
Pro Tips
- Breathe and stay calm - mistakes happen, just keep going
- Don’t panic if you miss a cue - catch up on the next line
- Keep one eye on actors, one on the board - develop your peripheral vision
- During song numbers with multiple singers, focus on balancing the blend rather than individual words
- Trust your ears more than your eyes - if it sounds wrong, it probably is
- Save your adjustments - note what works so you can do it again next performance
After the Show
- Keep the system running until all actors have removed their mics
- Make notes on your cue sheet:
- What worked well?
- What needs adjustment for next show?
- Any problem areas or missed cues?
- Power down in reverse order:
- Turn off amplifiers FIRST
- Turn off sound board
- Turn off wireless receivers LAST
- Organize your workspace for next show
- Debrief with director/sound team if needed
Common Challenges & Solutions
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Too many actors talking at once | Prioritize the main speaker, keep others slightly lower but still audible |
| Actor’s mic sounds different than usual | Check mic placement first, then adjust EQ if needed, finally check battery |
| You lose your place in the script | Listen to what’s happening on stage, find the scene in your cue sheet, jump back in - don’t stop to figure it out |
| You make a mistake | Fix it as quickly and smoothly as possible, then move on - dwelling on it will cause more mistakes |
For New Crew Members
- Learn mic cue timing by watching rehearsals closely
- Always know which mics are “live” at any moment
- If something goes wrong, lower the fader first, then troubleshoot
- Watch the A1 - ask questions during tech, not the show