Sound Check Process (Theater Style)
A sound check helps us make sure every mic and audio source is working, clear, and loud enough - before actors hit the stage. It’s especially important in musical theater, where performers speak and sing with varying volume and emotion, and we ride mic faders live to keep everything balanced and feedback-free.
This guide outlines our fader-down sound check process, based on how many professional theater board operators work - and how we run things here.
When Does Sound Check Happen?
- At the start of each dress rehearsal and show day
- Before the audience arrives
- Usually takes 10-20 minutes if everyone is ready to go
What We’re Trying to Do
- Make sure each mic is transmitting clearly
- Set input gain so faders don’t have to be pushed too far during the show
- Check for feedback, distortion, or dropouts
- Let actors get comfortable hearing themselves
- Give the board operator a feel for real-world cue mixing
Before You Begin
Sound Crew:
- Power on the mixer, wireless receivers, and any playback equipment
- Verify all mic packs have fresh batteries
- Ensure channels are labeled by actor and mic number
- Confirm the correct mic is assigned to the correct channel
Cast:
- Wear mics as they will be worn during the show
- Stay quiet until your mic is called
- Speak in character when testing - not just “check 1-2-3”
Sound Check Process
1. Test One Actor at a Time (Fader-Down Style)
- Unmute the actor’s channel, but keep the fader all the way down (-infinity)
- Ask the actor to say a line in character and volume
- Bring the fader up slowly, just as you would during the show
- Adjust the input gain (trim) so the fader lands comfortably between -10 and 0 dB when they speak clearly
- Listen for:
- Clarity? Distortion? Dropouts?
- Boomy, muffled, or nasal sound?
- Any hint of feedback?
- If needed, apply light EQ (high-pass filter, low-mid cut, high-mid clarity boost)
- Return the fader to -infinity, leave the mic muted until showtime
- Move on to the next actor
2. Group Mic Check (Optional)
- With multiple mics live, test a group scene or choral number
- This helps catch feedback problems, mic bleed, or level imbalances
- Practice fader rides for group cueing
3. Music Cue Check
- Play a short music cue or sound effect
- Confirm:
- Correct playback input (Aux or Tape In)
- Good level balance with vocals
- No distortion or hum
Troubleshooting During Sound Check
| Problem |
What to Check |
| No sound from a mic |
Is the pack on? Batteries OK? Receiver linked? |
| Mic too quiet |
Raise input gain, not the fader alone |
| Mic too loud/distorted |
Lower input gain first |
| Feedback starts early |
Reduce gain, adjust EQ, check mic placement |
| Static/dropouts |
Check mic cable, antenna visibility, or battery |
DOs and DON’Ts
| DO |
DON’T |
| Leave faders down and test with real movement |
Don’t check mics with faders left at unity |
| Speak in character - not just “test” |
Don’t test all mics at once |
| Keep show fader movements consistent |
Don’t over-adjust EQ without reason |
| Give every actor their own focused check |
Don’t skip ensemble mics “just for tonight” |
For New Crew Members
- Only one mic live at a time during testing - this keeps feedback risks low
- Always return faders to -infinity after checking
- Listen for natural sound - like the actor is right in front of you
- If a mic sounds bad, it’s okay to ask for help - don’t fake your way through it