Stage Plots & Input Lists | Everything Explained About How to Create One!

When doing live shows, there are two things that can make setting up and patching the stage go smoothly and efficiently. They are an input list and Stage Plot.

Input Lists

The Input list is actually a list of records and the corresponding channels on the snake or console on which they are hung. The most important thing is to prefer a snaking channel, input, and possibly a microphone or DI. Extended Input lists may include snake bottom channels, color coding, stage plot location, microphone stand preference, and any other relevant information.

Snake and/or anything included in the console is an Input. This includes all microphones, DIs, all playback devices, and other audio sources. As the size and scope of the exhibition grow, so does the list of entries.

Stage Plot

If you mix up the band, another useful thing is the stage Plot. This is a diagram showing the position of the musicians, voices, instruments, and observation mixes on the stage. Sometimes the team will provide you with this information, and if you are working with a new document, you will need to write it down elsewhere.

Stage plot is often not used in small productions, for example, a person speaking on stage reads a lecture and uses a theatrical performance that requires a single monitor or multiple vocal microphones.

Like an Input list, it can be simple or detailed when you need to create a scene. The most basic basics of showing the status of musicians and managing the mix on stage. More advanced plans of scenes can also show things like the size of the drum lifter, the distances between musicians, the decrease in AC current, and other relevant information.

Basic and Advanced Stage Plot

If you’re a sound engineer at a place where you always work with different groups, then you’ll create a list of records and a scenario when the group arrives and find out what you’re doing. If you have a regular mixed concert with the same group and use home audio equipment in each room, this will help you clearly display the list and order of entries to the home audio/production group. can help you stick to the scene and pull the wire. 

Even if you’re on a tour with a full audio system, it’s a good idea to keep both of these updated, as this will make the problem easier to solve, and if you’re doing local production. The Input list and stage plan are two important documents that should be part of every concert. Both serve as cards. The Input list is a guide to patching a snake and a console.