Choose a channel order
Start with a predictable grouping and keep stereo pairs or related sources together. A common order is drums, percussion, bass, guitars, keys, playback, specialty instruments, vocals, and talkback. If the house has a fixed patch convention, adapt without changing the meaning of the source labels.
Name sources precisely
Use names such as Kick In, Snare Top, Bass DI, Guitar SR, Keys L, Playback R, and Lead Vocal. Avoid labels that only make sense inside the band. Add performer names where they prevent confusion during line check or monitor mixing.
Specify capture and mounting
- Preferred microphone or an acceptable category
- Active or passive DI
- Mono, stereo, digital, or network connection
- Tall boom, short boom, round base, clamp, or no stand
- Phantom-power and pad requirements
- Artist-supplied or venue-supplied equipment
Separate requirements from preferences
If a specific microphone is essential, explain why. Otherwise give the venue room to substitute an equivalent from its inventory. Clear priorities make advance conversations faster and reduce the chance that a preference is mistaken for a show-stopping requirement.
Cross-check the stage plot and monitor plan
Every plotted audio source should map to an input or be clearly marked as self-contained. Monitor mix numbers and performer positions should agree across the plot and mix list. Run this check after every lineup or instrumentation change, not only when the document is first created.
Build the working document on your Mac.
Stage Plot Forge keeps the visual plot, production lists, notes, and exports together in one local project.
Download Stage Plot Forge