[1/3] Touring Terminology 101: Essential Terms Every Roadie Should Know
As a set carpenter, you're going to hear a ton of jargon that is going to mean absolutely nothing to you. And with the way this profession and industry works, there isn’t really much time for you to catch up whilst on the job, you’re just going to have to know it.
In this blog, I'm going to break down some of the most common terms you'll encounter on the job. From "load-in" to "monitor world," understanding these terms will make your life a whole lot easier.
The James Disclaimer: The usage of these terms can differ across the music, theatre, and film industries.
Load-in: The process of moving equipment into a venue.
Load-out: The process of moving equipment out of a venue after a performance.
Backline: The equipment that stands behind the band on stage, such as amplifiers, keyboards, and drums.
Front of House (FOH): The area where the audience is located and where sound and lighting control is often situated.
Monitor World: The area on stage where monitor engineers work, managing the sound monitors for the performers.
Rigger: A person responsible for the setup and operation of rigging equipment used to hang lights, sound systems, and other equipment.
Stagehand (Local Crew): A crew member who assists with setting up and breaking down the stage and equipment.
Truss: A framework, typically made of aluminum, used to support lighting, sound equipment, and other stage elements.
Fly: To lift equipment above the stage using rigging and truss systems.
Deck: The main stage surface where performers stand.
Scaffold: A temporary structure used to support people and equipment during construction and setup.
Cable Ramp: Protective covers used to prevent cables from being damaged and to prevent tripping hazards.
Dimmer Rack: A device used to control the intensity of stage lighting.
Gaffer Tape: A strong, cloth-backed adhesive tape used for securing cables and other items on stage.
Strike: To dismantle and remove stage equipment after a show.
Stage Plot: A diagram showing the layout of the stage and placement of equipment and performers.
Patch Bay: A panel with multiple connectors for routing audio and video signals.
Soundcheck: A rehearsal to test and balance audio levels before a performance.
Tech Rider: A document outlining the technical requirements of a performance.
Snake: A multi-channel audio cable used to connect stage equipment to the mixing console.
Distro: Short for "distribution," a device that distributes electrical power to various stage equipment.
Line Array: A type of speaker system used to project sound evenly across a large area.
Mixer: A device used to combine and control audio signals.
EQ (Equalizer): A device used to adjust the balance of different frequencies in an audio signal.
Mic Stand: A stand used to hold a microphone in place.
Flight Case: A sturdy case used to transport equipment safely.
XLR Cable: A type of cable commonly used for audio connections, especially microphones.
DI Box (Direct Input Box): A device used to connect an instrument to a mixing console.
Subwoofer: A speaker designed to reproduce low-frequency sounds.
Monitor: A speaker used by performers to hear themselves and the rest of the band.
There you go, you’re all caught up!
But this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to touring jargon. Stay tuned, because I’ve got more blogs covering this topic coming in the next few weeks.
Keep on reading…
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