Input List Guide: Patch Sheets for Live Sound

The Input List is arguably the most referenced page of your rider during show day. It serves as the checklist for the patch tech on stage and the map for the FOH engineer at the console. A messy input list tells the crew "we don't know what we're doing"; a clean one says "we are ready to rock".

Standard Channel Order

While there are no laws, there are strong conventions. Sticking to them makes life easier for everyone. The standard festival order is:
1. Drums (Kick, Snare, Hat, Toms, Overheads)
2. Bass (DI, Mic)
3. Guitars (Stage Left to Stage Right)
4. Keys / Tracks / DJ
5. Vocals (Stage Left to Stage Right)

Details Matter: +48V and Stands

Don't just write "Vocal". Write "Vocal - Agent (Center) - SM58 - Tall Boom". The stage tech needs to know what stand to grab before they walk out. Also, clearly mark which channels need +48V Phantom Power. Sending 48V to a playback laptop line can destroy output stages. Be precise.

Digital Splits and Local Inputs

If you tour with a digital console, your input list might be "Split 1-16". Even then, you need to provide a "Soft Patch" list so the house engineer knows that Channel 1 on your split is the Kick Drum. Always define if you are providing the split tails or if you need the venue to provide them.