Tools For Audio Engineers | Live Sound Workbox Checklist

[@FOH3663]

Agreed to all... except I'd add some items I feel are vital; 1.) small flashlight (I also carry a headlight) 2.) outlet tester (I prefer the three light version made by Ideal) 3.) roll of 33+ electrical tape 4.) white phase tape for labeling 5.) pocket knife 6.) hearing protection (musician's ear plugs, or simply foam earplugs, ideally both) 7.) misc batteries (9v, AA, AAA) 8.) multi-size screwdriver/nut driver (multi-tools are great, but Klein makes the best multi-bit drivers available, the newest double ended versions are robust, and perfect, ... all you need is two of them; the precision size, and regular size, each give you a dozen options... these new ones have powerful neodymium magnets ... just the best. I carry both plus a stubby muli-bit, facilitating 3 small tools covering most every need screw driving need)

[@kaankucuk1612]

Hello, can I ask lets say a high-end IEM has frequency response between 5hz-40.000lhz. So, if I connect this IEM to a dap/dac player, the frequency response still will be between 5hz-40.000khz or if it depends on if dac/dap have frequency response between 20hz-20.000khz, the frequency response of IEM will only be between 20hz-20.000khz not 5hz-40.000khz?

[@FOH3663]

@@kaankucuk1612 Good question. Yes, you're right... it's limited by the weakest link. A system of components is a chain in which the signal passes through in series, each component has -3dB points, so the final response is determined by the bandwidth of the weakest link. ... so the ultimate frequency response depends on the worst performing -3dB point of all the components in the chain. Example; IEMs w/5hz-40khz response 10hz-30khz - Pre-Amp 20hz-20khz - Power Amp -------------------------------------------- 10hz-20khz - System response

[@Anonymous_Frog257]

Have almost all of these in my kit, along with everything he mentioned! Highly recommend these adds!

[@matthewpiatt]

I can vouch for this video. I have nearly everything in this kit and then some. I take it to absolutely every show, and it is a lifesaver!

[@gorgecoach]

I do mosty backline nowdays but thumbup on all this...and and add FOH3663 adds...and perhaps switch our the Radial mono for a stereo...and a blade besides your multi tool...

[@eskyde]

Dude! For an amateur like me this is like the best channel. Really appreciate your effort, not only in making the videos and providing all the information, but also your descriptions and timestamps... pure gold! Thanks a lot!

[@AudioUniversity]

I'm glad you are finding the videos helpful, Tobias. Thanks for watching!

[@ruthbroadway]

Working in live sound myself this is probably the most relevant kit i've seen on youtube for what you need. It's simple, a great starter and not too much for people who want to start smaller and only with what they need.

[@MrDogonjon]

The dented mic always goes to the bass player. You want to keep them comfortable they always get the dented mic they are very used to it especially if they front many songs...they may ask you if you have a more dented mic.

[@williamtheconjurer]

Lol

[@BassTromBen]

… or the snare

[@dalemettee1147]

Good advice. I've been involved in adio for over 50 years and I'll tell you every one of the things you talked about is necessary. Years ago, I was going to record a band, had everything done. The only thing that I forgot was the audio tape for the reel to reel tape recorder. A quick run to a local store for some tape.

[@exhaustnotemusic5835]

Mann.. I am a musician and I am just now getting into these technical stuff, and your videos are like a proper guide book to audio. Great stuff

[@AudioUniversity]

Happy to help! Thanks for such a great compliment, Exhaust Note MusiC!

[@N0B0DY_SP3C14L]

Solid advice. A few other tools that may or may not be obvious are 1) headlamp & extra batteries, 2) multitool, 3) GOOD screwdriver, 4) crescent wrench, 5) solder kit (iron, solder, flux, sipper, braid, sponge/bowl), 6) WHITE BOARD TAPE, 7) gig 1st aid kit (excedrin, tums, Imodium, super glue, tweezers, mouthwash, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, wet wipes, and if you really want to be woke, fellas, some pamprin and a small pack of OB's, because having that stuff in your case, when it's needed, saves gigs. Trust me, it has saved several of mine, particularly at large outdoor festivals when a performer or crew member got caught in need without her necessaries.) It's not just about your ability troubleshoot a rig, run a good sound check, or build a good mix. When you are A1, you also need to look after your crew because without their absolute faith and confidence both as an engineer and a leader who is looking out for all of them as integral parts who are truly appreciated, they will never give you the 100% effort you need of them to make even the seemingly most simple show run smoothly. If it's a hiphop show, you might even want to pack a CAT tourniquet. You never know. I have been lucky enough to never have needed one, but I've seen idiots in the audience flash enough hardware to know it's a real possibility. Food for thought.

[@benwaight]

cleanest, most simplified guides - the channel we needed but didn't deserve . lol

[@AudioUniversity]

I appreciate that, Ben! Thanks for watching!

[@nicholasbohannan1673]

My dude.. you’re such a true professional and an inspiration to me. Judging by your subscribers, you’re an inspiration to many! Please don’t ever change and keep the incredible content coming!

[@grandrapids57]

152,000 subscribers now! Congratulations- it has been a joy to see the much deserved growth in your channel.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thank you very much, Grand Rapids57! You've been here from the beginning!

[@midiyr]

I am head audio in my local road house theater and we use ALL of this gear. Excellent video!

[@FitsTube]

Thanks for making this. Super helpful to someone who has to step into these roles occasionally. As a video guy the thing that keeps me up at night is sound.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks for watching, FITSNEWS! I'm glad it's helpful.

[@donaldbundy3499]

You got all that gear to fit into that case? Fascinating. I use a small rolling case with drawers and top compartment. It's actually a cosmetic makeup case and works well. Many of the things you mentioned are in it. Because I worked with bands, I included 9V AA & AAA batteries. A small took kit, scissors, multi-tool and flashlight. USB AC charger with adaptors. Scribble tape and sharpies. And recently Goby Labs GLS-104 Microphone Sanitizer. Never spray anything directly onto the microphone grill, apply to a cloth and use the cloth to wipe the mics heads down.

[@AudioUniversity]

Great tips, Donald! Thanks for sharing.

[@klassics9447]

Oh yes multi-tool & flashlight very important. I also use everything on that list except the radial & pelican case.

[@tienvdoan]

Got my 1510 case today pretty satisfied with it :)

[@allynjavwamusic]

Sir would you please make a review or setup tutorial for an X32 Behringer digital mixer You are such a great teacher and you make hard topics really easy to understand

[@AudioUniversity]

That's a great idea! I don't personally own an X32, but would love to create some tutorials with one. Thanks for the suggestion, Ally Njavwa Music!

[@ianwollstein8974]

My kit includes: HD25 headphones, JDI stereo passive DI, SM58S (TTS, no special switch cable required), 3.5mm trs to 2x 6.5 ts cable (3.5 to 2x xlr also very useful), white electrical tape with sharpie, usb chargers for iPhone, iPad, and MacBook. Usb A/B/C cables. 👍

[@AudioUniversity]

Nice! Thanks for sharing, Ian.

[@briangavinadams]

Great video, and excellent advice! Pretty much exactly what I have in my workboxes, although I pack a lot more other stuff in my 1510 than you do. If you add a lid organizer to your case you’ll be able to fit a bunch more small stuff in there. Some basic tools would be a good addition, as well as some batteries, windscreens, a few mic clips, maybe some electrical tape and spike tape, a pair of earbuds, and a phone charger. And a small bottle of ibuprofen.

[@rtnkarthikeyan4516]

Thank you soo much for your KT & support

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks for watching and supporting the channel!

[@krisb853]

Here are some additional things that I have in my work box that is a need. Black and white e-tape; white gaff, headlamp, flashlight; Y adapters, gloves, 1/8 to RCA to work with a PC DI (probably one of the best things that I have bought); a stereo passive DI so you can do stereo keyboards and an active single channel so you can do bass guitars and acoustics; computer; phone charging stuff; iPad for remote mixing; Tylenol; batteries; sharpies; hearing protection, c wrench; an opto so that you can find the hight of PAs; NL4 barrels; Ether-con barrels; drum key; and most importantly a hammock. I have gotten some good sleep in the back of a truck hooked up to E-track lol

[@kaankucuk1612]

Hello, can I ask lets say a high-end IEM has frequency response between 5hz-40.000lhz. So, if I connect this IEM to a dap/dac player, the frequency response still will be between 5hz-40.000khz or if it depends on if dac/dap have frequency response between 20hz-20.000khz, the frequency response of IEM will only be between 20hz-20.000khz not 5hz-40.000khz?

[@frederickbaugher8361]

My recording engineer bag contains the following items: 1. Drum key. 2. Stay free, mini pad. Much better for muting drums than moon gels. 3. Duct tape. 4. X-Acto knife. 5. Flashlight. 6. Illuminated ink, pen for writing in the dark. And essential tool of the job. 7. George L instrument cables. Most musicians in opening acts can’t afford these cables and they make a big difference on keyboards and some guitar rigs. 8. A bottle of Bacardi gold. No explanation required.

[@amirfakhribadri7994]

I like this channel not harsh everyone without knowledge than other channel mixer especially live streaming newbies impersonating pro .They not pro like you tell every single tool when needed or not .

[@demontrav1918]

Sniffer/Sender is a must have as an audio tech

[@jasongravely7217]

This channel is excellent! Great recommendations!

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Jason!

[@stephencarter832]

This is a very useful list. Would just add a roll of one inch white gaffa tape to write labels and mark up other peoples mixers with your Sharpie pen! Also some sort of universal tool like a Leatherman very useful. Plus of course a few AA, AAA cells and a 9 volt battery or two.

[@AudioUniversity]

Great additions, Stephen! Thanks.

[@Mobile.recording]

Practically confirmed 👍 plus headlamp and multitool. Throw some guitar picks in there too 😊

[@aaax9410]

Have had a kit of all these thimgs for years 👍

[@patriotbarrow]

Hell yeah, Dave Rat's stuff is amazing!

[@AudioUniversity]

Agreed! Thanks for watching!

[@Corsair1458]

If you want a more balanced sounding pair of headphones, I strongly suggest bear dynamics dt700 pro X, they don't fold but they are still just as durable, and sound absolutely amazing. I personally use the dt900 pro x for my grab and go headphones for studio work, live work, or even just to take on the go for vacations or whatever

[@alcraig1]

In this day of IP audio, I would also suggest: 1) Cat 5 cable tester 2) RJ45 connectors, wire strippers and crimp tool 3) Fibre optic laser torch

[@psychoactivednb]

Even more knowledgeable information, thank you!!!

[@john8451]

Whoa dude, that is a lot of shit to carry from gig to gig! I carry my trusty M50Xs, a well made xlr y-split and a sharpie. Everything else I expect to be found at the gig! 😮

[@charlotteice5704]

I quite like the dual tip sharpies that have an additional fineliner-esque tip on the end, but it's not fineliner ink, it's just a sharpie in the fineliner formfactor.

[@AudioUniversity]

Yeah! Those are great for labelling when there isn't as much space. Great addition, thank you!

[@Matt_Palm97]

great content learned a lot and can now expand based on what you said. Simple, organized and well explained on a basic level. Thank you sir. subbed

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad to help! Thank you.

[@FARLANDER762]

Great video! All of those things are essential. Try the Industrial Sharpies, they have a better ink so are even more permanent. Price is about the same. My only disagreement is with the switched SM58. NEVER...EVER...give a musician a convenient switch. Sure as hell, it will get turned off and then the whole room will be looking at you while you frantically point at the person to turn it back on.... I have exactly one (wired) mic with a switch and it has about 5 tight turns of electrical tape over that switch. I've taped wireless mics "on" when the switch is too convenient (single wrap for them).

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Lance. I agree. The switched mic (or cable) stay with me, within arms reach.

[@alejan_dose]

Have you ever work in direct sound for film or television? A video of the equipment for that type of work would be priceless! As always, thank you for let us know more about audio world :)

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks for the suggestion, alejan_dose! I'm glad you're enjoying the videos.

[@Seanalbertt]

With AoIP becoming more and more popular might not be a bad idea to throw a couple Cat5 cables, and barrels in with this.

[@AudioUniversity]

Great point, Sean! Thanks for these additions!

[@psychoactivednb]

Excellent recommendation!!!

[@djorig]

Excellent video! Thanks for sharing your gadgets.

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad you liked it, Ray! Thanks for watching.

[@Archangelrey1]

@audiouniversity Can you go into further detail about the equipment? What the difference between the XLR Sniffer/Sender, Audio Cable Tester and Whirlwind Qbox?

[@AudioUniversity]

The cable tester and the Sniffer/Sender are basically the same, with a few differences... The cable tester can test many types of cables. The Sniffer/Sender can be used to test long cables because there are two individual parts. The Qbox generates signals and also plays signals with a built-in speaker, so it's good for testing audio and signal flow.

[@charlesgallant]

For anyone looking into the Rapco Horizon LTIBLOX, this video (and lots of comments on Amazon) contradict the product listing, which says that the output is stereo. I think this vid and others are actually correct; It seems to produce a balanced mono output. I'd love to be corrected here... still learning about all of this :)

[@AudioUniversity]

You're correct, Charles. The LTIBLOX will sum the left and right channel together into a single, mono XLR output. In most cases when I've used the LTIBLOX, stereo is not used anyway.

[@ThePrecisionhit]

i also find it useful to carry a small first-aid kit, never know when you'll have to be dr. sound guy with the crew

[@sensoryland9187]

This is great! Thanks so much for sharing.

[@sensoryland9187]

I’ve watched a couple of your videos now and they’re super easy to understand and you share a lot of VERY helpful content. For a complete beginner like myself looking into getting sound gear can be very over whelming so thank you for taking the time to make sure great videos. I do sound healings so work mostly with crystal bowls and now I feel a step closer in understanding how to amplify their delicate sounds with a mic system! 💜

[@JHAN1212]

I'd also add a measurement mic of your choice to this kit for tuning purposes.

[@simon-d-m]

Grippy work gloves (cheap ones). Several pairs ideally for cable bashing and so on. Yellow Frog tape (not ordinary masking tape) as a scribble strip. Small Maglite or a head torch as you cannot usefully hold your cellphone in your mouth! Also take both Leatherman and Swiss Army knives (with belt pouches). DO NOT make my newby mistake of getting a Swiss knife with a cross-head screwdriver - the corkscrew is far more important! Never mind the intended use, Victorinox make a tiny screwdriver accessory that fits into the corkscrew, which is the perfect size for certain radio mic transmitters, etc., and of course you get faster access to wine (not the Linux variety!) Also a few mic clip thread adapters and foam windshields, and a selection of handy-sizes of non-rechargeable batteries: AA, AAA, and PP3 covers most things.

[@stavroshouiris]

This was a really great and informative video, would love to see what software you use and you consider must haves

[@jtf2dan]

Thanks....added some new items because of this video!

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad to help, jtf2dan! What did you add?

[@jtf2dan]

@@AudioUniversity I ordered some M/M and F/F adaptors, a DI box and a 40 foot quad balanced worlds best XLR mic cable with Mogami wire and Neutrik connectors

[@jtf2dan]

most of the stuff I already had....

[@jtf2dan]

@@AudioUniversity the other handy item for myself, is that I have been a competitive pistol, shotgun and rifle shooter in the past, so I have many pelican cases from small 2 pistol size, up to double full length rifle sizes with wheels.....plus a bunch of soft sided range bags, and plastic and metal ammo cases. So I have many options for carrying a ton of stuff if needed depending on the amount of equipment required and how much protection it needs. You can get many of these cases used at army surplus stores, and Princess Auto, or new at Cabellas or Bass Pro shops. The only item missing off your list I have found useful is the velcro cable straps to bundle cables together to save space, lessen tripping hazards and make the area around the mixers/consoles/speakers look neater. The nice thing about them is they have a loop so you can adjust from as small as one cable up to dozens if you get the longer ones, and they are reusable, so more environmentally friendly, and easier to put on and off then tape, but tape does have other uses as well.

[@d00dxKVLT]

The Sonnect Sound Bullet is replacing the Q-Box in most people's kits now.

[@AudioUniversity]

I haven't tried one yet, but they look awesome! Thanks for mentioning that, Kevin!

[@craigfringer]

Opinions are what they are, Neutrik XLRs have too many pieces. Leatherman put the little screwdriver on just for Switchcraft A3. Well, maybe not, but it’s a good story.

[@seattlevegas66]

I am really learning so much from you! I had a small gig the other day, and my amp blew a tube. So I plugged my electric guitar straight into their power mixer - no DI box. It sounded perfect. I never attempted that before. Now I wonder if I should either go without, or maybe keep a spare passive in my bag. Thoughts?

[@AudioUniversity]

I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos, Jef! I think it’s a good idea to keep a passive DI with you for these cases. Although it worked without one, there was probably a tonal degradation, especially if it was a long cable run. Check out this video to hear the difference: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lanck52fqqlsgZI

[@MichaelNatrin]

Great video, thanks for sharing your kit.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks for watching, Michael!

[@jobaecker9752]

Wow, that felt like going to the circus. You kept pulling stuff out of that bag just like when the clown car door opens and the clowns keep coming out! Although I do think you missed having spare batteries. And these days, an extra phone charger for both iPhone and android.

[@originalvonster]

Thank you. Learned a lot. A guy I go to uni with uses a flute instrument case, they are a lot cheaper.

[@DmitryInNz]

Feeding the algo: great video as always, Kyle. Thanks!

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks for watching! Much appreciated, Dmitry!

[@tomsteger1]

Awesome video! Question: Where do you get the zippered compartments shown in the lid of the case?

[@krisb853]

New Upgraded Lid Organizer for The Pelican 1510 Case. a.co/d/aL7b9z0

[@longsnapper5381]

Very good as always. Thank you!

[@RafaelUnplugged]

The clickable black sharpies will save you endless openning and closing of the caps for those standard sharpies.

[@КириллОзеров-н9й]

very useful video

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad to hear that! Thanks for watching!

[@Richard1977]

Great and helpful video but for some reason I hear Baz Luhrmann's Everybody's Free in my head when you go thru your list of products.

[@leonsaieg2959]

Awesome tools!!!

[@djmarybaloo]

Hello I have a little request: what is the information needed to get started in live sound technology. thank you.

[@AudioUniversity]

Check out this video for getting your first job in live sound: kzbin.info/www/bejne/onKmZJ-LpdJ0rbs Check out this video for learning live sound setup: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6fEkmeVbJVlm68 Thanks for watching, Marian!

[@henniewagner]

Amphenol connectors are also a good shot over the generic ones, also I would say having console tape is still a good idea, even in 2022

[@AlloyedFrequencies]

Thank you!

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks for watching!

[@rediflow]

did I miss it, or was there no "masking tape"? Our Sound Guy usually had it with him (many years ago, as I played in a Band), tho make easy removeable markings for channels, mics etc.. As we usually shared the stage with other bands with their own sound guys... tape the console with the channels the sound guys agreed on for the evening or every Sound guy could make his own markings for his turn... That's also a use case for the sharpies :-) By this, the Console is unmarked and without any sticky Tape residues, after the Gig

[@AudioUniversity]

Great addition, Rediflow - console tape!

[@Dozantv]

Thanks

[@andnegr]

Wow! great video!

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Andrea!

[@lekkerlekker5760]

Great video!

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks.

[@sriharshaa7997]

Which DI box should I use for Guitar, violin n keyboard? Pls suggest for stage performance and for recording too..

[@AudioUniversity]

Check out this video, Sri: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2q3mqeOmJWpntU

[@joanfraugarriga3657]

Where could I buy the dividers for the interior of the case?

[@AudioUniversity]

I bought mine at Amazon. But you can also find them at B&H. There are links to the dividers I use in the description of the video.

[@Rosonicole]

You forgot the Apple adapter lol never fails Type c dongle as well

[@crayfish3629]

Those testers I need them in my box

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks for watching, cray fish!

[@MyVideos-fm7ug]

Gaffe tape - the secret application to Alex Van Halen’s unique “wooden” sounding snare drum sound

[@ParkerCharlesGabriel]

Do you have any videos talking about vocal mics for recording?

[@AudioUniversity]

Not yet, but that's a great suggestion! Thanks, PCG.

[@giannibadeau3344]

Great info! Thank you!

[@PotatoflakeJake]

I see what you did there with the scarlet looool

[@BjorgenEatinger]

How in the world do you get all of that gear into that little box?

[@YourHaloCreations]

What's a good workhorse laptop?

[@garrettpatten6312]

This video is too 🔥

[@ultrastar23]

Can you elaborate on what you said @2:55-3:07 please? Is line level able to withstand phantom, while mic level is not or something? And would accidentally putting phantom with a mic level cable destroy our phones or laptops? Thanks!

[@ethanlee5741]

I think it's more that phantom power usually comes in XLR form, which may damage devices not intended to receive it. If you use a 1/4" connection to the mixer instead, you save yourself the risk of accidentally sending phantom power through.

[@AudioUniversity]

That's exactly right, Ethan! Thanks! Good question, Mauricio! Thank you both for watching.

[@ultrastar23]

So it wouldn’t even go through on a quarter inch cable? Didn’t know that. Appreciate it!

[@FARLANDER762]

@@ultrastar23 I don't recall having seen phantom power on a 1/4" connector. Doesn't mean it hasn't been done though.

[@KarthiKeyan-kx6yl]

hi kale can you explain about AES output

[@AudioUniversity]

The AES (Audio Engineering Society) created protocols for digital audio. AES3, AES50, etc. these protocols allow multiple channels of digital audio over one cable.

[@zanepickerel766]

Just found your channel and love it! You attended CRAS didn't you haha

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad you like it, Zane! I didn’t attend CRAS, but I attended a similar program at Webster University.

[@zanepickerel766]

@@AudioUniversity awesome man ! love your videos, Im graduating CRAS next month and starting my internship in Vegas, your videos cover a lot I have learned and is a great resource to watch going into the industry !

[@AudioUniversity]

That’s awesome, Zane! Congratulations! Very glad to hear this.

[@utkalnetwork6060]

Please make a video for sync sound and give some idea about sync sound recording

[@AudioUniversity]

Great suggestion! Thanks.

[@utkalnetwork6060]

Thank you sir nice video I'm always wait for your video...

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad to hear that! Thanks!

[@theoutsiderjess1869]

I have always wondered what sounds engineer carry for live recording

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks for watching, TheOutsider Jess!

[@xWonderxBreadx]

No ear plugs? That's ballsy...

[@AudioUniversity]

Great point! Thanks for this addition to the kit, Jordan!

[@patrickgarrity5529]

This is cool thx

[@Swdp3132]

Thanks for your vudet🙏🏻🙏🏻👍

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks for watching!

[@Swdp3132]

Give your Instagram name

[@FirebrandVOCALS]

Cheers 🍻

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks for watching, Firebrand VOCALS!

[@wahoo236]

I really should upgrade to a nice case, instead of my normal practice of tossing a bunch of stuff into a plastic tote. It always ends with me digging to the bottom for the thing that I need.

[@MrPukerman]

What if one connector is non binary)?

[@lakshitharathnayake6893]

❤️❤️👍❤️❤️

[@JohnSmith-b6q]

Sage Avenue

[@allybeatz4853]

I'm in Class

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks for watching, Ally Beatz!

[@513BRAM]

#realtalk

[@donloder1]

Why are they called male/female?

[@stuff8195]

Don't be a bigot 😂