Live Sound Equipment Checklist

Posted by Oli - Audio Expert at Music Gear Direct on 5th Jun 2025

Live Sound Equipment Checklist

We’ve put together a live sound equipment checklist covering the gear you need. Get the know-how on setting up your live sound system.

Microphones

Every performer needs a microphone. Whilst some venues that have in house PA systems will probably have their own vocal microphones, we recommend that it's always best to have your own personal microphone. Whether the mics get regularly cleaned and maintained is not guaranteed. It's much more hygienic to use your own microphone. It also makes sense, because if something goes wrong with your mic, the venue has a backup.

A dynamic handheld microphone, such as the Shure SM58, is usually the best choice for live vocals. It's durable and a complete workhorse when it comes to live performances. We've even seen some SM58s look like they've been ran over by a truck, and still work! We're not sure how, we just know they're great. If you're after something more, then check out the Shure Beta58A microphone. In short, it alters a few of the key ingredients of the SM58 to give it its own character. Click here to find out what the key differences are between the SM58 and Beta58A.

If you're looking for something a bit different, maybe even a little special. Take a look at the Shure Beta87A. It's a condenser microphone crafted to bring a touch of studio magic on stage. The premium condenser capsule responds to every detail in the voice. It adds richness and depth that is missing in standard vocal microphones, and a gentle presence lift that imparts your voice with that all top-end sparkle.

Mixer

If you plan on doing your own gigs in venues that do not have their own PA system, then a mixer is a must have. One of the main things about the mixer you choose is all about the amount of inputs you need. If you only plan of connecting a few vocal microphones to the mixer, then you won't need lots of inputs. Let's look at a few traditional mixers first.

Analogue Mixers

A mixer with 16 channels, like the Yamaha MG16XU should suffice for most full band setups. Each channel has an input. You would be able to use up to four drum mics, at least two vocal microphones, a channel for the guitarist whether it be direct into the mixer or miking up an amplifier, a channel for the bass guitar, and at least one stereo channel for something like a keyboard and/or backing tracks. The Yamaha MG range also has one-knob compressors, which control the dynamics of the audio. This works well to level out a vocal performance for example. However, use compressors carefully as they can also cause feedback in smaller, livelier environments.

If you don't need a lot of inputs, a mixer like the Alto TRUEMIX 800FX would be sufficient. It has four microphone inputs, and a couple of stereo inputs as well as bluetooth connectivity and FX like reverbs and delays. For example, that could be a three channels for of vocal microphones, a channel for a guitar, and a stereo channel for a keyboard and/or backing tracks. It also has rotary controls instead of the usual volume faders, which reduces the overall footprint of the mixer, making it very portable.

Digital Mixers

You also have the option of a digital mixer. Digital mixers offer amazing functionality and features not available on traditional analogue mixers. A very popular digital mixer is the Allen & Heath CQ12 or the Allen & Heath CQ18. These mixers are very portable, and are completely feature rich. One main draw to digital mixers is the capability to use them remotely. You can connect a tablet to the mixer and wander off into the audience and control the mixer from the audiences perspective. Very nice. The CQ range have 7" touch screens too, as well as as a few physical controls.

Another very practical use of digital mixers is the ability to save presets (otherwise known as 'Scenes'). For example, if you perform at a location more than once, you can save the settings and recall the exact settings each next time you perform there, halving your setup time.

The Allen & Heath CQ range packs everything into such a small unit that we think they're one of the best digital mixers on the market right now! Some of the amazing features include: Gain Assistant, Feedback Assistant, FX Assist, Recording & playback functionality, Parametric EQ, Full Compressor, Colour coding, Custom soft keys and rotary controls and much more.

Click here to check out our range of analogue and digital mixers

If you have any questions at all, ask us! We're happy to help.

Monitors

You'd like to be able to hear yourself on stage, and that's where monitors come in handy.

In Ear Monitors

We recommend that most bands consider in-ear monitoring, especially if they have regular paid gigs. Reason being is that tend to be safer for your hearing. Other pros to using In Ear Monitors include the fact that they are much easier to transport around compared to wedge monitors, and they reduce stage noise, making live sound easier to deal with.

At first, In Ear Monitoring may be difficult to get used to due to the lack of ambient room sound that we're used to. But we urge you stick with it for a few gigs, and before you know it, it becomes the norm. 95% of people prefer in ear monitors as they can hear easily hear what they and their band are doing.

In ear monitors have a two variations. Wired and wireless. Wired in ear monitors, like this LD Systems HPA 1 are simple. You connect the in ear monitor body pack to the desk with an XLR cable or jack cable. These are best for performers who are stationary during the whole gig, like drummers for example.

Wireless in ear monitor systems are the same premise, except there's a transmitter and a receiver. The receiver is clipped onto a performers belt or waistband, whilst the transmitter, which sends the audio to the receiver via a wireless signal, is connected to the mixer. These are perfect for singers, or anyone that doesn't want to feel tethered to the mixer. An affordable option is the Xvive U4 series in ear monitors. I wrote a blog post all about the U4 series in ear monitors. Find out more here

In Ear Monitor - Earpieces

We recommend checking out the Shure SE range of in ear monitor earpieces. There the industry standard earpieces for use with in ear monitor systems. They come with plenty of tip options, both foam tips and silicone tips. From tips are great as they create a good seal in your ear, but do require cleaning every so often. The SE215s are an affordable option that works for most people. The SE215s are a single drive design, meaning each earpiece has a single driver to reproduce all the frequencies.

The SE425 and SE535 are multi-driver earpieces. The SE425s have dual drivers, one driver to produce the low end and one driver to produce the high end. The SE535s are triple driver, one driver to produce the low end, one to produce the mids and one to produce the high end. The more drivers an earpiece has, the better the handling of the frequency range. You only really need a set of multi-driver earpieces if you have lots of instruments in your monitor mix, as you will benefit from the separation and efficiency.

Click here to read our blog In Ear Monitors - A Guide for Live Performers

Floor Monitors

A floor monitor is essentially a speaker that sits on the floor aimed at the performer so that they can hear themselves. Whilst floor monitors come in different ratings and sizes, just like normal PA speakers. That being said, there's no reason why you can't use a normal PA speaker as a floor monitor. A lot of PA speakers are now designed with an angled face, so that they can sit on the floor an act as a floor monitor.

If you're after an affordable floor monitor, check out the Studiomaster Sense 12A+. It's 300watts and fitted with a 12" driver, complete with onboard DSP (digital signal processor).

If you're after something with a bit more power, then checkout the dB Technologies FMX12. This monitor is 600watts, has a coaxial speaker design and has an advanced DSP with linear phase FIR filters for even, intelligible sound. The FMX10 Active Floor Monitor is slightly smaller than the FMX12, at 400watts and fitted with a 10" coaxial driver.

Click here to find out more about the dB Technologies FMX12 Floor Monitor in our FMX12 blog post

You can also use standard PA speakers as floor monitors. Most modern PA speakers are designed with an angled face so that they can be played flat at a perfect angle, directing the sound towards the performer. Check out the Alto TX412 for an affordable option.

Click here to check out our range of floor monitors

If you have any questions at all, ask us! We're happy to help.

PA Speakers

Depending on what sort performances you are doing there are of course a few options for PA Speakers. Depending on the size of the venues you are performing at will dictate the size of speaker that you will require. We usually say that the default size is a 12" speaker. They're the golden ratio of portability, power, energy and throw. Anything smaller will have less bottom end, and won't throw as far. However, that's not always a bad thing. We have found that solo acts and duos have really benefitted from a pair of 10" speakers, as they're smaller, lighter and easier to transport which is big plus if you're by yourself. There are also 15" speakers. These are naturally bigger and heavier, however what you gain is more bottom end, more energy and the fact that they can throw the sound further than smaller speakers.

We recommend RCF Speakers for most gigs due to the fact that they work really well on vocals. Taking the knowledge written above into account, if you're a band, then definitely check out the RCF ART712-A MK5. They'e perfect for reproducing live vocals as well as guitars, keys and more. If you're a duo or solo act, check out the RCF ART 710-A MK5 or the RCF ART 708-A MK5. Both small and lightweight without compromising the power and quality of components. The amplifier delivers 1400 watts (peak power) and is controlled by a DSP that takes care of crossover, equalisation, phase control, soft limiting and speaker protections. Click here to find out more about the RCF ART7 MK5 Series.

Column PA System

As time goes on, we've seen more and more performers getting into Column PA Systems. These are all in one PA systems designed to be easier to transport yet provide the quality of a line array system. The idea is that the Column Systems crunch down the science and technology behind line array systems found in large venues. Our favourites are the Electro-Voice Evolve series and the RCF JMIX series. The only caveat to these systems is that we wouldn't necessarily recommend them for full live band setups. They work perfect for Solos, DJs and Duos.

Checkout the Evolve 30M Column PA System. It's clean, compact, and easy-to-use. A powerful 10'' subwoofer lies at the bottom of the column system and is complemented by a high-performance array featuring six 2.8'' neodymium drivers to deliver an astounding full-range sound. But that's just scratching the surface of the 30M's features, as it also has an onboard digital mixer, complete with remote controllability. Click here to find out more about the Evolve 30M Column PA system.

The RCF JMIX 8 has an ultra-portable and compact design, providing ease of transportation. The satellite speaker fits neatly into the back of the sub unit, allowing for seamless integration. Each full-range RFC driver is capable of handling high SPL and power. The high excursion RCF woofer provides enough punch to shake a dancefloor, whilst the bass-reflex port design reduces distortion. Thanks to the 1400W on-board amps, the EVOX JMIX8 offers huge sound with high efficiency. It also has an onboard digital mixer with plenty of features and functionality as well was remote controllability.

Stands

So you've got PA Speakers and microphones, now you need something to put them.

Mic Stands

There's two options really, straight mic stands and boom mic stands. A straight stand is as it sounds, a microphone stand that goes straight up and can't be angled. These tend to look better for singers that do not play an instrument. Though there's no rules! Boom stands have an arm on the top that can be angled towards the performer. These tend to work pretty well with singers that play an instrument like a guitar or keyboard for example.

If you're on a budget, check out the Pulse Straight Mic Stand and the Pulse Boom Mic Stand. If you want something a little more substantial and premium checkout our range of Gravity Stands. Gravity offer 5 Year Warranty, so you can have peace of mind and made of premium materials that make them tougher. The Gravity GMS23 is a premium-quality straight microphone stand that has a cast-iron round base for stability while also providing surface protection and acoustic isolation. The Gravity GMS4322B is a premium-quality microphone stand with a zinc die-cast base with folding legs and offers a convenient and simple setup while also ensuring excellent stability on both flat and tilted ground. Click here to find out more about Gravity Stands.

Speaker Stands

If you're on a budget, check out the QTX Steel Speaker Stand and the Citronic Aluminium Speaker Stand. use like the mic stands, if you want something a little more substantial and premium, Gravity Stands provide quality speaker stand like the SP5211B, which is a classic tripod speaker stand, made from strong but lightweight aluminium tubing with a load capacity of 50kg and a maximum height of 192cm. The redesigned leg collar provides superior durability and longevity, while the height adjustment collar is made of steel for additional strength. Gravity also has pneumatic speaker stands. The SP5211 ACB is a classic tripod speaker stand made from thick walled, yet lightweight powder coated aluminium tubing with a maximum height of 195 cm. Featuring a built-in air brake it allows you to lower loads up to 50 kg with minimum effort.

Square based speaker stands, like this QTX Square Based Stand, are an alternative option. They don't have the tripod legs as found on classic tripod speaker stands. Some people prefer square based stands as flat base doesn't take up as much room as tripod legs.

Here’s a cleaner, more concise version of your paragraph about XLR cables, suitable for a guide or info sheet:

XLR Cables

You can’t use a microphone without an XLR cable! If you’re bringing your own mic, it’s a good idea to bring a cable too. Most venues have plenty on hand, so it’s not critical—but having your own ensures reliability. Look for something durable, ideally with Neutrik connectors, but there are solid options at almost any price point. Our Pulse XLR cables are affordable and durable - click here for XLRS

Protecting Your Gear

So, you’ve got the kit—now how do you keep it safe?

Microphones: The Gator GM-4 Microphone Bag is a great option. It holds up to four mics, plus clips and cables. It’s handy for transport and also works well for safe storage at home or on the road.
PA System: Most PA speakers have their respective speaker covers. Check out our range of PA speaker covers here
Mixer: For the kind of compact mixer we’ve been discussing, the RokSak Mixer Bags are a strong pick. They're fully padded with external pockets for cables and more.
Cables: XLR and other mic cables can usually be tucked into the accessory pockets of your mixer or speaker bags—no need for a separate case.

FAQ

Do You Need a Subwoofer?

It depends. Most people buying their first PA system don’t start with a subwoofer. However, if you plan to mic up a drum kit, bass guitar, synths, or anything else with deep low-end frequencies, a subwoofer is a great addition. Top speakers typically struggle with very low frequencies, while subwoofers are specifically designed to handle them.

Are wireless microphones worth it?

If you don't wan't to be tied to the spot during a live show, then a wireless microphone might be for you. Now, that doesn't mean you have to have a wireless microphone if you want to move around the stage, you can just use an extra long XLR cable. There's plenty of performers who do this. However, if you don't want to have a potential trip hazard, or you're worried the cable might get caught, then wireless is the best thing for you. There's lots of different choices for wireless microphones, but we reccomend checking out our Shure systems for the best ratio between budget and quality.

Click here to read our blog 'Guide to Wireless Microphone Systems' to learn more

Get In Touch

Got any questions? We can help! Call myself (Oli), or Richard at the store on 01159383892 Mon - Fri 9:30am to 4pm / Sat 10am to 2pm or send us a message here.