When you think of a Sound Operator’s toolkit, you probably picture high-end condensers, digital consoles, and maybe a trusty roll of electrical tape. But if you want to move from being "the person who turns knobs" to a strategic Audio Engineer, it’s time to open up Excel, Google Sheets, or Numbers.
At @vibetoolsngofficial, we believe that professional sound is 20% gear and 80% organization. Using "office" tools for technical production isn't just nerdy—it’s a game-changer for high-pressure environments.
The Strategy: Data-Driven Sound
Most engineers keep their input list in their head or scribbled on a piece of paper. The strategic operator builds a Master Input Matrix. Using a spreadsheet allows you to automate your workflow, track inventory, and share real-time updates with the stage hands and the monitor engineer.
How to Build Your Strategic Input List
Instead of just listing instruments, use columns to categorize every point of failure and signal flow.
Example Spreadsheet Structure:
|
Channel |
Source Group |
Instrument/Source |
Transducer (Mic/DI) |
Stand Type |
Stage Patch (Sub-snake) |
FOH Patch |
+48V |
Notes/Processing |
|
1 |
Drums |
Kick Drum |
Dynamic (sE VKick) |
Short Boom |
Drop 1 |
CH 01 |
OFF |
Heavy compression |
|
2 |
Drums |
Snare Top |
Dynamic (sE Beat) |
Clip-on |
Drop 1 |
CH 02 |
OFF |
Gate engaged |
|
3 |
Keys |
Nord Stage 3 (L) |
Active DI (Whirlwind) |
N/A |
Drop 2 |
CH 05 |
ON |
Stereo Link w/ CH 6 |
|
4 |
Vocals |
Worship Leader |
Wireless Handheld (Audio-Technica) |
Tall Boom |
Local |
CH 12 |
OFF |
De-esser active |
|
5 |
Speech |
Pastor Headset |
Omni Earset (DPA) |
N/A |
Local |
CH 15 |
OFF |
Primary Speech Bus |
Why This "Out-of-the-Box" Approach Works
1. Google Sheets for Real-Time Collaboration
Working a large festival? Share a Google Sheet with your Stage Manager. As they move a mic on stage, they can update the sheet on their phone, and you’ll see the change instantly at the Front of House (FOH) console. No more shouting across the venue.
2. Excel for Inventory & Frequency Management
Use Excel to track your wireless frequency coordination. You can color-code frequencies that are "safe" versus those prone to interference in specific Lagos zones, ensuring your wireless mics never drop out mid-performance.
3. Numbers (Apple) for Visual Stage Plots
If you’re on an iPad, use Numbers to create a visual "box map" of the stage. You can drag and drop shapes representing monitors and mics, then export it as a PDF for the setup crew.
The Pro Tip: Templates are Everything
Don’t start from scratch every Sunday or every gig. Create one master template in Excel that includes your standard drum kit, vocal, and DI setups. When a new gig comes, just "Save As," tweak the details, and you’re soundcheck-ready in five minutes.
Strategic sound is organized sound. By using tools like Google Sheets, you reduce stress, eliminate patching errors, and prove to clients that you are a top-tier professional.
"The difference between a noisy show and a seamless production is often found in the cells of a spreadsheet."
Join the Conversation
How do you organize your stage inputs? Are you Team Excel or Team Paper? Let us know in the comments!
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