Tools For Audio Engineers | Live Sound Workbox Checklist

In this video, I'm sharing some tools that I carry in my workbox when I'm going to be working with audio systems. These essential tools for audio engineers will make you more prepared for troubleshooting and testing a pro audio system.

0:00 - Introduction

0:09 - Part I: Case
Pelican 1510 Case

TrekPak Insert

1:01 - Part II: Testers & Meters
Audio Cable Tester

Whirlwind Qbox

Sound Tools Sniffer/Sender

Digital Multimeter

2:37 - Part III: Cables & Adapters
3.5mm to Dual 1/4" Adapter

Rapco Horizon LTIBLOX

XLR Coupler (M-M)

XLR Coupler (F-F)

XLR-F to 1/4" Adapter

XLR-M to 1/4" Adapter

XLR Microphone Cable

4:55 - Part IV: General Supplies
Gaff Tape

Sharpies

5:44 - Part V: Microphones, DIs, & Headphones
Shure SM58S Dynamic Microphone

Sescom Switched XLR Cable

Radial ProDI Direct Box

Whirlwind IMP-2 Direct Box

Audio-Technica M50x Headphones

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[FOH]

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)

[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!

[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!

[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.

[exhaustnotemusic]

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 <3

[dalemettee]

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.

[grandrapids]

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

[tienvdoan]

Got my 1510 case today pretty satisfied with it :)

[nicholasbohannan]

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!

[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.

[donaldbundy]

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.

[benwaight]

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

[ianwollstein]

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. 👍

[midiyr]

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

[amirfakhribadri]

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 .

[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

[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.

[NBDY_SPCL]

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.

[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.

[demontrav]

Sniffer/Sender is a must have as an audio tech