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.
Full Post (Audio University Website): https://audiouniversityonline.com/live-sound-workbox/
0:00 – Introduction
0:09 – Part I: Case
Pelican 1510 Case
– Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LMa4sc
– Thomann: https://geni.us/thomann-pelican-1510
– B&H: https://bhpho.to/3ycFmnY
TrekPak Insert
– Amazon: https://amzn.to/3KFTx7H
– B&H: https://bhpho.to/3vGF9rG
1:01 – Part II: Testers & Meters
Audio Cable Tester
– Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/BX9Jv4
– zZounds: https://geni.us/IcpjJkX
– Thomann: https://geni.us/thomann-cable-tester
– Amazon: https://amzn.to/39vUSkx
– B&H: https://bhpho.to/3ydS5H7
Whirlwind Qbox
– Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/zav3o7
– Amazon: https://amzn.to/3KOZhfj
– B&H: https://bhpho.to/3vFdXcO
Sound Tools Sniffer/Sender
– Thomann: https://geni.us/thomann-sniffer-sender
– Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vIdSFd
– B&H: https://bhpho.to/3OX2FZ1
Digital Multimeter
– Amazon: https://amzn.to/37kNJmE
2:37 – Part III: Cables & Adapters
3.5mm to Dual 1/4″ Adapter
– Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/NKoa9q
– Guitar Center: https://guitar-center.pxf.io/jW43Ya
– Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LN6L43
– B&H: https://bhpho.to/3MORlMx
Rapco Horizon LTIBLOX
– Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/qnkdzb
– Guitar Center: https://guitar-center.pxf.io/NK2e2O
– Amazon: https://amzn.to/3yeIi3B
– B&H: https://bhpho.to/3yfe9Bk
XLR Coupler (M-M)
– Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/oev3YY
– Guitar Center: https://guitar-center.pxf.io/EaPX7n
– Amazon: https://amzn.to/37ecssy
– B&H: https://bhpho.to/3sbAGep
XLR Coupler (F-F)
– Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/BX9J74
– Guitar Center: https://guitar-center.pxf.io/n1v3Ya
– Amazon: https://amzn.to/37ecssy
– B&H: https://bhpho.to/3LNiiQH
XLR-F to 1/4″ Adapter
– Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/QOXrkz
– Amazon: https://amzn.to/3kDePs2
– B&H: https://bhpho.to/3w3qDJA
XLR-M to 1/4″ Adapter
– Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/LP1q9O
– Amazon: https://amzn.to/3w4GSGb
– B&H: https://bhpho.to/38Nr8PU
XLR Microphone Cable
– Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/jW43qb
– Guitar Center: https://guitar-center.pxf.io/e42Mm6
– B&H: https://bhpho.to/3MPOPFT
4:55 – Part IV: General Supplies
Gaff Tape
– Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/ORoAeZ
– zZounds: https://geni.us/M4BB8
– Thomann: https://geni.us/thomann-gaff-tape
– Guitar Center: https://guitar-center.pxf.io/6bVxVN
– Amazon: https://amzn.to/3kGd8dt
– B&H: https://bhpho.to/37Yo5V7
Sharpies
– Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LRWdkg
5:44 – Part V: Microphones, DIs, & Headphones
Shure SM58S Dynamic Microphone
– Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/b3KzEm
– zZounds: https://geni.us/odWVXk
– Thomann: https://geni.us/thomann-shure-sm8
– Guitar Center: https://guitar-center.pxf.io/6b19JE
– Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MRrRyd
– B&H: https://bhpho.to/3LXaEmM
Sescom Switched XLR Cable
– Sescom: https://www.sescom.com/products/view/product/productslug/mic-cable-xlr-male-to-xlr-female-with-rotary-on-off-switch-nickel-housing-
Radial ProDI Direct Box
– Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/b3voYx
– zZounds: https://geni.us/Dd89
– Thomann: https://geni.us/thomann-radial-prodi
– Guitar Center: https://guitar-center.pxf.io/4eAD1L
– Amazon: https://amzn.to/3KLoYO1
– B&H: https://bhpho.to/3od9euI
Whirlwind IMP-2 Direct Box
– Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/0JXNVV
– zZounds: https://geni.us/c5WXy
– Guitar Center: https://guitar-center.pxf.io/P0Y6A6
– Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vKgAu3
– B&H: https://bhpho.to/3umOPar
Audio-Technica M50x Headphones
– Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/WDJk1X
– zZounds: https://geni.us/rtlWI
– Thomann: https://geni.us/thomann-at-m50x
– Guitar Center: https://guitar-center.pxf.io/KeGLDv
– Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LJ4I0I
– B&H: https://bhpho.to/3GpMtuo
Instrument Frequency Guide (Free Download): https://audiouniversityonline.com/instrument-frequency-guide/
Ear Training Guide (Free Download): https://audiouniversityonline.com/ear-training-guide/
Book a one to one call:
https://audiouniversityonline.com/one-to-one/
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Gear Recommendations: https://kit.co/audiouniversity
#AudioUniversity
Disclaimer: This description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click them, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you.
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 .
Sniffer/Sender is a must have as an audio tech
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. 👍
Thanks
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
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.
This is cool thx
Got my 1510 case today pretty satisfied with it 🙂
loving this!
What if one connector is non binary)?
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)
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
https://youtu.be/l_Poku6BrUs
Great vlog
The clickable black sharpies will save you endless openning and closing of the caps for those standard sharpies.
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
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!
This was a really great and informative video, would love to see what software you use and you consider must haves
How in the world do you get all of that gear into that little box?
What’s a good workhorse laptop?
If you’re buying Sharpies by the box, consider getting some silver, gold, or bronze ones that can write on black surfaces
This channel is excellent! Great recommendations!
hi kale can you explain about AES output
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!
This is great! Thanks so much for sharing.
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.
Excellent video! Thanks for sharing your gadgets.
I love my audio technicas. Have been using the 50s for 20 years. Gone through 2 sets currently a year and a half into my third set. They sound great. They are durable as hell and they are absolutely my go to for headphones
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?
Sage Avenue
❤️❤️👍❤️❤️
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
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.
This video is too 🔥
Love this video! Thanks for sharing!
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
You forgot the Apple adapter lol never fails
Type c dongle as well
I also carry a power strip with me. Especially if i’m bringing my laptop.
Also a long instrument cable, in case they can’t put their amps far enough back because cable from pedalboard and amp is too short.
And then keep adding every thing you ever weren’t able to conjure out of your peli the last time :p
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
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.
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.
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! 😮
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.
Awesome tools!!!
Gaffe tape – the secret application to Alex Van Halen’s unique “wooden” sounding snare drum sound
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.
Just found your channel and love it! You attended CRAS didn’t you haha
I’d also add a measurement mic of your choice to this kit for tuning purposes.
Practically confirmed 👍 plus headlamp and multitool. Throw some guitar picks in there too 😊
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.
Where could I buy the dividers for the interior of the case?