Music Glossary: Live Tech and Playback Rigs category

A session built with Scenes for each song/section, including clicks, cues, and automation. Designed for reliable, repeatable playback. more

Floor or rack units (e.g., Helix, Kemper) replacing amps on stage. Provide consistent tones, silent stages, and MIDI patch recall. more

Click/cue only to performers’ IEMs; never to FOH. Typically via a dedicated output pair from the playback interface. more

Networked audio I/O at the stage that feeds the console. Reduces analog run length, simplifies patching, and increases channel count. more

Hardware (e.g., auto-switch DI/switcher) that flips from Rig A to Rig B if audio drops. Essential for mission-critical playback. more

Personal monitoring using wired or wireless packs. Reduces stage volume, improves clarity; requires careful gain staging and RF planning. more

The total round-trip delay from player to ears. Keep under 10–12 ms for tight feel; watch converters, plugins, wireless hops, and DSP. more

Protocol to trigger cues in lighting, video, and effects from the music rig. Often paired with Program/Control Changes for instrument patches. more

Program Changes select presets, Control Changes tweak parameters. Automate from the show session to keep hands free. more

Runs the show computers, timecode, and patching. Coordinates with MD and FOH, manages set changes, and handles emergencies. more

Dual laptops/interfaces feeding a switcher for instant failover. Health checks and auto-switch minimize show-stopping glitches. more

Separate audio stems (drums, bass, keys, BVs) for live mixing. Provides flexibility for FOH and failover if parts drop out. more

A sync timeline sent to lighting/video to keep the production locked. Embedded as audio LTC or MIDI MTC from the playback system. more