Count a capture plan, not instrument icons
An instrument symbol on a stage diagram does not tell you how it reaches the mixer. Write the source, channel allocation, agreed mic/DI method, required stand type and provider. Use the stage plot/input-list guide to establish that shared reference before packing.
Yamaha’s sound-check guidance describes the input list and stage plot as complementary documents and recommends matching source identifiers. That supports tracing a packing requirement back to a source; it does not prescribe one stand or DI for every instrument. The actual connection and safe equipment setup must be agreed with the relevant crew.
Keep mic stands separate from music stands. A handheld mic, a clip-mounted mic and a mic on a boom have different support plans. Record an unspecified support as an open question, not zero. If one stand is deliberately shared across mutually exclusive tasks, document that condition rather than counting it twice.
Four channels, two stands and two DI channels
This fictional setup is explicitly agreed for the example: vocal input 1 uses one boom stand; guitar-amp mic input 2 uses one short stand; keyboard left/right inputs 3–4 use two DI channels and no mic stands. It is not a universal recommendation for connecting keyboards or amplifiers.
| Source / inputs | Required support | Venue confirmed | Band must bring | Packing observation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vocal / 1 | 1 boom mic stand | 1 boom confirmed | 0 boom | Venue supplied; not in band case |
| Guitar amp / 2 | 1 short mic stand | 0 short confirmed | 1 short | 1 short checked in case |
| Keys L/R / 3–4 | 2 DI channels; 0 mic stands | 1 DI channel confirmed | 1 compatible DI channel | Band unit not yet checked |
Totals: four input channels, two mic stands, and two DI channels. The band must bring one short stand and one DI channel under these confirmed arrangements. Required minus confirmed venue provision equals the bring requirement only when the units and compatibility match. “Venue asked” must not be subtracted as though it were confirmed.
Two DI channels do not necessarily mean two physical boxes. A suitable two-channel enclosure can provide two channels; a one-channel unit provides one. Record the actual unit/channel allocation and agree compatibility rather than counting only enclosures. The band’s remaining DI is still not packed until someone checks it.
Separate a confirmed provider from a packed item
Use a specific source of confirmation and date for venue provision. If a reply says only “we have DIs,” ask whether the required quantity, channels and suitable configuration are available for this show. Do not mark all requirements satisfied from a generic equipment inventory.
Before departure, count the actual band case contents against the bring column. A shopping or rental order is not a packed item, and a packed case is not proof that the unit works. Verify the relevant condition and setup through the crew’s normal process. This worksheet does not certify electrical safety, phantom-power suitability or cable compatibility.
When an input is removed or changed, update the plot, patch and packing list together. Keep the revision reference visible so a venue does not prepare from an older version. If the separate next task is monitor requests, use the monitor mix request guide; a wedge count is not a count of independent mixes.
Use PlotCue’s derived counts and verify their assumptions
PlotCue’s current Apple listing describes explicit audio-source patch rows, venue variants, derived cable/DI/mic-stand/wedge/power counts, change decisions and open questions. It says an instrument icon alone does not create a microphone, DI or channel. Review the actual entered source and venue variant before relying on a derived count.
The current listing offers one first standard PDF export free, with weekly/yearly Pro subscriptions for unlimited saved plots, clean PDF exports and JSON backup tools. Check live terms in your version.
A derived packing count is a planning aid, not proof of venue confirmation, physical custody or equipment readiness. This CSV keeps provider and packed evidence explicit without claiming automatic venue inventory synchronization or a complete packed-case audit. Review and send the agreed advance packet, then check what is physically in the van.
If the method fits your task, explore Venue Advance: PlotCue’s listed features on an iPhone. Check current features and plans before downloading.
See Venue Advance: PlotCue for iOSDownload the free worksheet
Use the CSV in Numbers, Excel or a spreadsheet editor. The source plan and confirmations are fictional; counts do not certify physical or electrical readiness. Replace them with your own observations. The CSV is separate from the app and no email is required.
Questions answered
Does a stereo source require two mic stands?
No. Channel count alone does not determine supports. The worked keyboard plan uses two DI channels and no mic stands; other real setups need their own agreed plan.
Are two DI channels always two boxes?
No. Record the actual enclosure and channel capacity plus compatibility. Do not silently mix channel and box units.
Can I count a requested house stand as confirmed?
No. Keep requested, confirmed and physically packed states separate until the relevant evidence exists.
Continue with Venue Advance: PlotCue on iOS
Use the App Store listing to check compatibility, privacy information and current plan terms. A free download may offer paid features.
Download Venue Advance: PlotCue for iOSSources and product details
- Yamaha: seven ways to ensure a smooth sound checkPrimary source on matching input-list and stage-plot references; the packing quantities here are an original fictional plan.
- Venue Advance: PlotCue on the App StoreCurrent US App Store product description; checked October 30, 2026.
Editorial method: primary guidance, a current Apple listing, an original worked example and an independent critique. No search ranking, install or outcome result is claimed.