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A well-crafted technical rider can make the difference between a flawless performance and a technical nightmare. Whether you’re an emerging indie band or a seasoned touring act, your tech rider is your blueprint for success on stage. This document serves as a communication tool between your band and venue organizers, detailing your technical requirements and preferences. A well-prepared tech rider not only streamlines the setup process but also enhances the overall quality of your show.
What is a Technical Rider?
A technical rider is a detailed document that outlines your band’s specific technical requirements for live performances. It’s essentially your technical blueprint, communicating everything from your stage setup to power requirements, backline, green room and hotel accommodations. This crucial document becomes part of your performance contract and ensures everyone involved understands exactly what’s needed for your show.
Essential Components of a Professional Tech Rider
1. Band and Contact Information
2. Band Overview and Equipment List
3. Backline Requirements
4. Input List and Stage Plot
5. Monitor World and Front of House (FOH) Requirements
6. Setlist and Performance Notes
7. Video Requirements
8. Lighting Requirements
9. Additional Requirements & Hospitality
Pro Tips for Writing an Effective Tech Rider
Best Practices for Tech Rider Success
1. Band and Contact Information
Provide contact details for your band’s technical representative and management. Include names, roles, phone numbers, and email addresses. This ensures that the venue or production team can reach the appropriate person promptly for any clarifications or updates.
- Band name and genre
- Primary contact person (usually your tour manager or technical director)
- Emergency contact numbers
- Email addresses for technical questions
- Your production manager’s contact details
2. Band Overview and Equipment List
Introduce your band members and specifying the instruments they play. This section offers a clear overview of your ensemble, assisting the venue in understanding your setup. Detail each member’s equipment, including personal gear and any additional requirements, ensures the venue is adequately prepared.
3. Backline Requirements
The backline encompasses all on-stage equipment necessary for your performance, such as amplifiers, drum kits, and other instruments. Clearly specify what you will bring and what you expect the venue to provide. Include brand preferences, model numbers, and any specific configurations. For example:
- Guitar Amplifier: Vox AC30 (preferred) or Fender Twin Reverb
- Bass Amplifier: Ampeg SVT-4PRO with 8×10 Cabinet
- Drum Kit: 5-piece set (Pearl or Tama preferred) with specified drum sizes
Providing detailed backline requirements allows the venue to arrange necessary rentals or adjustments in advance.
4. Input List and Stage Plot
An input list outlines all audio channels needed for your performance, specifying each instrument or microphone and its corresponding channel. A stage plot is a visual diagram showing the placement of band members, instruments, monitors, and microphones on stage. These tools are crucial for sound engineers to set up and mix your performance effectively.
Input List Example:
- Kick Drum – Mic (e.g., Shure Beta 52A)
- Snare Drum – Mic (e.g., Shure SM57)
- Hi-Hat – Mic (e.g., AKG C451)
- Guitar Amp – Mic (e.g., Sennheiser e609)
- Bass – DI Box
- Lead Vocals – Mic (e.g., Shure SM58)
Stage Plot Elements:
- Position of each band member
- Placement of amplifiers and instruments
- Location of monitors
- Microphone placements
Utilizing software like Stage Plot Guru can aid in creating clear and professional stage plots.
5. Monitor World and Front of House (FOH) Requirements
Monitor World
Detail your monitoring needs, specifying the number of monitor mixes and any specific preferences for each band member:
- Number of monitor mixes required
- Types of monitors (wedges or IEM systems)
- Power requirements for each mix
- Any specific monitor console requirements
- Personal monitor mixing systems (if used)
Front of House
If you have specific FOH requirements, such as preferred mixing consoles or effects, include them in this section. This information assists the sound engineer in delivering the best possible audio experience:
- Preferred mixing console brands and models
- Minimum channel count requirements
- Effects and processing needs
- Main PA system specifications
- Subwoofer requirements
- Front fill specifications
Power Requirements
- Total amperage requirements
- Number of circuits needed
- Power drop locations
- Special power requirements for digital equipment
- Backup power requirements
6. Setlist and Performance Notes
Providing your setlist in advance allows the sound and lighting teams to prepare for song transitions and any special effects. Include notes on:
- Songs with dynamic changes
- Instrument changes
- Use of backing tracks or click tracks
- Any planned audience interaction
This preparation ensures a smoother performance and enhances the overall show quality.
7. Video Requirements
If your performance involves video elements, clearly outline your video requirements in the tech rider. This ensures that the venue’s production team is prepared to accommodate your visuals. Key elements to include are:
A. Projection and LED Screen Needs
- Preferred screen type: LED wall, projector, or multiple screens
- Screen dimensions: Specify required screen size (e.g., 16:9 aspect ratio, 12ft x 8ft)
- Resolution requirements: Full HD (1080p), 4K, or other specifications
- Connection type: HDMI, SDI, DisplayPort, or other preferred connections
B. Media Playback & Content Formats
- Video source type: Laptop, media server (e.g., Resolume, Watchout), USB drive
- Accepted file formats: MP4, MOV, ProRes, etc.
- Frame rate & codec: Specify playback requirements (e.g., 30fps, H.264)
- Backup plan: Redundant playback system or alternative media options
C. Live Camera Feeds
- Number of camera angles: Specify if live video feeds will be used
- Camera placement: Positioning for front-of-house, side-stage, or drum cam views
- Streaming requirements: If the performance is being streamed, detail necessary encoding and internet speed needs
D. Synchronization with Lighting & Audio
- Timecode sync: Specify if video needs to be synced with lighting or backing tracks
- Cue system: Detail how video cues will be triggered (e.g., manual operator, MIDI, SMPTE timecode)
E. Video Operator & Staffing Needs
- Who provides video personnel? Venue or band’s crew
- Communication system: Intercom or cue system for coordination
By outlining these video requirements, your band ensures that visuals enhance the performance smoothly without last-minute issues.
8. Lighting Requirements
Even if you’re not carrying a lighting designer, specify: Basic lighting needs, any specific colors or effects, follow spot requirements, hazers or atmospheric effects, and control position requirements.
A. General Lighting Preferences
- Overall mood and style: High-energy, moody, dramatic, or dynamic
- Preferred colors: Specify color schemes for different songs or moods
- Intensity and transitions: Smooth fades, strobe effects, or sharp cuts
B. Cue and Scene Breakdown
- Lighting cues per song: Specify key moments (e.g., blackout at the end, spotlight on soloists)
- Syncing with music: Indicate if lighting needs to be programmed to backing tracks or timecode
- Spotlight needs: Identify which band members need dedicated follow spots and when
C. Fixture and Effect Preferences
- Types of lights requested:
- Moving head lights (beam, spot, wash)
- LED pars and stage washes
- Strobes and blinders for high-impact moments
- Haze or fog machines (venue permitting) for enhanced beams
- Pixel mapping or video integration for LED walls
D. Special Effects and Automation
- Use of CO2 jets, pyrotechnics, or confetti: Note any safety requirements
- Automated or manual lighting control: Specify if a lighting operator is needed or if cues will be pre-programmed
E. Control and Operation
- Preferred lighting console: GrandMA, Avolites, Chamsys, etc.
- Who operates lighting? Venue lighting tech or your touring LD (Lighting Director)
- Communication system: Intercom or cue system for real-time adjustments
Providing clear lighting requirements ensures that your band’s stage presence is visually engaging and enhances the audience experience.
9. Additional Requirements & Hospitality
While the primary focus of a tech rider is on technical requirements, it’s common to include a hospitality section outlining non-technical needs. This may cover:
- Stage and Risers: Performance area, quick change, or drum risers
- IEM Systems: Make, model and number of devices
- Dressing Room: Number of rooms, preferred amenities
- Catering: Meal preferences, dietary restrictions, beverage choices
- Parking: Number of vehicles, proximity to the venue
- Security: Any specific security needs
Clearly stating these requests helps the venue accommodate your band’s comfort and logistical needs.
Pro Tips for Writing an Effective Tech Rider
1. Keep It Clear and Concise
Your tech rider should be comprehensive but not overwhelming. Use clear language and avoid technical jargon unless necessary. Remember, this document might be read by venue staff with varying levels of technical expertise.
2. Format for Readability
Use clear formatting to make your rider easy to scan:
- Bullet points for lists
- Bold text for important information
- Headers for different sections
- Page numbers for reference
- Clear section breaks
3. Include Images and Diagrams
Visual aids are invaluable:
- Stage plot diagram
- Channel routing diagram
- Photos of specific setup requirements
- Cable routing diagrams
- Power distribution diagrams
4. Prioritize Requirements
Clearly indicate which requirements are:
- Absolutely necessary (deal breakers)
- Preferred but flexible
- Optional enhancements
5. Address Common Venue Limitations
- Smaller stage configurations
- Limited power availability
- Restricted load-in access
- Limited console channels
- Basic monitoring systems
Best Practices for Tech Rider Success
1. Regular Updates
- Keep your tech rider current:
- Update as your show evolves
- Revise based on tour experiences
- Add solutions to common problems
- Remove outdated requirements
- Include dates of latest revisions
2. Digital Accessibility
- Provide both PDF and editable formats
- Include digital stage plot files
- Make it downloadable from your website
- Keep backups in cloud storage
- Send advance copies to venues
3. Version Control
- Date each revision
- Track changes made
- Keep archived versions
- Notify relevant parties of updates
- Document why changes were made
4. Local Considerations
- Power standards (voltage/frequency)
- Available equipment brands
- Local noise regulations
- Climate considerations
- Language requirements
