Signal flow is the order of operations a sound goes through. When you producing sound through a PA, the sound/audio goes through different stages before you hear it through the speakers. In a signal flow diagram a list of steps that sound goes through is produced and the order in which you hear it is indicated. Understanding  the signal flow makes it easier to solve problems during events. If you don’t really know what’s going on with signal flow, you’re going to waste losts of time 'finding' the problem. So learning about signal flow isn’t just some formality, it’s a critical time saver that will help you stay creative and avoid embarrassment!

In basic terms, you need to include three things: inputs, processor/s and outputs. When your audio set ups get more complicated there will be variations of these three components that you will need to add as well. 

A signal flow diagram is not a stage plan so you do not have to put things in the same place as they would be on a stage, it is just identifying the flow of the signal, therefore, it must take the following format:

                     Input-------------------Processing-----------------Output

Have a look at the example (right) of a signal flow daigram for a simple audio set up.

An equipment list is an essential part of preparing for an event. Using the signal flow diagram and the stage plot you will be able to make a list of all the equipment you will need. The more thorough you are with this list, the easier your job will be when you are setting up. If you are moving gear from one venue to another then this document will become essential because you may not have access to extra equipment if you forget something. 

Pictured right is a typical form that you could use for your equipment list. The good part of this form is that equipment is signed in and out, allowing you to make comment about the state of the equipment when it is signed out and identifying any damage that it may already have so that no blame can be placed on you on returning the equipment.

Left is a document contatining 3 Audio lessons prespared by Entertainment Industry Training which we now work through as a class. You will get a hard copy of this document to work from.

As we have discussed previously, the stage manager will have a prompt book that contains the cues for all areas of the production. 

Have a look through the website (left) for some more information on this.

From the prompt book, an audio specific cue sheet can be created.

The purpose of an audio cue sheet is to record all the audio for a performance, including music, sound effects, when certain instruments are playing, audio effect, panning, and much more. An audio operator needs to be able to read and follow this document during live performance. 

Have a look at the audio cue sheet (left) and discuss with the class what each column is and why it is important.

There will be many times that documentation needs to be updated. Direction will come from either the head audio technician or your stage manager. It is important that only authorised personnel complete the changes. You must ensure that you are always working from the most updated version of documentation. Each time a document is updated the version number should be placed on the document so that it is obvious which is the most current. Some documents may even change colour in some way to help make it obvious if you are using the wrong one.

Have a look at the audio cue sheet (right) and see if you can identify which version this document is and the date that it was created.

Open up the document (right) which is a script of 'The Addams Family'. In groups of 2-3, reimagine the first two scenes of this script as a stage production and construct an audio cue plot using the template below. An example has been done for you to give you an idea of how to fill it out. It is an editble PDF, so type straight onto it. Submit to the Google Classroom Assignment when you are finished.

Complete pages 11-18 and 36-44 of your workbook.