Soundcheck

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For the WNYC radio program see Soundcheck (WNYC).

A soundcheck is an activity that takes place before a concert, speech or similar performance, when the performer and the sound crew run through a small portion of the upcoming show to make sure that the sound in the venue is clear and at the right volume and tonal frequencies. Soundchecks are especially important for popular and other musical genres that use heavily-amplified PA systems; having correct sound is crucial to the success of such events. A soundcheck remains part art and not all science, however, because the acoustics of a venue often change somewhat once it is filled with an audience.

Artists sometimes perform light-hearted or off-beat numbers during soundchecks; some such as Paul McCartney later include a few of these on their live albums. Artists who change their set list during the course of a concert tour often use soundchecks as a rehearsal opportunity to try out new material or revive old material, to see if they want to introduce such material into the concert proper. Devoted fans will try to sneak into or otherwise gain knowledge of soundchecks, to gain a foreshadowing of show surprises to come.