What Is a Technical Rider?
A technical rider is a document that tells an event organiser, venue, sound company and production team what an artist or performer needs to deliver their performance properly.
It can include requirements for sound equipment, microphones, monitoring, backline, stage layout, lighting, power, video, instruments and other technical aspects of a performance.
In simple terms, a technical rider answers one important question:
“What does this artist need from the production team to perform successfully?”
For concerts and professional events, the technical rider helps everyone understand the requirements before equipment is hired, the stage is built or soundcheck begins.
Why Is a Technical Rider Important?
A professional production involves many moving parts. Without a clear technical specification, important equipment can be missed, incorrectly supplied or discovered only when the artist arrives at the venue.
A technical rider helps reduce these problems by giving the production team a documented set of requirements.
It can help with:
- Production planning
- Equipment selection
- Stage preparation
- Soundcheck
- Backline preparation
- Communication between the artist and production team
- Budgeting
- Troubleshooting before show day
For larger productions, the rider can also help production teams identify requirements that may affect venue infrastructure, power distribution, stage dimensions and technical staffing.
What Does a Technical Rider Include?
There is no universal format for every technical rider. The contents depend on the artist, production and size of the event.
However, a detailed rider may contain the following sections.
1. Input List
The input list tells the sound engineer what sources need to be connected to the mixing system.
A simplified input list might look like:
| Channel | Source | Microphone/DI | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kick Drum | Dynamic Mic | Drum kit |
| 2 | Snare | Dynamic Mic | Top |
| 3 | Hi-Hat | Condenser Mic | |
| 4 | Bass | DI | |
| 5 | Guitar | Mic/DI | |
| 6 | Keyboard L | DI | |
| 7 | Keyboard R | DI | |
| 8 | Lead Vocal | Vocal Mic | Wireless preferred |
The actual requirements will vary considerably between artists.
2. Stage Plot
A stage plot is a visual representation of where performers, instruments, microphones, monitors and other equipment should be positioned on stage.
For example, it may show:
- Drum position
- Keyboard position
- Guitarist
- Bassist
- Lead vocalist
- Backing vocalists
- Monitor speakers
- Microphone stands
- DI boxes
- Amplifiers
A stage plot allows the production team to prepare the stage before the artist arrives.
3. Backline Requirements
The rider may specify the exact backline required for the performance.
This could include:
- Drum kit
- Cymbals
- Keyboard
- Piano
- Guitar amplifiers
- Bass amplifier
- Guitar pedals
- Keyboard stands
- Drum hardware
- Stands and accessories
The artist may specify particular brands or models, especially when the equipment affects their performance.
4. Monitoring Requirements
Artists need to hear themselves and other performers clearly.
A technical rider may therefore specify:
- Stage monitors
- In-ear monitoring systems
- Number of monitor mixes
- Monitor console requirements
- Side fills
- Cue requirements
A band with several musicians may require multiple independent monitor mixes.
5. Microphone Requirements
The rider can specify the type and quantity of microphones required.
This is especially important for vocals, drums, instruments and specialised sources.
An artist may request specific microphone models or acceptable alternatives.
6. Front of House Requirements
The Front of House (FOH) system is responsible for the sound heard by the audience.
The rider may specify requirements for:
- Mixing console
- Main PA system
- Subwoofers
- System processing
- Front fills
- Delay systems
- FOH position
- FOH engineer
The appropriate system depends on the venue, audience size and production requirements.
7. Power Requirements
Some productions require specific electrical provisions.
The rider may identify:
- Power requirements
- Voltage requirements
- Dedicated circuits
- Equipment power consumption
- Stage power requirements
These details should be reviewed with the venue and production team before the event.
What Is the Difference Between a Technical Rider and a Stage Plot?
A technical rider is the broader document.
A stage plot is usually one component of the technical information supplied to the production team.
Think of it this way:
Technical rider = complete technical requirements
Stage plot = visual stage layout
The rider may contain the stage plot, input list, backline requirements, monitoring requirements and other technical information.
Who Uses a Technical Rider?
A technical rider may be used by:
- Artists
- Tour managers
- Event organisers
- Concert promoters
- Venue managers
- Sound engineers
- AV companies
- Backline suppliers
- Stage managers
- Production managers
Everyone involved can use it to understand what needs to be prepared.
When Should a Technical Rider Be Sent?
Ideally, the technical rider should be reviewed well before the event.
Waiting until the day of the performance can create unnecessary problems.
The production team needs enough time to:
- Review the requirements
- Identify equipment
- Confirm availability
- Resolve substitutions
- Check venue compatibility
- Plan stage layout
- Prepare the input list
- Confirm monitoring
- Organise soundcheck
If an artist requests equipment that is unavailable, the production team should discuss suitable alternatives before show day.
What Happens If a Technical Rider Cannot Be Fully Met?
A technical rider is a specification, but real world production sometimes involves limitations.
The venue may not have the required equipment. A particular console may be unavailable. The stage may have limited space.
The right approach is to identify these issues early and communicate with the artist or production manager.
A professional production company should not simply substitute equipment without checking whether the replacement meets the functional requirements.
Technical Rider Checklist
Before an event, confirm:
- Input list
- Stage plot
- Microphones
- DI boxes
- Mixing console
- PA system
- Subwoofers
- Stage monitors
- IEM requirements
- Backline
- Power requirements
- Stage dimensions
- FOH position
- Soundcheck schedule
- Technical crew
- Equipment substitutions
Final Thoughts
A technical rider is essentially a communication tool between the artist and the production team.
It helps everyone understand what is required before equipment arrives and before the first note is played.
For event organisers, reviewing the technical rider early can prevent expensive last minute changes. For production teams, it provides a practical reference for preparing the stage, sound system, monitoring and backline.
For artists, a clear and realistic rider helps ensure that the technical environment supports the performance.
Need Help With Technical Production?
Royalty Global Sound provides professional sound reinforcement, backline supply, AV installations and technical consultancy for events and productions.
If you have an upcoming concert, corporate event, church programme or live production, send your technical rider to the RGS team for review and production planning.
CTA: Submit Your Technical Requirements
Related RGS Services: Sound Reinforcement | Backline Supply | Technical Consultancy | AV Installation