What is a Patch List?

A patch list (also called a patch sheet or channel list) is a document showing where every microphone, DI and playback feed on stage plugs in, matching each input to a stage box socket and mixing desk channel. It lets the crew connect everything correctly and quickly.

How a patch list works

A patch list is built from the act's needs and used at every load-in:

  1. Input list: the act lists every source they need, such as kick drum, bass DI and lead vocal, in their technical rider.
  2. Channel numbers: each source gets a channel number on the mixing desk, usually in a standard order.
  3. Stage box: each channel is assigned to a socket on the stage box or multicore that runs to the desks.
  4. Patching: the stage crew plug each mic or DI box into the right socket.
  5. Line check: a line check confirms every channel arrives where the patch list says.

Acts send their patch lists before the show, and venues keep them with each event by sharing documents in Crescat.

Patch list vs input list

An input list says what the act needs: which sources, microphones and stands. A patch list says where each one plugs in. Many acts combine the two into one sheet, and the terms are often used interchangeably.

Example patch list for a four-piece band

  • Ch 1: Kick drum, stage box 1
  • Ch 2: Snare, stage box 2
  • Ch 3–4: Overheads left and right, stage box 3–4
  • Ch 5: Bass DI, stage box 5
  • Ch 6–7: Guitar amps 1 and 2, stage box 6–7
  • Ch 8–9: Keyboard DI left and right, stage box 8–9
  • Ch 10–12: Backing vocals, stage box 10–12
  • Ch 13: Lead vocal, stage box 13

Frequently asked questions

Who writes the patch list?

Usually the act's front of house engineer or tour manager writes it. Venue engineers may adapt it to fit the venue's stage boxes and desk.

What is a stage box?

A stage box is a box of input sockets on stage, connected to the mixing desks by a single multicore or digital cable. Microphones and DIs plug into it rather than running long cables to the desk.

What does patching mean?

Patching means connecting one piece of equipment to another, such as a microphone to a stage box channel. On digital desks it also means assigning inputs to channels in the software.

Related terms