BacklineShare

Backline Sharing Agreement Builder

Coordinate shared amps, drums, and PA gear for small venue shows. Build a clear responsibility list, load-in order, and printable stage notes before the first cable gets plugged in.

Start planning Read the notes first

Build your agreement

Add band members, list gear, and mark who is responsible. The output updates live as you go.

Gig details

Step 1
Most small venues have 15A or 20A circuits. Check with the sound person.

Band members

Step 2
    Quick presets:

    Gear list

    Step 3
    Item Category Owner Source Actions

    No gear added yet. Start with a preset above or add your first item.

    Your agreement

    Review the responsibility matrix, load-in order, and stage notes. Save it as a template or print it for load-in day.

    Responsibility matrix

    Live

    Load-in order

    Suggested

      Circuit check

      Estimate

      Stage plot notes

      Printable

      Notes for a smooth load-in

      Practical tips gathered from small venue shows. Read these before you pack the van.

      Common mistakes

      • Overloading one circuit. Spread amps and lights across separate breakers.
      • Assuming the venue has a DI box. Bring your own passive DIs as backup.
      • Not labeling cables. A sharpie saves 20 minutes at teardown.
      • Forgetting a spare fuse for your amp. Small venues rarely stock them.
      • Leaving the stage plot until soundcheck. Draw it before you arrive.

      Troubleshooting noise

      • If you hear a hum, try lifting the ground on one end of the DI. Only one end.
      • Keep power cables away from signal cables. Cross them at right angles if they must meet.
      • Use the same outlet strip for all gear in one chain when possible.
      • If the noise stops when you touch the strings, the amp ground may be floating.

      Shared gear etiquette

      • Ask before tweaking someone else's amp settings.
      • Return shared drums to the same tuning you found them.
      • Report any damage immediately. Do not wait until the end of the night.
      • Bring your own sticks, picks, and straps even if drums and amps are shared.

      Before you leave

      • Check that all personal gear is accounted for.
      • Coil cables the way the owner prefers.
      • Thank the sound person and the venue staff.
      • Note any issues for next time. A quick text to the group chat works.

      What this planner assumes

      This tool assumes a small venue with one stage, limited power, and no dedicated backline tech. It is built for DIY shows, open mics, and small paid gigs. For larger productions with a house engineer, you will want a more detailed technical rider. The circuit estimate is a rough guide only. Always confirm actual power availability with the venue before the show.