THE BACKLINE COMPANY RECORDING SESSION BACKLINE CHECKLIST Use this checklist during the advance, preparation, studio installation and recovery of professional recording-session backline. SESSION OBJECTIVE [ ] Project, songs and intended deliverables confirmed [ ] Live tracking, overdub or other recording format confirmed [ ] Session dates, booked hours and expected finish confirmed [ ] Producer, engineer and authorised approver identified [ ] Current musician and song lists received MUSICIANS AND SYSTEMS [ ] Every musician and playing position identified [ ] Primary instruments and tunings confirmed [ ] Exact models or acceptable alternatives agreed [ ] Amplifier, direct and monitoring methods confirmed [ ] Stands, pedals, seating and accessories listed [ ] Artist-carried equipment and handover responsibility recorded DRUMS AND PERCUSSION [ ] Shell sizes, heads and tuning direction confirmed [ ] Snare and cymbal options defined [ ] Hardware, pedals, throne and rug included [ ] Dampening and isolation options prepared [ ] Spare heads and consumables available [ ] Percussion requirement checked by song KEYBOARDS AND ELECTRONICS [ ] Models, actions and sound requirements confirmed [ ] Custom patches, files and licences assigned to an owner [ ] Stand tiers, bench, pedals and power included [ ] Stereo or mono outputs and DI requirement confirmed [ ] Computers, interfaces and data connections tested [ ] Practical backup method agreed GUITARS, BASS AND AMPLIFICATION [ ] Instruments inspected for strings, action and intonation [ ] Amplifier and cabinet pairings confirmed [ ] Isolation, load-box, DI or re-amping method agreed [ ] Pedals, power supplies and signal order checked [ ] Tonal alternatives grouped by a defined decision [ ] Replacement system accessible STUDIO AND ACCESS [ ] Delivery entrance and vehicle restrictions confirmed [ ] Lift, corridor, door and room dimensions checked [ ] Setup and line-check window protected [ ] Musician arrival and session start confirmed [ ] Parking, storage and multi-day security agreed [ ] Strike and collection deadline confirmed NOISE AND FUNCTION [ ] Instruments and electronics bench-tested [ ] Cables and connectors checked for intermittent faults [ ] Pedals, stools and hardware checked for mechanical noise [ ] Amplifier hiss and grounding risks reviewed [ ] Drum vibration and rattles checked [ ] Equipment-side fault process coordinated with the engineer DOCUMENTS AND CONTINUITY [ ] One current requirement distributed [ ] Instrument identification and settings recorded [ ] Drum tuning and dampening documented where required [ ] Amplifier, cabinet and pedal settings documented [ ] Keyboard patches and ownership documented [ ] Photography and information permissions confirmed [ ] Changes logged for later takes or days PEOPLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES [ ] Backline setup and teardown technicians scheduled [ ] Extended tuning, standby or multi-day support agreed [ ] Recording engineer responsibilities confirmed [ ] Musician adjustment route agreed [ ] Creative and substitution approval route confirmed [ ] Transport quoted separately CONTINGENCIES [ ] Critical instruments and systems prioritised [ ] Compatible replacements tested [ ] Spare heads, strings, batteries and small accessories packed [ ] Essential cables, adaptors and power supplies duplicated [ ] Contingencies labelled and immediately accessible RECOVERY [ ] Session release received before strike [ ] Continuity information preserved where authorised [ ] Artist-owned equipment separated [ ] Accessories and small items counted [ ] Faults and consumables used recorded [ ] Multi-day installed equipment and room access agreed [ ] Returned equipment inspected and restored to readiness This checklist supports backline preparation. It does not replace studio recording, electrical, safety, building-access or data-management procedures. Preparation Before Performance(TM)