PA & live-sound gear names, explained with icons
At a live show, gear names fly back and forth between the PA crew and the band. Knowing what they mean makes soundcheck smoother and stage plots easier to draw. Here are the common pieces, grouped by role — pair them with the PA & live sound icons.
Capturing and mixing sound
- Mixer (console) — the hub that balances the level and tone of every instrument and mic.
- Microphone — picks up vocals and instruments; different types for different sources.
- DI box — converts a bass or keyboard signal into a form the console can take cleanly.
Sending sound back and out
- Monitor (wedge) — lets performers hear themselves on stage.
- Main speakers (FOH) — push the sound out to the audience.
- In-ear monitors (IEM) — earphone-style monitoring, now a live standard.
Connecting it all
- XLR cable — the standard cable for mics and gear into the console.
- Instrument cable — connects guitar or bass to an amp or DI.
- Multicore (snake) — bundles many lines between the stage and the console.
Turn it into a stage plot
Once you know the names, map out what goes where on stage. Placing speakers, monitors and mics as icons communicates far better than text alone. Find amps and pedals in amps & pedals and recording gear in studio & recording.
To include lighting and venue equipment, browse stage & lighting. Everything is free for commercial use and downloads as SVG or PNG.