Sound Tech Tool Kit For Every Gig

Every sound technician should put together and carry a tool kit with all the essential items that you will require for any gig. I carry an aluminum case with all the tools to cover all the technical issues that I may encounter on a gig. It is better to be prepared than not have the tools to do your job.

My Tool Kit is packed into an aluminum tool case which is available at Canadian Tire or Wal-Mart. Here is an example:

Here is a list of items that I always carry inside my tool kit:

Battery-powered multimeter
Cable Tester Unit
Screwdrivers (Robertson, Slot, and Philips)
Combination Wire Cutters/Pliers (FlipGrip - 2 sizes)
Small locking pliers
Miniature screwdriver set
Allen key set
LED Flashlight (Maglite)
Gerber Multi-tool
Measuring Tape
Sharpies (black, blue, red, green)
Pencils, pens, paper pad or coil notebooks
Assorted XLR, 1/4", 1/8" plugs and adaptors
1/8" to 2x RCAs Y-cables
Nylon cable ties
Coloured electrical tape (black, white, red, blue, green, yellow)
ID/Board tape
Soldering iron with solder
USB memory sticks
Assorted Batteries (AAA, AA, 9 Volt)
Sound system test CDs
iPod Nano with sync/power cable
Vocal talkback mic with XLR cable

In a second case, I take the following items to each gig:

Passive and active DIs
Small utility mixer
Studio monitor style headphones
SPL meter
Spare microphone with XLR cable
AC extension cord
Surge-protected power bars x2
AC cables
Smartphone
Tablet

Carrying The Right Tools For The Job

Today, I found an article that takes you back to basics when working as a sound tech.
It is all about having the right tools to for the job. Without them, you cannot be an efficient part of the team.
The article is by Craig Leerman posted on the Prosoundweb.com page.
Here is the link: http://www.prosoundweb.com/article//everyday_carry_the_right_tools_for_the_job/

Personally, I have tech tool kit in an aluminum carrying case and I take it to every gig I work. Having the necessary tools on hand make the fix job easy to complete when required. You just never know what will happen on a gig and you should be ready for it.

The picture above is a standard set of tools you will use on every gig. Of course, there are also a great many devices that you could add to your tool kit. For example: digital multimeter, cable tester unit, SPL meter, DI box, talkback mic with cable, iPod, and various adaptors and patch cords for a variety of hookups.

Here is the type of aluminum tool case that I use for my kit:

So, go out and buy yourself an aluminum case from Wal-Mart or Canadian Tire and make up a tech tool kit for yourself. You will be glad to have the tools at your next gig.