Ball Charter Schools crest

BALL CHARTER SCHOOL PLAY · TECH PORTAL

Reuse-only build · Phenyx PTU-7000-4B + 8-ch mixer + portable PA + Chauvet wash

REFBuild Profile & Signal Flow

BUILD PROFILE: Existing portable battery PA (mono center-fill) + Phenyx Pro PTU-7000-4B 4-channel UHF wireless + existing 8-ch mixer + existing Chauvet wash + Behringer combo amp (cast monitor). New spend: ~$259 (SM58, XLR, boom stand, cable ramp, gaff tape, batteries).

The whole system on one chart

┌─────────────────────────────────────┐ │ PHENYX PRO PTU-7000-4B │ │ (4-channel UHF receiver) │ │ │ Cast Headset 1 ░░░░░ │ ░░ Bodypack 1 ░░RF░░ Ch 1 → XLR ─┐ │ Cast Headset 2 ░░░░░ │ ░░ Bodypack 2 ░░RF░░ Ch 2 → XLR ─┤ │ Cast Headset 3 ░░░░░ │ ░░ Bodypack 3 ░░RF░░ Ch 3 → XLR ─┤ │ Cast Headset 4 ░░░░░ │ ░░ Bodypack 4 ░░RF░░ Ch 4 → XLR ─┤ │ └─────────────────────────────────│──┘ │ ▼ ┌────────────────────────── 8-CH MIXER ───────────────────────────┐ │ CH 1 ◄─── XLR 25ft ◄─── Phenyx Ch 1 │ │ CH 2 ◄─── XLR 25ft ◄─── Phenyx Ch 2 │ │ CH 3 ◄─── XLR 25ft ◄─── Phenyx Ch 3 │ │ CH 4 ◄─── XLR 25ft ◄─── Phenyx Ch 4 │ │ CH 5 ◄─── XLR 25ft ◄─── Wired SM58 (backup, stage front) │ │ CH 6/7 ◄─ 1/8" → 2× 1/4" ◄── Phone/Laptop (music playback) │ │ MAIN OUT (XLR Mono) ──► Portable Battery PA (mic/line in) │ │ AUX 1 SEND (1/4" TRS) ──► Behringer combo amp (cast monitor) │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Show Identity

SCHOOL VENUE REALITY: Kids run. Parents carry babies. Cables across walkways without a ramp = an injury report waiting to happen. Photo/video releases must be on file before any recording. Verify posted fire-marshal occupancy and stage exit paths before doors open.

0Pre-Flight (Day Before, Bench Test)

Pre-Flight progress:
0/0

Wireless out-of-box & sync

  • PTU-7000-4B unboxed: 1 receiver, 4 bodypacks, 4 headsets, 4 lavs, 4 antennas, 8 AA, power adapter, 1/4" cable — all present.
  • Both BNC antennas snapped onto receiver, vertical orientation.
  • Receiver powered, all 4 channels light up.
  • 2× AA installed in each bodypack with correct polarity (verify yourself — don't trust the kid).
  • Bodypack 1 IR-synced to receiver Ch 1 (frequency match confirmed).
  • Bodypack 2 IR-synced to receiver Ch 2.
  • Bodypack 3 IR-synced to receiver Ch 3.
  • Bodypack 4 IR-synced to receiver Ch 4.
  • Headset/lav capsules plugged into bodypacks (mini 3-pin XLR, screw collar tight).
  • Auto-scan run on each channel; clear UHF frequency locked with SET.

Bench audio test

  • Receiver Ch 1 XLR out tested — audio passes to headphone amp or mixer.
  • Receiver Ch 2 XLR out tested — audio passes.
  • Receiver Ch 3 XLR out tested — audio passes.
  • Receiver Ch 4 XLR out tested — audio passes.
  • Mute switch on each bodypack tested (× 4).
  • Range test — talk while walking 50 ft from receiver, no dropouts on any channel.
  • Wired SM58 tested into mixer — passes audio cleanly.
  • Existing portable battery PA fully charged (24 hr soak) and tested at half-volume.
  • Existing 8-ch mixer — every channel passes signal, no scratchy faders, no idle hum.
  • Behringer combo amp (cast monitor) — clean signal at low level, no buzz.
  • Chauvet SlimPars + bar fixture power on, foot DMX runs auto/sound mode.
  • All existing XLR cables continuity-tested; bad ones flagged & set aside.
VERIFY: All 4 wireless channels live before show day. If any channel fails — return now, not the morning of the show.

Pre-Flight notes

1Position Gear (T–3:00)

PositionPlaceWhy
Portable battery PAStage center-front. Top of speaker at standing-audience head height (~6 ft).Direct line-of-sight to seats. Higher = better throw to back row.
Mixer (FOH)Same plane as last row of audience seating, off to one side aisle.Mix what the audience hears. Never mix from under the speaker throw.
Phenyx receiverNext to mixer at FOH. Antennas vertical, clear line-of-sight to stage.RF needs sight to bodypacks. Behind a cinder-block wall = drops.
Combo amp (monitor)Upstage center, tilted up at performers, behind playing area.Cast hears themselves; audience does not.
Wired SM58 + boomStage front, downstage edge, mic muted at board.Emergency backup if any wireless fails mid-show.
Chauvet SlimParsFront-of-stage on floor or short stand, 45° to talent. Bar fixture upstage on T-bar.Front wash from below = lit faces. Bar from behind = depth and color.
Power stripFOH location, cable taped down to seat-aisle floor.Single point for all FOH gear power.
  • Stage power outlets tested with outlet tester (proper ground & polarity confirmed).
  • Portable battery PA placed stage center-front, top of speaker at ~6 ft height.
  • Mixer placed FOH at same plane as last row of audience seating.
  • Phenyx receiver placed next to mixer, antennas vertical with line-of-sight to stage.
  • Behringer combo amp placed upstage center, tilted up at performers (cast monitor).
  • Wired SM58 + boom stand placed stage front, downstage edge.
  • Chauvet SlimPar wash positioned front-of-stage, 45° to talent area.
  • Chauvet bar fixture upstage on T-bar stand, sandbagged.
  • Power strip dropped at FOH location.
RULE: Plug everything in with all gear OFF. Power on in the order at the POWER-ON tab. This prevents pop transients from blowing speaker drivers.

2Connect Cables (Cold — Nothing Powered)

2A · Phenyx receiver → mixer

  1. Take 4× XLR 25ft (M-F). Label each: RCVR CH1 through RCVR CH4.
  2. Phenyx receiver back panel has 4 individual XLR outputs (one per channel).
  3. Cable 1: rcvr Ch 1 XLR out → mixer Ch 1 XLR/mic input. Repeat for Ch 2, 3, 4.
  4. Each Phenyx channel gets its own mixer channel — never combine.

2B · Wired SM58 → mixer

  1. Boom stand at stage front, height ~5 ft. Snap SM58 into clip.
  2. Take 5th XLR 25ft: SM58 base → mixer Ch 5 XLR/mic input.

2C · Music source → mixer

  1. Take stereo 1/8" → 2× 1/4" TS cable.
  2. 1/8" end → headphone jack of phone/tablet/laptop running playlist.
  3. Two 1/4" ends → mixer Ch 6 (left/red) and Ch 7 (right/white) line inputs. Pan Ch 6 hard-L, Ch 7 hard-R.

2D · Mixer → Portable PA

  1. Take 6th XLR 25ft.
  2. Mixer Main Out (Mono) XLR → portable PA Mic/Line input (XLR or 1/4" combo jack on back panel).
  3. Stereo Main Outs only? Use the Left only — running mono is fine for speech.

2E · Mixer → Combo amp (cast monitor)

  1. Take 1/4" TRS instrument cable, 10ft.
  2. Mixer Aux 1 Send output → combo amp 1/4" line input. NOT speaker out. NOT headphone jack.
  3. Combo amp tone: bass 12, mids 12, treble 11 (cut highs to reduce feedback).

3Power & Cable Safety

  • Power strip plugged into tested wall outlet (ground + polarity confirmed).
  • Mixer power → power strip.
  • Phenyx receiver wall-wart → power strip.
  • Combo amp → power strip.
  • Lighting plugged into SEPARATE wall circuit (different breaker if available — prevents 60 Hz hum).
  • Portable battery PA: indicator green OR plugged to AC backup.
  • Cable ramp positioned over EVERY cable run that crosses a walking path.
  • Gaff tape applied at all cable transitions (stage edges, ramp ends).
  • Sandbags or stand weights on every speaker stand and lighting stand base.
  • Photos taken of final cable layout for strike reference.
BLOCKER: If ANY cable is exposed across a walkway, stop and resolve before continuing. No exceptions in a school venue.

4Power-On Sequence (Order Matters)

#Power onWhy this order
1Mixer (master DOWN, all faders DOWN, phantom OFF)Mixer comes up clean before downstream gear can hear it.
2Phenyx wireless receiverSource first, ready to feed signal.
3Bodypacks (one at a time, confirm each on rcvr)Watch each channel's RF and AF meter light up.
4Combo amp (volume knob at 0)Monitor amp on, but silent.
5Portable PA (volume knob at 0)Main PA on LAST. Always.
6Lighting fixtures + DMX foot controllerIndependent circuit, doesn't affect audio.
  • Mixer ON — master fader DOWN, all channel faders DOWN, phantom OFF.
  • Phenyx wireless receiver ON — all 4 channels showing RF signal.
  • Bodypack 1 ON — receiver Ch 1 RF + AF meters active.
  • Bodypack 2 ON — receiver Ch 2 RF + AF meters active.
  • Bodypack 3 ON — receiver Ch 3 RF + AF meters active.
  • Bodypack 4 ON — receiver Ch 4 RF + AF meters active.
  • Combo amp ON (volume knob at 0).
  • Portable PA ON LAST (volume knob at 0).
  • Lighting fixtures + DMX foot controller ON.
POWER-OFF is REVERSE order: PA off → combo amp off → bodypacks off → wireless rcvr off → mixer off.

5Gain Stage (set levels in this exact order)

  • Mixer phantom power confirmed OFF on all channels (Phenyx receivers output line-level XLR; SM58 is dynamic — neither needs phantom; risks popping older capsules).
  • HPF (low-cut) ON at 80 Hz on every vocal channel (1–5).
  • All channel faders set to 0 / unity. Master fader to unity.
  • Channel 1 trim — loud talker peaks at -6 dBFS, never red.
  • Channel 2 trim — loud talker peaks at -6 dBFS.
  • Channel 3 trim — loud talker peaks at -6 dBFS.
  • Channel 4 trim — loud talker peaks at -6 dBFS.
  • Channel 5 (SM58) trim set.
  • Portable PA volume brought up SLOWLY to comfortable back-row level.
  • Combo amp (monitor) brought up SLOWLY — cast-audible without audience bleed.
VERIFY: Loud talker peaks at -6 dBFS on the channel meter, not at the limit. If you have to crank channel trim wide open to get level, raise the bodypack mic gain (small screwdriver hole on Phenyx pack) — not the mixer trim.

6Ring Out the Room (feedback elimination)

  1. House at show level. All cast mics live, faders at unity.
  2. One channel at a time, slowly bring the channel up beyond unity until it just begins to feedback.
  3. Identify the freq (sharp ringing tone — usually 2–4 kHz in a gym).
  4. Pull that frequency 3–6 dB on the channel EQ (use the mid-sweep on the mixer if available).
  5. Bring the channel back to unity. Repeat for each channel.
  • Feedback ring-out completed on all vocal channels — problem frequencies cut on channel EQ.
  • SPL coverage test — back-row volunteer confirms intelligible speech at full house chatter level.
SPL REALITY CHECK: A single portable battery PA covers a small gym at speech levels. If gym is large or audience is >75 people, do the volume test BEFORE doors open. Plan B: borrow school's house PA or a second top.

7Cast Mic-Up (T–0:45)

  • Label every bodypack: masking tape + kid name + mixer channel #.
  • Headsets: capsule at corner of mouth, ~1" off cheek, NOT in front of lips.
  • Lavs: 6–8" below chin, on solid fabric, cable looped & pinned.
  • Pack at small of back. Tell each kid: do not touch the switch.
  • Test each mic at the board with the kid talking at performance volume.
  • Sharpie a number on the pack matching mixer channel.

Mic Assignment Roster (live, per show night)

Fill this in during mic-up. Saved automatically. Use the CAST tab for full cast/crew roster.
CH
CAST MEMBER NAME
CAPSULE TYPE
PACK #
FRESH BAT?
SIG @ FOH
1
2
3
4
5

8Doors & Preshow (T–0:15)

Audio

  • Preshow playlist on aux input @ -10 dB below show level.
  • All cast mic channels MUTED at the board.
  • Mic check announcement on wired SM58 only.
  • Cast monitor (combo amp) low and steady.

Lighting

  • House lights up.
  • SlimPar stage wash at 30%, sound-active OFF.
  • Foot DMX box on AUTO mode, slow program.

5-Minute Pre-Doors VERIFY Gate

  • RF — walked stage with each pack hot; receiver shows solid 4–5 RF bars on all channels.
  • Audio — each cast mic clear at FOH and back row; no hum, buzz, or crackle.
  • Music — phone playlist plays through PA in stereo, no distortion.
  • Monitor — cast on stage hears themselves clearly from upstage combo amp.
  • SM58 — wired backup mic at stage front passes signal at Ch 5.
  • Lighting — SlimPars wash on; foot DMX in auto/sound-active mode chasing.
  • Cable safety — every audience walking path checked; zero exposed cables.
  • Spare batteries staged at FOH (ready for swap-out if a pack dies).
  • Wired SM58 confirmed muted at board, ready for emergency live.
  • Show file / cue sheet in hand at FOH.
DOORS-OPEN GATE: All 10 items above must be Pass before doors open. Any Fail = blocker. Resolve before audience enters.

House Announcement Script (read once before house lights drop)

9Showtime — Run Sheet

CUEACTIONLIGHTSOUND
GOHouse to half, preshow music fadeHouse -50%Music ↓ -∞ over 8s
CUE 1Narrator entersSlimPar wash 100%Mute music; unmute Narrator (CH __)
CUE 2Scene 1 openHold washUnmute cast CH __ – __
CUE 3Mid-show transitionHold (or sound-active)Cue track 2, fade in -10 dB
CUE 4Curtain callWash + house up 50%Bow music to 0 dB
ENDHouse full, stage outHouse full, stage offOutro music; mute all cast mics

Editable Cue Sheet (your show, your cues)

Build out your show-specific cue sheet here. Saved automatically. Use the SCENES tab to attach script content per scene.

FOH Crew Comms

10Troubleshooting (Mid-Show Failure Protocols)

SymptomFirst Action (10 seconds)Fallback
Wireless drops mid-lineConfirm rcvr RF meter — is the pack on? Ask kid to step DS into open sight to receiver.Hand off to wired SM58 at stage front. Swap pack at next break.
PA hum or buzzReseat XLR at PA input. Lift ground (if PA has ground-lift switch).Swap XLR cable. Mute channels one at a time to isolate the source.
Bodypack mute won't disengageMute that channel at the board immediately. Swap to spare bodypack.Wired SM58 at stage front for next line.
Battery PA diesPlug PA into wall AC if it has the option.Wired SM58 + combo amp as TEMP main (last resort, low SPL).
Kid screams into micChannel limiter saves you IF trim was set right. Check meter — if red, peg fader briefly.Verify HPF still on. Check for blown speaker driver after show.
Lighting frozenPower-cycle DMX foot controller.Switch fixtures to internal auto mode (bypass DMX).
Feedback squealPull master fader 6 dB. Identify which channel.Pull that channel's mid EQ -3 dB. Raise master back.
Kid won't stop crying / freezeStage manager moves to backstage entrance, makes eye contact. Director steps in if needed.Stage hand walks them off DS-R wing. Narrator covers with line.
Power outage (mid-show)Battery PA + Phenyx rcvr (if on internal battery) keep working briefly. Light from emergency exits + phone flashlights.Pause show, get audience calm with house mic, restart on power return.
Fire alarmStop everything. House mic: "Please proceed to the nearest exit, calmly." Cast follows kid-evac path.Roll-call cast in pre-assigned exterior assembly point.
Single most common gotcha: bodypack mute switch flipped during a costume change. If a kid goes silent and meter shows zero RF or zero AF, ask them to check the switch — don't rip the channel open.

11Strike (Show + 0:30, Reverse Everything)

  • Master fader to -∞; all channels muted.
  • Power-DOWN order: PA → combo amp → bodypacks → wireless rcvr → mixer.
  • Bodypacks pulled from cast; switches OFF; batteries pulled from each pack (corrosion kills packs in storage).
  • Cables disconnected at gear end first, then run end; coiled over-under and velcro'd.
  • Lighting powered off (DMX → fixtures → strike from stand).
  • Cable ramp rolled, gaff tape rolled onto end-tab, stands packed.
  • Inventory check vs Pre-Flight list — anything missing flagged on case lid w/ sharpie.
  • Photos of all packed cases taken for next-show reference.
  • Charge cycle started on portable PA before storage.
  • Stage swept, gym/MPR returned to pre-load condition. Custodian notified.

Lessons Learned (capture for next show)

CASTCast & Crew Roster

Add your full company here. Each row saves automatically. Use the buttons to add cast or crew rows. Pull names into the MIC-UP tab on show night.

Cast

Crew

Emergency Contact Sheet

School-venue requirement. Parent contact + medical/allergy flags for every minor on stage.

CHARCharacter Handouts

One card per character. Costume, props, entrances, key lines, blocking notes. Saved automatically. Print this tab for the green-room board.

SCNScene Scripts & Cues

One card per scene. Drop the script in. Tag entrances, exits, light/sound cues, prop resets. Search across scenes by browser Find (Cmd/Ctrl+F).

BUYLean Buy List (Reuse-Only Path)

Existing portable battery PA + existing wireless + existing mixer + existing Chauvet lighting = NO new audio or lighting gear required. Only safety/backup spend.
#ItemSpec / ModelQtyUnit $Line $
1Wired vocal micShure SM58 dynamic1109109
2XLR cable, 25 ftHosa HXX-025 or equivalent11818
3Mic boom standOn-Stage MS7701B tripod boom13030
4Cable ramp, 5-channelVevor / Reliancer 36" rubber drop-over, 18000 lb15555
5Gaff tape, 2" blackPro Tapes Pro-Gaff (NOT duct tape)12222
6Battery brickAA (24-pack) + 9V (4-pack), fresh12525
TOTAL OUT-OF-POCKET$259

Gear already on-hand — no purchase

#Existing GearRole in ShowAction Before Show
1Portable battery PAMain PA — mono center-fillCharge 24 hr before. Test at half-house volume. Confirm aux/XLR mic input from mixer.
2Phenyx PTU-7000-4B + headset/lavCast wireless mics (4 ch)RF scan rcvrs day-of. Fresh batteries in every pack. Label packs w/ kid name + ch #.
3Behringer / Mackie 8-ch mixerFront-of-house boardVerify each channel passes signal. Set HPF 80 Hz on all vocal channels. Faders unity.
4Chauvet SlimPar wash + bar + foot DMXStage wash lightingRun in sound-active or auto mode (no cued lighting needed). Sandbag stand bases.
5Behringer combo amp (1)Cast monitor wedge — upstageAux send from mixer → 1/4" line in. Tilt up at performers. Volume LOW.
6Tripod speaker stands + mic standsStage hardwareInspect threads/knobs. Sandbag any stand in audience walk path.
7XLR cables (existing bundle)All audio runsTest continuity on each. Label both ends with masking tape + sharpie. Coil over-under.

Do NOT use for this show

✗Harman Kardon AVR30 receiverConsumer A/V unit. No XLR mic in, no phantom power, RCA consumer-level signal. Wrong tool for live PA. Repurpose for music-only playback off-stage if at all.
✗Second Behringer combo ampIf first is already cast monitor, leave the second in storage. Two undersized monitors = inconsistent stage sound.
✗Computer-style passive speakers (small)Too small for gym audience coverage. Set aside.

Show-day go/no-go (final purchase verification)

  • Portable PA volume test at full house level — Plan B identified if SPL insufficient.
  • Mic boom stand at stage front, SM58 plugged in and channel up — emergency backup ready.
  • Cable ramp covering EVERY power & audio cable that crosses a walking path.
  • Fresh batteries installed in every wireless pack the morning of show.
  • RF scan all wireless receivers; walked the stage with each pack hot before doors open.
  • Phantom power OFF on mixer.

+Extras (the things easy to forget)

School-venue compliance, audience-facing comms, and post-show hygiene. These get cut first under time pressure and bite hardest when missed.

Photo / Video / Recording Release

  • Photo/video release on file for every minor on stage (school admin owns this).
  • Sign at entrance: "Photography for personal use OK · No flash · No professional video without authorization."
  • If recording show: lav on narrator + room mic at FOH, levels checked separately from PA feed.

Fire Marshal & Egress

  • Posted occupancy NOT exceeded — usher counts heads at door.
  • All emergency exits clear — no chairs, gear, or cable across exit path.
  • Aisle width compliant (typically 36" minimum).
  • Fire extinguisher location identified and accessible.
  • Cast evacuation rally point identified (outside, away from building).

Audience Comms

Lobby / Doors-Open Announcement

Pre-Show Announcement (5 min before curtain)

Post-Show / Exit Announcement

Spare-Parts Go-Bag

  • Spare AA batteries (sealed pack)
  • Spare 9V batteries (sealed pack)
  • Spare XLR cable (1× minimum)
  • Spare 1/4" instrument cable
  • Mic clips (2× spare)
  • Roll of gaff tape (NOT duct tape)
  • Sharpies + masking tape (labeling)
  • Multi-tool / small screwdriver (for bodypack gain trim)
  • Outlet tester
  • Velcro ties / cable wraps (10×)
  • Flashlight / headlamp (FOH and backstage)
  • First-aid kit (basic — bandaids, ice pack, etc.)
  • Water bottles for cast (backstage)
  • Printed script + cue sheet (paper, in case device dies)

Battery Swap Log (multi-night runs)

Volunteer Crew Schedule

ENDFinal Tech Lead Sign-Off

Resolution Summary

Outstanding issues / Lessons learned

Sign-off Statement

By signing above, the Tech Lead confirms:
  • All Pre-Flight, Power-On, Gain, Doors-Open VERIFY items completed or N/A.
  • All cable paths covered or rerouted; no walkway hazards.
  • Emergency procedures (fire, power outage, medical) reviewed with crew.
  • Photo/video release verified on file for all minors performing.
  • Strike completed; gear inventoried; portable PA on charge before storage.