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Soulwax: they don't do 'unplugged'.

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Taking your hi-tech music setup on the road used to be considered A Bad Idea, but fast laptops, portable controllers and intuitive, reliable software have ensured that it's now relatively simple to transfer your studio to the stage.

However, when you're deciding what to take to your gig, you still need to consider every problem or eventuality – and then pack your bag accordingly.

What follows is a checklist of items that you should take in addition to your hardware and software. If you haven't got a tick against every single one before you leave the house, don't blame us if things go wrong…

1. Long cables

In our experience, cables simply can't be long enough, but a bunch of 3m and 5m cables should cover every eventuality. You'll be slinging sound from your equipment output - be it mixer or a soundcard - to a desk out front or to the side so a bit of slack will stop them being a trip hazard. Using a heavy duty and well-shielded brand will help keep the miasma of electro-magnetic interference that curses live venues/clubs at bay.

2. Plug adaptor

Whether your output is phono, 1/4-inch TS/TRS or XLR it is certain that the venue will be equipped with something else. Carrying converters to the remaining two connector types means you will never have to run about asking to borrow cables from PA crews and other acts. It also means you don't have to carry three types of cables.

3. Spare batteries

If you use anything that requires a battery then carry at least one spare set, especially as equipment may have to be left switched on from when you set up to when you perform – which can be hours. Changing the batteries just prior to performance can remove any worries about effects pedals and the like dying mid-set.

4. Data backups

Whether you're working from an external hard drive, a sampler or just a lone laptop, you do not want to end up with a 'corrupted data' message just before show time. Having a backup or backups on data sticks, CDs, DVDs, or duplicated on internal/external hard drives will reduce your chances of being thwarted by bad data before you even start

5. Audio backups

The worst, quite often, does come to the worst, in which case you may need to ditch all your careful programming and setting up entirely in favour of a last resort audio backup of your entire set. Have a CD or MP3 player plugged into your mixer (or any other connection to the PA) just in case it all goes pear-shaped. Alternatively, simply load up a track or 'interlude' sound that can be set off while you reboot and recover your composure. This should help you to avoid any silence and keep the audience on side.

6. More sockets

There will not be enough plugs – guaranteed. Bring as many as you can muster. A mains 'four bar' can save the day. And bring a spare in case the one you've been using for months decides to blow a fuse or acquire a faulty connection. Venues can often be poorly equipped with power sockets near to where you set up. A good bit of slack will also reduce the potential for the cable to be yanked out of the socket or for it to pull your equipment onto the floor.

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