← Back to Documentation

Messaging System

Communicate with your crew during live performances. Perfect for stage managers coordinating with sound engineers, lighting crew, and band members.

Messaging Overview

Real-Time Communication System

Setflow's messaging system enables instant communication between stage managers and crew members during live performances. Messages appear prominently on the performance view, ensuring critical information reaches the right people at the right time.

Key Features:

  • Instant Delivery: Messages appear immediately on all connected devices
  • Targeted Messaging: Send to specific crew members or everyone
  • Auto-Clear Timers: Messages disappear automatically after set durations
  • Manual Control: Stage managers can clear messages instantly
  • Visual Prominence: Messages display prominently during performances

Perfect For:

  • Sound Adjustments: "Volume up on vocals"
  • Lighting Cues: "Dim lights after this song"
  • Timing Changes: "Skip next song - go to encore"
  • Technical Issues: "Check guitar cable"
  • Schedule Updates: "5 minute intermission coming"

Sending Messages

How to Send Messages

Send messages to your crew from any setlist management page. Messages are sent from event managers to crew members.

Step-by-Step Process:

  1. 1. Click the message icon in the footer (appears as floating button)
  2. 2. Select message recipients from the dropdown
  3. 3. Choose message duration (3 seconds to infinite)
  4. 4. Type your message in the text area
  5. 5. Click "Send Message" to deliver instantly

Recipient Options

  • All Crew: Message visible to everyone
  • Specific Members: Target individual crew members
  • Role-Based: Message specific roles (e.g., sound engineers)
  • Guest View: Messages for audience/general viewing

Duration Settings

Quick notifications:3 seconds
Standard alerts:5 seconds
Important notices:10 seconds
Extended visibility:30 seconds
Manual clear only:Infinite

Message Display & Visibility

How Messages Appear

Messages appear prominently on the performance view, ensuring crew members see important updates immediately.

Message Display Features:

  • Prominent Placement: Messages appear at the top of the performance view
  • High Contrast: Easy to read in various lighting conditions
  • Real-Time Countdown: Shows remaining time with timer icon
  • Multiple Messages: Can display several active messages at once
  • Responsive Design: Adapts to different screen sizes

Message Targeting:

  • Crew-Specific: Only intended recipients see the message
  • Role-Based: Messages can target specific roles
  • Public Messages: General announcements visible to all
  • Guest View: Clean display for audience members

Message Appearance Examples:

To: Sound Engineer
0:08
Volume up on vocals for next song
To: All Crew
5 minute intermission after this song

Auto-Clear & Message Management

Automatic Message Clearing

Messages automatically disappear after their set duration, keeping the performance view clean and focused.

Auto-Clear Features:

  • Countdown Timer: Shows remaining time for each message
  • Automatic Removal: Messages disappear when timer reaches zero
  • Multiple Timers: Each message has its own countdown
  • Real-Time Updates: Countdowns update every second
  • Clean Interface: Expired messages are removed instantly

Manual Controls:

  • Instant Clear: Stage managers can clear any message
  • Clear All: Remove all infinite messages at once
  • Override Duration: Manually clear timed messages early
  • Emergency Clear: Quick removal of outdated information
Best Practices for Message Duration
  • 3-5 seconds: Quick confirmations and brief updates
  • 10 seconds: Important instructions that need attention
  • 30 seconds: Complex changes or setup requirements
  • Infinite: Ongoing reminders or emergency information

Common Message Examples

Real-World Messaging Scenarios

Here are common messages used during different types of performances and events.

Sound & Technical:

To Sound Engineer (5s):
"Volume up on vocals"
To All Crew (10s):
"Guitar cable needs checking"
To Lighting (3s):
"Dim lights after this song"

Timing & Schedule:

To: All Crew
30s
5 minute intermission coming up
To: Band
Skip next song - go straight to encore
To: All
10s
Running 10 minutes behind schedule
Messaging Best Practices
  • • Keep messages concise and clear
  • • Use appropriate duration for message importance
  • • Target specific crew members when possible
  • • Test messaging system during sound check
  • • Have backup communication method for emergencies