PA system hire is about more than just hooking up a couple of speakers, tapping on a microphone a couple of times and hoping for the best. Whether you are hosting a wedding, are in charge of a music festival or running a small corporate seminar, the right PA system will help you to ensure that your sound is clear and consistent. Perhaps most important of all is that it reaches every corner of your venue properly. Let’s take a look at a breakdown of PA system levels tailored to different event sizes and types to ensure you get the best system for your event.
Small gatherings
For small gatherings, up to 50 people, such as smaller business meetings, intimate weddings or even parties in a domestic property, then a compact PA is usually more than sufficient for all your requirements. This type of setup usually includes a pair of active speakers offering a modest wattage output, a microphone and a basic mixer. A PA system should be given clear speech reinforcement and background music without overwhelming the space in your venue. This type of system is most commonly a battery-powered system, and they are especially practical when the event is being held outdoors or in a location with limited access to a power source. They are also easy to install and lightweight.
Medium events
As the size of your audience increases, between 50 and 150 people, the demands that will be placed on your PA system will grow. Medium-sized events like corporate presentations, community functions and school performances will require a more robust setup. This type of PA system will have two to four active speakers, which may be supplemented by a subwoofer, which will add bass. It will also have a mixer with more channels, allowing for multiple inputs, which include microphones, media devices and instruments. This setup will not only offer greater coverage but also better clarity. Essentially, it will allow everyone in the room to hear comfortably, whether listening to a musical performance or a keynote speech. It will also allow for multiple microphones, for example headset, lapel and handheld. This is a good option for larger venues like school halls which have higher ceilings.
Large indoor events
Large indoor events with between 150 to 350 attendees, for example conferences, live music gigs or large weddings, can offer more audio setup challenges. These occasions require the type of system that includes multiple speakers and subwoofers, a high-capacity mixer and stage monitors for any performers. It is often recommended to engage the services of a sound engineer to manage levels, feedback and transitions in real time. These PA systems have been carefully designed for dynamic audio needs. This might be panel discussions or full-band performances, and they need to deliver a consistent level of sound that can be heard across a larger venue.
This is the setup for complex audio needs and with the right level of expertise, will ensure you have balanced sound and smooth transitions reaching all corners of your venue.
Outdoor events
These types of events offer some very unique challenges. Whether you are organising a festival, outdoor concert or a sports day, you should consider a PA system that offers around 8 speakers and at least 4 subwoofers. This will help to give you the coverage and clarity to ensure that you are able to be clearly heard across the venue. The services of an on-site technician may also be appropriate to deal with the unpredictable nature of outdoor acoustics. Strategic placement of speakers will also be necessary. To reduce audio hotspots, you may want line arrays which will provide you with vertical and horizontal coverage.
Choosing the right PA system can be a complex decision, and one that is best not left to chance. It can be a good idea to consult with a professional hire company who will be able to advise on the most appropriate setup for your event and venue.
