What Audio System Do I Need for My Event?

As an event planner, your message matters and so does how you say it. The message you’re delivering at your event is important — and you want to make sure it’s only your message the audience hears, not static, interference, or unexpected noises. Your audio system should enhance the event, not overpower it. So, what is an audio system and why is it important? Let Advanced Staging Productions guide you with a stronger understanding of audio systems in the live event space.

What is an Audio System?

At a live event, “Audio” is the sound you hear throughout the entire event space. This allows every attendee the ability to clearly hear your presentation, video, entertainer, band, or main draw of the event. To ensure the best sound quality, audio technicians will temporarily install an audio system at your event space, consisting of speakers, microphones, and an audio mixer.

Why is an Audio System Important?

The audience attending your event is here to listen to you and your message. Whatever your event, the attendees are invested in your message and you want to ensure the clearest audio experience for your entire audience, whether next to the stage or at the back of the venue.

Audio Systems Based on Event Size

Whether it’s an outdoor ceremony for 50,000 or a high-tech product launch for your 100 top level executives, you need to source the right sound equipment and have a detailed approach to ensure the audio success of your next event.

Small Events

Typically, a small event size will consist of 50 – 150 number of attendees. A typical audio system for this size will be made up of a couple powered standing speakers, like JBL Powered Speakers, a small mixer, like the Yamaha LS9 or Yamaha QL1, and a couple of microphones.

Medium Events

Typically, a medium event size will consist of 150 – 350 number of attendees. A typical audio system for this size will be made up of ground supported speakers like, L-Acoustics Speakers for more in-depth coverage, a more advanced mixer, like the Yamaha QL5 with multiple inputs, and multiple microphones.

Large Events

Typically, a large event size will consist of 350 – 1500 number of attendees. A typical audio system for this size requires several “zones” dispersed throughout the entire space to provide maximum control and audio coverage for the attendees. These systems will include line array speakers, like the L-Acoustics Kiva II or Kara II, a variety of playback resources like Q-Lab, and full microphone systems for both bands and presenters.

Questions to Ask

Every audio system is unique and should have the proper equipment to create the ultimate sound experience for your audience. If you are unsure on where to start, Advanced Staging Productions recommends starting with these questions to determine for audio system needs:

1. What is the size of the audience, and size of space they are occupying?
2. How many speakers will be presenting at a time?
3. What are the power requirements available in the venue?
4. Is there a plan for a live or musical performance?
5. Are there remote presenters or live-streaming for this event?

Want to Know More?

Our audio engineers would love to discuss all kinds of audio tech pros and cons in detail (they geek out over your audio needs). Don’t know your Cubase from a Q-Lab? You don’t have to, because we do! Our audio engineers are perpetually studying the latest sound technology – consoles, wireless microphones, & fully digital sound systems – to deliver the best possible audio for your event. And, of course. Our audio technicians are fully versed in specialized software including Smaart Live, Q-Lab, Cubase, Pro Tools, Lake Controller, and Dante Controller.