Legendary sound designer Randy Thom once said, “[sound is] important because it informs us and moves us in ways visuals can’t, and because certain combinations of sound and visuals can evoke what neither can do alone.” When it comes to event planning, it’s important to remember this. You may have amazing lighting, a big and bold LED wall, and a great visual presentation, but without a high-quality sound system rental, people can tune out and the overall message can be lost.
While many event planners will rely on a venue’s sound person or hire an audiovisual company to help with system setup, understanding sound system basics is important to be sure you’re getting what’s best for your particular event. You may hear AV people refer to this as your event’s PA System. Short for “public address,” the PA system is any live sound reinforcement system that projects sound to an audience. It includes each of the sound equipment elements listed below.
5 Equipment Elements to Consider for Sound System Rentals
1. Audio Mixer
Part of any basic sound system setup, an audio mixer (also known as a soundboard) is an electronic console that processes, manipulates, and combines audio signals before routing them to speakers or anywhere else they need to go. They balance sound, control feedback, and adjust volume levels on microphones. While digital mixers have grown in popularity, many audiovisual experts still like analog mixers, which are controlled by knobs, faders, and switches. Although analog systems often cost less to rent, their size can create challenges in small venues or on small stages. It’s also important that you choose an audio mixer with enough channels to accommodate the number of microphones and other inputs like computer audio at the event.
2. Microphones
For any New York City event, the number and type of microphones you need will always be a consideration. Is the microphone going to stay in one place, such as a podium? A wired microphone should suffice. On the other hand, if speaker(s) prefer the look and feel of a wireless handheld, or if you want them to be able to move freely about the stage and potentially hand the mic off to the audience, a wireless will be necessary (you might also consider Catchbox, a throwable microphone that helps engage the audience during any Q&A session). If you’re going to be hosting a panel of speakers, wireless lavaliers that clip onto clothing like a collar or tie are ideal.
It’s also important to consider instrument microphones. There is a wide range of musical instruments, from percussion to string, woodwind to brass, and each has its own sonic expression. The right microphone will be needed based upon the instrument category to correctly capture its sound; not only that, but miking solutions may need to be altered depending on what you’re amplifying; outfitting a rock concert can be quite different from an orchestral or symphonic performance (unless, of course, you have an SM57 mic—if you’re not laughing, ask your audio guy about one!)
3. Speakers
Like many elements of a PA system, the right speakers you need will be determined by the size of the venue and crowd, and whether it’s being held indoors or outdoors. A reputable audiovisual company will be able to make recommendations to be sure you get the proper audio clarity, transparency, and definition from your sound system rental. They can also recommend whether a stage monitor system is needed; this is a speaker or performer-facing loudspeaker designed to let them hear themselves and any questions from the audience.
4. Power Amplifiers
A power amplifier increases low-level signals coming from the mixer and broadcast them through speakers. The power level is measured in watts, and you’ll want to be sure you have enough wattage to fill the venue without compromising the quality of your sound. The good news is that speakers for corporate events often come with a power amplifier built into them; unless you’re throwing a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert at Madison Square Garden needed ample wattage, you probably won’t have to worry about renting them.
5. Outboard Processing Gear
While most mixers have some built-in effects, additional outboard processing equipment can really make a difference, adding drama and flair to your sound. While not necessary at events that will mainly feature speakers, outboard processing equipment can make an impact at musical events by providing the following:
- Compressor: This compresses an audio signal to limit the variation between loud and soft sounds.
- Limiter: This limits peaks in music to avoid speaker (and eardrum) blowout.
- Reverb: This adds depth and dimension to audio by making it sound as if it’s reflecting off of surfaces.
- Delay: This creates the sound of a repeating and fading echo, similar to yelling into a canyon.
Poor sound quality (or overbearing sound) is one of the most common complaints people have after attending an event, so it’s important that you have an understanding of sound systems. While your knowledge of sound systems doesn’t need to be as in-depth as an expert audiophile, by understanding some of the basics you’ll be better versed when it comes time to choosing an audiovisual equipment provider and reviewing your A/V quote. If you’re preparing for an event large or small and need a sound system rental, don’t just hire an A/V guy—contact the audio visual experts at One Way Event Production. Whether you need a basic sound system setup or something more specialized in NYC, we maximize sound, minimize worry, and make any sound sweeter!
