How to Choose the Right Sound System for Your Event

The most common audio complaint at events is not that the sound was too quiet — it is that the speeches could not be understood. Choosing the right system is mostly about matching coverage and clarity to the room.

Start with the room and the crowd

• Under 100 guests indoors: a compact PA on stands usually covers the room.
• 100 to 500 guests: active speakers with subwoofers, and delay speakers if the room is long.
• 500 guests and above, or outdoors: line array systems that throw sound evenly to the back.

Speech and music need different things

Speech needs clarity and even coverage. Music needs headroom and low end. If your programme has both — as most weddings and corporate dinners do — the system has to be specified for both, and the operator has to change settings between them.

Microphones are not an afterthought

Count the people who will speak, then add spares. Handheld wireless for speeches and audience questions, lapel microphones for presenters who move, and gooseneck microphones at podiums and panel tables.

Always ask who is operating it

Equipment left running unattended is where feedback, dead microphones and blown moments come from. Every system we supply above a basic PA comes with a technician who stays for the event.