Sound equipment is of vital importance to create a quality atmosphere in any event that is held, whether it is a musical show or an interview between two people on television. The audio in events is a fundamental pillar, because without good audio, there will be no good communication. Companies invest a large part of their resources in creating a quality environment for their guests in the audiovisual events they hold.
For this reason, at Octo Event Productions we want to help you to promote your brand and provide you with the possibility of renting the necessary audiovisual equipment for your event. Everything will also depend on the characteristics and dimensions of the space where the event will take place, because it will also modify the different sound systems to be used. We have a wide variety of audiovisual equipment and we have premium brands, different ranges of microphones, as well as speakers and PA systems.
In this post you will learn the importance of sound equipment in events and which are some of the aspects that should be considered in organizing sound equipment for an event.
Sound equipment and its importance at events
Sound equipment are devices capable of processing directly or indirectly audio signals and generate, convert or modify them. Examples of sound equipment could be speakers, headsets, microphones, audio interfaces (also known as sound or audio cards), MIDI controllers, computers and many other components.
Companies that are in charge of audiovisual events to launch their own brand or to help other brands, as is the case of Octo Event Productions, invest a great number of resources to create a pleasant atmosphere for the guests at the event. The sound provides a holistic experience for the guests at the event. The experience will not be too positive if, for example, the speakers are too loud throughout the event and if there is some interference.
You should always consider the size of the venue where the event is held, the number of guests, the purpose of the event or if it is indoors or outdoors. All this is necessary to know which sound equipment to use or if microphones or amplifiers will be needed for the sound to be heard correctly.
What to consider when organizing sound equipment for an event?
When organizing an event, you must consider different aspects to know what are the optimal sound equipment that best suit in each event, because you can not use the same in all types of events. For example, it is not the same an event that will be attended by 30 people that another that will attend 10,000 people.
In the following, we are going to explain the main characteristics that should be considered when organizing the sound equipment for an event.
Study what type of event it is
When choosing sound equipment, it is important to know what kind of event it is, whether it will be outdoors or not, the size of the venue, how many people will attend the event, if it is a music event, an event that will promote a product, the presentation of a new brand, a high school graduation, etc.
Different sound systems are needed for different events to ensure a good and enriching experience for the guests.
Decide on the number and type of microphones
The number of microphones to be used at the event will depend on the number of speakers and audience speakers. In addition, it will be decided if all speakers will wear a wireless or wired microphone or if both types will be needed. Another decision to be made regarding sound equipment is the format of microphones to be used at the event: the most common are headworn, handheld or lavalier.
You can also choose between using dynamic or condenser microphones. Condenser microphones are often used in press radio or music events and have a more detailed, clear and fine sound and a high sensitivity to sound. Dynamic microphones withstand high sound pressures, are durable, inexpensive and do not require external power to operate. They are very useful when the source is reasonably close and when the sound is predominantly low or medium.
Anticipate whether the event will be recorded to adjust the sound equipment
If the event is going to be recorded, the sound captured by the camera is not enough. The cameramen need the entire event in line sound and in some common extension (.mp3, .wav…). A sound console with channels will be needed to split the different sound inputs and mix them conveniently during the event. Finally, the whole event must be recorded in sound from the mixing console.
Control the output of the sound equipment
The inputs of the sound equipment are multiple, so someone must mix it live. Depending on the standing of the event, it can take hours for the person in charge of mixing the live sound to set up all the speakers needed for held the event.
Check that the loudspeaker systems are suitable for each situation
In sound equipment, loudspeakers are the ensemble formed by the box itself and the speakers inside it. The loudspeakers need to be well designed to be of high quality and provide the best possible fidelity. The box must be partially closed and filled with absorbent material, but with a tube with an outlet to the outside whose function is to provide a resistance between the inside and the outside air, and thus reinforce the low frequencies. Its main advantage is its good bass efficiency.
Beware of interference in sound equipment
There are three main types of audio interference in audio equipment, which are as follows:
- Electrical interference is the result of a failure or maintenance problem in digital or electrical equipment.
- Electromagnetic interferences are disturbances in any electronic circuit, component or system due to the presence of unwanted voltages or currents.
- When the frequency of the incoming signal is close to the transmitter and has sufficient power, intermodulation occurs.
Not all the events need the same sound equipment, so it is necessary to have professionals who know how to handle them and which ones are suitable for each situation. In this way, the event guests will have a complete and satisfactory experience.
In addition to very common aspects such as the dimensions of the venue where the event will be held or the number of attendees, aspects such as the output of the sound equipment, the acoustic box systems, the number of microphones or if the event is going to be recorded must be considered. If you have any doubts or questions about audiovisual equipment or any other service, please do not hesitate to contact us through our website and we will be happy to help you with whatever you need.