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If you’re organising an event in Adelaide, one of the first questions you’ll probably need to answer is how much the sound equipment will cost. There isn’t one fixed price for event audio because the equipment required can vary considerably between events.
A small presentation with a pair of speakers and a microphone is a very different hire from a corporate conference with multiple microphones, a mixer and technical support, or a large party requiring speakers and subwoofers.
The most useful way to budget for event audio is to start with what the event actually needs, rather than choosing a package based purely on the number of guests.
What affects the cost of event sound hire?
The main factors are the size and type of event, the equipment required, how many microphones or other audio sources are involved, and whether technical support is required.
A straightforward event with a pair of powered speakers and one microphone will generally require less equipment than an event involving several microphones, music playback, a DJ, live performers or subwoofers.
The venue also matters. An indoor event in a relatively compact space can have very different requirements from an outdoor event where sound needs to cover a larger area.
How much does a basic PA system cost?
For a smaller event, the starting point is often a pair of powered speakers.
Audio Hire’s 2 X 1000 Watt Speaker Package includes two Electro-Voice ZLX 12-inch powered speakers, two speaker tripods and the required speaker and power cables. It is suited to applications such as speeches, presentations, wedding ceremonies and smaller events.
This type of setup can be a practical starting point when the primary requirement is clear speech, background music or moderate-volume recorded music.
The important point is that the cost of the PA isn’t determined simply by how many people are attending. The venue, audience layout and intended use of the system all influence the appropriate equipment.
When does a larger speaker system cost more?
Larger events or events requiring greater output may need larger speakers or a more powerful configuration.
Audio Hire’s 2 x 1500 Watt 15” Speaker Package provides a higher-output pair of speakers for events where a smaller system may not provide the required headroom.
For music-focused events, the requirements can increase again. DJs, parties and live music often benefit from subwoofers to provide additional low-frequency output.
The 5600w EV Speaker and Subwoofer Package combines full-range speakers with dedicated subwoofers for larger and more demanding music applications.
How much do microphones add to the cost?
Microphones are another variable in an event audio budget.
A simple event with one speaker may only require one microphone. A conference with multiple presenters or a panel discussion may require several microphones. A wedding might need a microphone for the MC and speeches, while a live performance can require microphones for vocals and instruments.
The type of microphone also affects the equipment required. A wired microphone is generally straightforward for a fixed speaking position, while wireless microphones provide freedom of movement.
For example, the Shure PGA48 is a wired microphone suited to speeches, presentations and announcements. The Shure BLX24/SM58 Wireless Hand Held Microphone System provides a wireless option when the speaker needs to move around.
You can see the wider range on the Microphone Hire Adelaide page.
Do you need a mixer?
Not every event requires a separate mixer, but multiple audio sources can make one useful or necessary.
If the event involves several microphones, a laptop playing presentation audio, background music or other sources, a mixer provides a way to connect and control those inputs before sending the signal to the speakers.
The Yamaha MG06 Audio Mixer is a compact mixer suitable for smaller setups where multiple audio sources need to be connected.
When budgeting, don’t look at the speakers and microphones in isolation. Consider the complete signal path from the people or devices producing the sound through to the speakers.
Do speaker stands and cables cost extra?
The equipment included in a hire package depends on the particular product or package.
Audio Hire includes standard IEC power cables and speaker cables with speaker hire. Longer cables can be hired separately where additional cable length is required.
Speaker stands can also be relevant depending on the setup. Raising the speakers helps position them appropriately above the audience, which can improve coverage.
Speaker Tripods are available for compatible speaker setups.
When comparing equipment hire options, check exactly what is included rather than comparing the headline equipment price alone.
Does delivery affect the cost?
Delivery requirements depend on the booking and location. Venue access, timing, equipment quantity and whether setup is required can all affect the logistics of getting the equipment to an event.
For an event coordinator, it is worth establishing these details early. A venue may have restricted loading access, specific delivery windows or requirements for equipment to be brought in through particular entrances.
If equipment needs to be delivered, installed and collected rather than simply collected by the customer, make sure those requirements are discussed when arranging the booking.
Does setup cost extra?
Setup is different from simply supplying the equipment.
A straightforward hire may involve equipment being collected and set up by the customer. More involved events may require assistance with positioning speakers, connecting microphones and checking the system.
If you’re considering technical support, the complexity of the event is usually more important than the number of guests.
A small event with multiple microphones, presentations and changing audio sources may benefit from technical assistance, while a larger but straightforward event may be relatively simple to operate once everything is correctly connected.
Our guide to When Does an Event Need a Sound Technician? explains when dedicated technical support can be worthwhile.
How much does wedding sound hire cost?
Wedding audio costs can vary considerably depending on which parts of the day require sound.
A ceremony may require a pair of speakers and microphones for the celebrant, readings or music. The reception may require a separate or larger system for speeches, announcements and dancing.
If a DJ or band is involved, establish what they are supplying before booking additional equipment. Some performers provide their own PA while others require the organiser or venue to supply one.
Audio Hire’s Hire by Event Type guide provides more information about equipment for weddings and other common event types.
How much does corporate event sound hire cost?
Corporate event audio can range from a relatively simple presentation setup to a much more complex conference system.
A small presentation may require a pair of speakers and one microphone. A larger conference could involve several presenters, panel microphones, audience questions, presentation audio and background music.
The event running order is therefore useful when requesting a quote. Instead of simply saying how many people will attend, explain what will actually happen during the event.
That gives the equipment hire company a much better understanding of what is required.
For corporate events, see Corporate Events & Conferences for more information.
How much does outdoor event sound hire cost?
Outdoor events can require additional equipment because sound isn’t contained by walls and ceilings.
The number of guests is still relevant, but the size of the audience area and distance to the furthest listeners can be more important. A small audience spread across a large outdoor area can require more careful planning than a larger audience concentrated in a compact indoor room.
Weather, access, power and equipment placement also need to be considered.
Rather than estimating the cost based solely on audience numbers, provide the location and approximate dimensions of the audience area when asking for advice.
Do you need a sound technician?
Technical support is another potential component of an event audio budget.
You may not need a technician for a simple setup that someone at the event can confidently operate. However, conferences, panel discussions, live performances and complex events with multiple audio sources can benefit from having someone responsible for the sound.
A technician can manage microphones, audio sources and levels during the event and deal with problems if something goes wrong.
If you are considering technical support, the Event Technician Hire service provides more information.
Don’t choose the cheapest system based on guest numbers
One of the most common mistakes when budgeting for event audio is selecting equipment purely because it appears to match the number of guests.
A system suitable for 100 people at a presentation may not be suitable for 100 people at a dance party. Similarly, a system that works indoors may not provide the coverage required for an outdoor event.
The aim isn’t to hire the most powerful system available. It’s to hire a system that is appropriate for the venue, audience and event.
Choosing the right equipment at the beginning can also prevent the additional cost and inconvenience of discovering that the system isn’t suitable once the event has started.
What should you tell an audio hire company?
When asking for an event sound quote, provide more than just the date and number of guests.
Include the venue, approximate audience size, whether the event is indoors or outdoors, what type of event it is and what the sound system will be used for.
Also mention how many people will speak, whether there will be an MC or panel, whether music or a DJ will be involved, whether there will be live performers and whether the event requires technical support.
If you have a running order or venue floor plan, these can also be useful for more complicated events.
The more accurately the event is described, the easier it is to recommend equipment that fits the actual requirements.
A practical way to budget for event audio
Rather than starting with a fixed dollar amount and trying to make equipment fit within it, start by identifying the required components.
You may need speakers, microphones, stands, a mixer, subwoofers or other equipment depending on the event. Then consider whether delivery, setup or technical support is required.
For a straightforward event, this might mean a pair of speakers and one microphone. For a larger event, it could involve a complete sound system with multiple microphones, additional inputs, subwoofers and technical support.
This approach gives you a more realistic picture of the total cost and makes it easier to compare different options.
Get the right sound system for your event
There isn’t one standard price for event sound equipment hire because there isn’t one standard event.
A small presentation, wedding ceremony, corporate conference, outdoor function and DJ party can all have completely different audio requirements. The most important step is identifying what the system actually needs to do.
If you’re planning an event in Adelaide, Audio Hire can help you work through the equipment requirements. Provide the event date, venue, approximate audience size and what will happen during the event, and we can help identify an appropriate setup.
You can browse Speaker Hire Adelaide, explore PA Hire Adelaide, view Microphone Hire Adelaide, or browse Sound System Hire Adelaide.
If you already know what you need, you can browse the equipment and book online.