Is equipment setup included?

If you're hiring audio equipment for an event, it's reasonable to wonder what happens when the equipment arrives. Do you have to set everything up yourself, or will it be ready to use?

The answer depends on how you're hiring the equipment and what your event requires.

With dry hire, setup is for the person hiring the equipment to do. If you collect the equipment yourself, you'll be responsible for taking it to the venue, setting it up, connecting everything and operating it during the event.

For a simple system, this may be quite straightforward. If you've hired a pair of speakers for background music or a small party, for example, there may not be much to it once you know where everything connects.

If you're less familiar with audio equipment, though, setup can be one of the more confusing parts of organising an event. That's where delivery and setup can make things easier.

Simple setup with delivery

When you choose delivery, simple setup is included.

A typical example would be a pair of speakers, a mixer and a microphone. These can be positioned and connected so that the system is ready for you to use.

This is useful for events where you don't want to spend the time before guests arrive working out cables, speaker positions and connections. You can concentrate on getting the venue ready and leave the basic audio setup to someone who works with the equipment regularly.

The idea isn't to turn every hire into a full production. It's simply about making a straightforward sound system easier to use.

What counts as a simple setup?

There isn't a single definition that applies to every event, but a basic setup might involve a small number of speakers and microphones with a mixer or another straightforward audio source.

For example, a small presentation might need a pair of speakers, a microphone and a mixer. A private function might need speakers and a microphone for announcements.

Once you start adding several microphones, instruments, monitors, multiple audio sources or more complicated speaker systems, the job becomes more involved.

That's when it's worth talking through the event before booking.

When do you need a sound technician?

For more complicated jobs, an on-site sound technician is required for both setup and operation.

This is different from simply having someone connect the equipment and leave.

A more involved event may need someone to manage microphone levels, balance different audio sources, adjust the sound during performances and deal with changes as the event progresses.

Live music is a good example. A band might have several microphones and instruments running through a mixer, with different levels needed throughout the performance. A larger presentation or corporate event can also require more hands-on management if there are several speakers, microphones or audio sources involved.

In these situations, having a technician there means the person organising the event doesn't also have to become the sound operator.

What happens with dry hire?

Dry hire is intended for people who are happy to handle the equipment themselves.

You'll collect the equipment, take it to your venue and set it up. You'll also operate the system during the event and pack everything down when you're finished.

Audio Hire provides equipment and guides to help with straightforward setups, and the equipment is selected to make the process as manageable as possible.

If you're comfortable connecting speakers, microphones and other basic audio equipment, dry hire can be a good option.

If you're not sure what you're doing, there's no need to pretend you are. It's better to ask before the event than to discover on the day that you've hired a system you're not comfortable setting up.

What if I'm not sure which option I need?

The easiest thing to do is explain what you're planning.

Tell Audio Hire what sort of event you're holding, approximately how many people will be there, where it's taking place and what you need the sound system to do.

For a small event, you may only need a simple setup. For something more involved, you may need a technician to stay and operate the system.

Audio Hire is based in Walkerville and provides equipment hire for events across Adelaide. Delivery and collection are available, while equipment can also be collected from Walkerville.

https://audiohire.com.au/pages/delivery

If you need advice about your particular event, you can get in touch with Audio Hire before booking.

https://audiohire.com.au/pages/contact

Setup doesn't have to be complicated

There's no reason to hire more help than you actually need, but there's also no benefit in taking on a complicated sound setup if you're not comfortable with it.

For dry hire, you'll handle the setup and operation yourself.

With delivery, a simple setup such as a pair of speakers, a mixer and a microphone can be included, so the basic system is ready to use.

For more complicated jobs, an on-site sound technician is required to handle both setup and operation.

The important thing is to choose the option that matches your event. If you're unsure, explain what you're planning before you book. A little advice beforehand can make the difference between spending the afternoon worrying about cables and simply getting on with your event.