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If you've never hired audio equipment before, looking through a list of speakers, microphones, mixers and cables can raise more questions than answers.
You might know you need sound for your event, but have no idea what size speakers you need, whether you need a mixer, or which microphone is right for the job.
That's completely normal. You don't need to be an audio expert to hire equipment from Audio Hire. The easiest place to start is by explaining what you're planning and what you need the sound system to do.
Start with the event, not the equipment
Rather than trying to work out the technical side yourself, start with the basics.
What type of event are you holding? How many people are attending? Is it indoors or outdoors? Will you be playing music, making announcements, giving presentations or having live performers?
Those details give you a much better starting point than simply choosing equipment based on its power rating or technical specifications.
A small birthday party, for example, may need a straightforward speaker setup. A wedding with speeches could require speakers and one or more microphones. A live performance may need several microphones, instruments and a mixer.
How many people are you expecting?
Guest numbers are important, but they're only part of the picture.
A room with 50 people can have very different requirements from an outdoor event with the same number of guests. The size and shape of the space, where the audience will be standing or sitting, and how far the sound needs to travel can all affect the setup.
This is one reason it's useful to tell Audio Hire about the venue when you're asking for advice. The aim is to choose equipment that suits the space rather than simply hiring the biggest system available.
What do you actually need people to hear?
This is often the question that makes choosing equipment much easier.
If you're playing background music at a gathering, your requirements are relatively simple. If you're having speeches, you'll need to consider microphones as well as speakers. A presentation might involve a microphone and a laptop as audio sources, while a musician or DJ may have several sources that need to be connected.
For situations where you need to connect multiple audio sources, the Yamaha MG06 Audio Mixer is one of the options available from Audio Hire. It's a compact six-channel mixer with up to two microphone inputs and six line inputs, making it useful for smaller setups where you need some control over multiple sources.
Choosing a microphone
Not every event needs the same type of microphone.
A microphone for a singer has a different job from one being used for a speech or presentation. You may also want a wireless microphone if the person speaking needs to move around the room.
Audio Hire stocks the Shure SM58 professional microphone, as well as a Shure BLX24/SM58 wireless handheld microphone system.
The wireless system includes a BLX4 tabletop receiver and an SM58 handheld transmitter microphone, and is designed to provide a simple wireless setup for vocal or spoken-word applications.
Don't forget the stands and cables
It's easy to concentrate on the main equipment and forget about the smaller items that make the setup work.
Depending on your event, you may need microphone stands, speaker stands, cables, extension leads or other accessories.
For example, the Audio Hire speaker tripod is designed to raise compatible speakers above the audience. The stands adjust to a maximum height of 1.8 metres and use a tripod base with a locking pin system.
Audio Hire's catalogue also includes microphone stands, XLR cables, instrument cables, extension leads and cable protection, so it's worth checking the accessories as well as the main equipment when putting together your hire.
You may not need a complicated system
More equipment doesn't automatically mean better sound.
For many events, a simple setup is preferable because it's easier to transport, connect and operate. Adding a mixer or extra microphones when you don't actually need them can make things more complicated without providing much benefit.
The right equipment is the equipment that suits your event.
That's why Audio Hire takes a practical approach to equipment hire. The current range includes speakers, microphones, mixers, stands, cables and other event equipment, with online booking available through the website.
What if I'm still not sure?
If you're looking at the catalogue and still don't know what to choose, don't guess.
Audio Hire specifically offers advice for customers who aren't sure what equipment or setup they need. You can explain the type of event you're organising, the approximate number of guests, the venue and what you want the sound system to achieve.
The Audio Hire contact page is the best place to start if you need help choosing a setup.
https://audiohire.com.au/pages/contact
You can also browse the full range of Audio Hire equipment and look at the available products before making a decision.
https://audiohire.com.au/collections/all
Getting the right equipment doesn't have to be complicated
The most useful information isn't necessarily technical. Knowing what you're doing, where you're doing it and what you need people to hear is usually a much better starting point than knowing the difference between every type of speaker or microphone.
Audio Hire is based in Walkerville and provides equipment hire across Adelaide, with collection and delivery options available. The website also allows you to check equipment and make bookings online.
If you're planning an event and aren't sure what equipment you need, talk to Audio Hire before you book. Tell us what you're planning and we'll help you work out a practical sound solution.
https://audiohire.com.au/pages/contact
Not sure where to start? Contact Audio Hire for advice or browse the equipment available for hire in Adelaide.