What Sound System Do You Need for an Outdoor Event?

Outdoor events can be more challenging to plan for than indoor events because there are no walls or ceilings to contain the sound. The audience may also be spread across a much larger area, which means the distance between the speakers and the furthest listeners becomes an important consideration.

That doesn’t necessarily mean you need an enormous sound system. The right setup depends on the size and layout of the audience area, what the system needs to do, how loud it needs to be and whether the event is primarily focused on speech, background music, recorded music, a DJ or live performance.

The best approach is to plan the sound system around the actual event rather than choosing equipment based solely on the total number of people attending.

How do you choose a sound system for an outdoor event?

Start by looking at the area where people will actually be listening.

A small outdoor gathering where everyone is sitting relatively close to the speakers has very different requirements from a large event where the audience is spread across a lawn or open space. The shape of the audience area also matters. A long, narrow audience may require a different approach from a compact crowd.

You should also consider what the speakers need to reproduce. Speech and announcements generally require clear vocal reproduction, while music-focused events may require substantially more output and, in some cases, subwoofers.

Audio Hire’s Sound System Hire Adelaide⁠ options include systems for parties, weddings, corporate events, presentations and live music.

How many speakers do you need outdoors?

For many outdoor events, a pair of speakers is the appropriate starting point. Two speakers provide left and right coverage and help distribute sound across the audience rather than relying on sound coming from a single position.

The 2 X 1000 Watt Speaker Package⁠ provides a straightforward two-speaker setup for smaller events and applications where clear sound is the main priority.

For a larger outdoor event or one requiring more output, the 2 x 1500 Watt 15” Speaker Package⁠ provides a higher-output two-speaker option.

The number of guests alone shouldn’t determine which package you choose. An outdoor audience of 100 people concentrated close to the speakers can have very different requirements from 100 people spread over a large area.

How far do the speakers need to reach?

One of the most important questions for an outdoor event is how far away the furthest listeners will be.

If the audience extends a long distance from the speakers, people at the back may hear significantly less sound than those near the front. Simply turning up the volume isn’t always the best solution because the people closest to the speakers may then be exposed to unnecessarily high sound levels.

Think about the actual audience footprint. Where will the first row be? Where will the furthest people be standing or sitting? Will people be spread out behind the main audience area?

Providing these details when asking for advice can make it much easier to determine whether a standard two-speaker setup is appropriate.

Does an outdoor event need bigger speakers?

Not automatically.

The Speaker Hire Adelaide⁠ range includes different speaker packages so the system can be matched to the event. A larger speaker package can provide more output and headroom where the event requires it, but choosing equipment based purely on the size of the event site can result in unnecessary equipment.

The important distinction is between the size of the event site and the size of the audience area. A large property might host a relatively small audience in one section, while a modest park could have an audience spread over a much larger area.

When do you need subwoofers outdoors?

Subwoofers become useful when low-frequency output is an important part of the event.

For speeches, presentations and background music, subwoofers may not be necessary. If you’re running a DJ, dance event, party or live music performance, additional bass can make a substantial difference to the experience.

The 5600w EV Speaker and Subwoofer Package⁠ combines two 15-inch powered speakers with two 18-inch subwoofers for a higher-output system with dedicated low-frequency reinforcement.

The right choice therefore depends on the role of the sound system. An outdoor corporate presentation doesn’t automatically need the same system as an outdoor dance event.

Outdoor events with speeches and presentations

For outdoor speeches, presentations and announcements, speech intelligibility should be the priority.

A pair of powered speakers can provide a practical starting point, with the microphone chosen according to how the presenter will use it.

A fixed presenter can use a wired microphone such as the Shure PGA48⁠. If the MC or presenter needs to move around the event area, the Shure BLX24/SM58 Wireless Hand Held Microphone System⁠ provides greater freedom of movement.

If multiple microphones or other audio sources are required, a mixer may also be useful. The Yamaha MG06 Audio Mixer⁠ provides a compact way to combine microphone and line-level sources in smaller setups.

You can explore the broader range through Microphone Hire Adelaide⁠.

Outdoor weddings

Outdoor weddings can involve several different audio requirements throughout the day.

A ceremony might require music and microphones for the celebrant, vows or readings. The reception may then require a larger system for speeches and music, particularly if there will be dancing.

The 2 X 1000 Watt Speaker Package⁠ can be a practical starting point for a smaller ceremony, while a larger reception may call for the 2 x 1500 Watt 15” Speaker Package⁠.

If the reception is focused heavily on dancing or bass-heavy music, the 5600w EV Speaker and Subwoofer Package⁠ provides a more substantial music-focused setup.

See Hire by Event Type⁠ for more information about planning audio for weddings and other event types.

Outdoor parties

For an outdoor party, the most important question is how important music is to the event.

If you’re primarily playing background music while guests talk, a smaller speaker setup may be appropriate. If music is central to the event and people will be dancing, you’ll generally want more output and potentially dedicated subwoofers.

The 2 x 1500 Watt 15” Speaker Package⁠ provides more output than the smaller speaker package, while the 5600w EV Speaker and Subwoofer Package⁠ is designed for events where higher output and bass are important.

For parties involving speeches or announcements, add the appropriate microphone to the system.

Outdoor corporate events

Corporate events held outdoors can include presentations, product launches, staff functions, awards and networking events.

For speech-focused events, clear vocal reproduction is more important than simply having the loudest system available. A pair of professional powered speakers with an appropriate microphone can be a practical solution for many smaller outdoor presentations.

For larger events, the audience area and distance to the furthest listeners become increasingly important. If the audience is spread across a large area, provide those dimensions when asking for advice.

The Hire by Event Type⁠ page provides more information about equipment for corporate events and conferences.

Speaker placement matters outdoors

Speaker placement can have a significant effect on the result.

For many outdoor events, speakers are positioned at the front of the audience and elevated on speaker stands. Raising the speakers helps get the sound above people close to the front and can improve how evenly the sound reaches the audience.

Speaker Tripods⁠ are available for compatible speakers.

Think about the direction the speakers are facing as well as their height. You want the main audience area to be in front of the speakers rather than having significant portions of the audience sitting behind or beside them.

Do you need more speakers or more powerful speakers?

These are different questions.

If the problem is that the audience extends beyond the useful coverage of the main speakers, adding more speaker positions may be appropriate in some larger event configurations. If the problem is that the system doesn’t have enough output for the required volume, a higher-output system may be more appropriate.

For a straightforward outdoor event, don’t assume that simply adding equipment will automatically improve the result. The system needs to be planned as a complete setup.

If you’re unsure whether you need a larger speaker package or a different configuration, give Audio Hire the event details before booking.

What about cables?

Outdoor venues can have much larger distances between equipment than indoor venues.

Standard IEC power cables and speaker cables are included with speaker hire where required for the speaker setup. If the standard cable lengths aren’t sufficient for your venue layout, longer cables⁠ are available as optional extras.

Before the event, work out where the speakers, mixer and other equipment will be positioned and how far apart they will be. This can help identify any additional cable requirements before the day.

What about power?

Power is an important consideration for outdoor events.

Before booking equipment, establish where the sound system will get its power. Some outdoor venues have suitable mains power available, while other locations may require a different approach.

The equipment itself still needs to be positioned where it can be connected safely and conveniently. Consider the distance between the available power and the sound system when planning the layout.

If you’re unsure about the power arrangements at your venue, raise the question before booking rather than discovering a problem when the event is being set up.

Does the weather matter?

Outdoor equipment needs to be protected from rain and other weather conditions.

Plan where the speakers and other equipment will be positioned and consider what shelter is available. Audio equipment should not be exposed to rain or other conditions that could damage the equipment or create a safety issue.

A weather forecast can change quickly, so outdoor event planning should include a contingency plan if weather conditions become unsuitable.

Do you need a sound technician?

A technician isn’t automatically necessary for every outdoor event.

A simple setup with a pair of speakers and one microphone may be straightforward to operate once everything has been connected and tested. More complex events involving several microphones, a DJ, live performers, multiple audio sources or significant changes throughout the programme may benefit from dedicated technical support.

For larger or more complicated outdoor events, having someone responsible for the audio can also allow the event coordinator to concentrate on the rest of the event.

If you’re considering technical support, see Event Sound Technicians⁠.

What information should you provide when booking?

When asking about an outdoor event, don’t just provide the number of guests.

Tell the hire company where the event is being held, approximately how large the audience area will be, whether the audience will be seated or standing and how far the furthest listeners will be from the speakers.

Also explain what the system will be used for. Is it mainly speeches? Background music? A DJ? Live music? A combination?

Mention the number of microphones, whether anyone needs to move around, whether there are other audio sources and whether power is available at the event location.

These details make it much easier to recommend an appropriate system.

A simple outdoor event planning checklist

Before booking your equipment, establish the size of the actual audience area rather than just the size of the venue. Decide what the sound system needs to do and whether speech or music is the priority.

Work out how many people need microphones and whether they need to move around. Consider whether you need a mixer, subwoofers or other equipment. Check where power is available and where the speakers will be positioned.

Finally, consider weather protection, access to the site and whether someone will be available to operate the system.

Choosing an outdoor sound system

There isn’t one outdoor sound system that works for every event.

A small ceremony, corporate presentation, outdoor party and live music event can all have very different requirements. The most important factors are the audience area, distance to the furthest listeners, type of audio and required output.

For many smaller events, a pair of powered speakers is a sensible starting point. Larger or more demanding events may require a higher-output system, while music-focused events can benefit from subwoofers.

If you’re organising an outdoor event in Adelaide and aren’t sure what you need, tell Audio Hire about the venue, audience area and event format. You don’t need to know the exact equipment before asking for advice.

You can browse Speaker Hire Adelaide⁠, explore Sound System Hire Adelaide⁠, view Microphone Hire Adelaide⁠, or see the outdoor and other event options in Hire by Event Type⁠.

If you already know what you need, you can check availability, choose your equipment and book online⁠.