Sound Hire
When you spend money on equipment hire, you want the best service possible, and at Sound Hire we understand that. With our experience and range of products, we can guarantee the service we provide is what you’ve been looking for.
Whether it is a birthday party, wedding, or local conference, we are here to offer expert advice and professional delivery. We aim to let you relax and enjoy the experience, instead of worrying about the sound.
If you have already planned an event and are making it a reality, or would like an opinion on what is required, we are here to help.
Essential Stage and Lighting Equipment for Concerts
Stage and lighting equipment play a huge role in any live concert to be successful. Putting together a concert production takes planning and lots of time to prepare. What you need will depend a lot on the size of the stage, your budget, and your experience. One thing is for certain, without stage and lighting production and effects there would be no concert. That is why it is essential for your concert and show to have the correct and appropriate equipment from a reputable stage and lighting shop. Having a killer light show and staging can add energy, emotion, and excitement to a performance. Let’s look at some of the equipment you would need to run a successful concert.
LED Lights
LED lights can create several colours with just the push of a button. They are commonly used in newer lighting rigs but also older theaters and venues as well. They can be expensive to buy or rent however they produce very little heat and use little power.
PAR lighting
PAR stands for Parabolic Aluminized Reflector. These are lights that can be mounted on a stand on both sides left and right or even the front of the stage. The stage will be lite up with no hassle. These lights are powered completely by internal chargeable batteries so there is no need to plug or have cables across the stage.
Floodlights
Floodlights are ideal for illuminating the musicians and singers playing at the concert or you could use them as backstage lighting. They can be stored away easily in a carrier case.
Stage platforms
Depending on the size of your event or concert, there are different stage platforms available to suit your needs. They are flexible in size and height depending on what you need.
Microphone
A microphone is necessary and is needed to capture sounds and send them electronically to a controlled solution such as a preamplifier. There are many types of microphones on the market to buy or rent. It is recommended for live concerts that you choose a dynamic microphone. Microphones come available with wires or wireless. A wireless microphone would be best if you are going to be moving a lot on stage and during your performance.
Speakers
Speakers will provide amazing sound quality for the audience who is listening. Speakers are compact, reliable, and easier to get a concert sounding great and professional. Match your speaker to your amplifier for easier set up and better sound quality.
Stairs for staging
Steps and stair kits provide a stable and safe way of accessing the stage for those involved in the concert. Some can be adjustable, and some are better quality than others. It is recommended that you choose the best quality steps.
Cables
High quality cables are required for plugging in your speakers, amplifiers, DJ decks, floodlights, microphones, and much more. All cables are available in different sizes and there are also power boards available if you need extra plug room.
Barriers
Stage barriers are developed as a way of controlling the crowd at various types of events including concerts to any outdoor event. The barrier offers a combination of optimum comfort and safety for the audience and for the security working at the concert or event to enable security and rescue personnel. There are different sizes available depending on the size of your event.
Pedestrian Barriers
Pedestrian barriers are provided in ways of controlling a crowd of people walking into a large-scale concert or festival.
Speaker Stands
Speaker stands are available for holding your speakers on top of the stand. They are reliable and sturdy. The speaker stands are easy to set up and assemble which is ideal for setting up a concert or event on time.
Amplifiers
Amplifiers can be sometimes overlooked in a lot of cases. It is strongly recommended when selecting an amplifier, you choose one with a strong output and one that is power efficient. It is important for your speaker to be flexible as well as strong. In order to maximise the effective output of any speaker enclosure, you need to signal process the speaker. Digital signal processors integrated with the amplifier is the most efficient way of handling both of these tasks.
Pyrotechnics
Pyrotechnics is a craft and science of using self-contained and self-sustained exothermic chemical reactions to make gas, light, smoke, sound, or heat. Pyrotechnics can include anything from explosive bolts, fireworks, gas pressure, oxygen candles, airbags, and much more. Commercial fireworks also known as display pyrotechnics intended for outdoor use only. The audience would generally be further away, and fallout and smoke would be less concerning. It would take a significant number of hours to set up a fireworks display. Fireworks can vary in size and range. It is important that fireworks are set up away from an audience.
What Sound Equipment Do I Need?
The equipment you need is entirely dependent on the event you are putting on – there is no one size fits all approach when it comes to events. You will need to take some time to research the requirements before hiring as the wrong combination could be disastrous.
If you are struggling to find answers, then you can call a sound hire company and they will be able to advise you. Otherwise, you can refer to this list on what in generally necessary:
Bands
If you are either a performing band or looking to hire one, then you will need a system that relates to the size of the venue. One with less than 150 capacity will only need one PA however that is usually not the case.
We recommend including a microphone, full-range spears, an amp, and a mixer. If the venue is much larger then you will need the band to be amplified along with the singer. You can hire instrument microphones and a graphic equalizer along with the rest of the equipment.
Weddings
This is a multi-faceted event that usually requires a PA system for announcements, speeches, and the after-party. Most weddings want to play their own music and might not even hire a DJ.
For this event, we recommend hiring a vocal PA system with a microphone, amp, and mixer. However, if you are serious about the music, adding a bass speaker will make the disco for more enjoyable and avoid the dreaded tinny sound.
Parties/DJs
Depending on the occasions and the person in control of the music – it might be coming from a phone, laptop, DJ controller or even a CD. Luckily with a cable, these can all be connected to a PA system, so your only focus should be on the lead.
Dance music will require additional bass speakers and you might need to adjust the speaker power depending on the venue. A large space will need something over 2000w and it is important to double-check these details before booking.
Corporate Events/Conferences
This depends on the size of the event and how many people will be in attendance. It also depends on the preference of the speaker – will they want to stand at a lectern, walk around, or stay sitting at a table?
You can choose between mobile, free-standing microphones or ones that are fixed to the tabletops. Either microphone are suitable, but it will stop trip hazards like unnecessary cables in the way.
Why Hire A Sound System?
Getting the sound correct for an event can be a difficult task – you need the sound to be right and the equipment is expensive. Even if you have the necessary means, getting the sound loud and clear, can still be a struggle for someone who is not experienced.
That is why it is recommended to hire your sound systems for a specific event and that way it can be tailor towards your event’s needs. The set up for a music concert is going to be different from a public speaking event and when you hire a professional you hire their knowledge.
While the company will be able to help you make the decision, there are some simple guidelines you should follow to get the best out of your hire. It all depends on how many people will be in attendance.
Approx. 50
If you are planning a small event with presentations or background music, then you won’t need much to get a good sound. One power speaker will work fine however you can add more if the venue is large and the sound is required to travel.
This set up is classically used when you are using an iPod for music or making speeches and is the cheapest option. It is far better than trying to use a personal speaker and will make a huge difference.
Approx. 50 – 150
Events at this size are usually music-related and require a larger sound system so that everyone gets to enjoy the party. You will want top horn speakers, a sub, speaker poles, cables, and stands plus some additional interchangeable extras.
The beauty of hiring the equipment means you can tailor it to your event – if it is a band performing then you can add mikes and if it is a DJ then you can get a switchboard. It saves you from having to know all the equipment required and possibly forgetting something.
Approx. 150 – 500
An event of this size requires powerful equipment to keep the sound quality intact. You are looking at doubling what you need at the previous size and adding things such as amplifiers.
This will ensure that the band is louder than everyone singing along, and you will be able to hear it from outside. Occasionally you will be conducting a public speaking event of this size and the levels can be adjusted accordingly.
Approx. 500 +
An event with this many people is usually an outdoor gig or a large, wide venue that needs to be specifically catered to. A line array works perfectly for outdoor events and works better than a conventional set-up.
It’s great for an outdoor cultural event or a live band and it can be adjusted to the size of the audience. It is a great pick as it gives a wide even sound that allows everyone to enjoy the event.
Quality You Can Hear
We are dedicated to making your event a reality and would love to hear from you. If you are looking for a quote, advise, or to find out what we can do for you, please get in touch.
Our team are on hand to answer any questions and can be contacted via phone or email.