Sound System Hire Guide — What Are PA systems?

What Are PA Systems?
PA stands for Public Address, and a PA system is essentially just a microphone, amplifier and loudspeaker. However, when putting these three components together, it is important to make sure that they will all work well together, which is why sound system hire is such a good idea. Rather than trying to piece together the individual components yourself you can hire them as a complete package.

Different applications will require different systems, so let's look at some options.

Size Matters
A small venue such as a village hall will require a less powerful system than a large venue such as a theatre. Too powerful a system in a small room results in a distorted sound and a deafened audience. Too small a system in a large venue and the sound will be weak and won't fill the room.

Systems less powerful than 30W are usually classed as mini-PAs. 30W to 50W is a small PA, 50W to 150W is a medium system and those over 150W are generally called large PAs.

It isn't just the floor space that matters when choosing a system. It is the volume of the room. Therefore high-ceilinged venues generally need more powerful systems than low-ceilinged ones.

Indoors or Outdoors
Indoor venues will experience sound reflection, where sound bounces off walls, furniture and people and fills the room with a full sound. Outdoors, the sound is lost to the wind, so more power is needed.

Acoustics
Some venues, such as theatres, for example, are home to lots of soft materials such as seats and curtains. This has the effect of absorbing sound. More power is needed, but the result is a soft and warm sound. Relatively empty venues such as many municipal buildings tend to be very reflective, so some technical know-how is needed in order to use a system that won't result in a harsh, ringing sound — another reason to consider sound system hire.

What Are You Amplifying? And To Whom?
A PA for speeches doesn't need to be as powerful as one for amplifying recorded or live music. Again, your sound system hire expert will be able to advise you here.

A large audience will be very sound-absorbent, so more power will be needed. Generally, 1W per audience member is a good rule of thumb.

If you are considering sound system hire, then why not give us a call or drop us an email to discuss your needs?