Great events aren’t just seen clearly; they’re heard loud and clear as well.
Just think about an outdoor event on a sunny day in the heart of London. The vibe is amazing, but the sound? It’s either too loud, too soft, or worse, crackling with noise. Obviously, disasters happen, right?
Whatever the event, a corporate conference, charity fundraiser, concert, or summer festival, what really brings everything alive is “crystal clear sound.” It needs to be just perfect. Poor audio can kill even the most visually spectacular event.
But don’t worry; this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to achieve a seamless outdoor sound setup for your next event in London.
Tip 1: Know your event needs
Before lining your speakers, ask yourself:
- How many people are coming?
- What’s the purpose of your event: music, speeches, or both?
- Is the venue small, open, or huge?
For example, the sound system needed in a concert can be quite different from that needed for a speech. A concert requires a powerful sound system, while speech may require a clear, focused audio speaker.
Tip 2: Pick the perfect speakers
Before you start, take a good look at your venue. Is it a small, intimate garden or an entire city park? The size of your space determines what type of speakers you will need.
- A compact model like an RCF-12 speaker is preferred for smaller parties like backyard parties. They deliver quality and clear sound without crushing your guests.
- An extensive coverage event would call for the use of powerful equipment like the RCF Line Array PA system, especially for outdoor concerts and festivals.
| 📝 Important Note: The UK weather is highly unpredictable. Use weather-resistant speakers so the rain or wind won’t ruin your sound system. |
Tip 3: Position your speaker like a pro
Where you place your speakers matters. Placing them about 1.5 meters off the ground improves the clarity of a speaker.
- Use stands or towers to take the sound up above the crowd.
- Don’t pile them all in one spot. Position your speakers evenly for balanced sound across the venue.
- Keep speakers away from walls, trees, or anything that could block sound waves.
| 🎯 Quick Note: Test the placement by walking around the venue to see if sound reaches everywhere. |
Tip 4: Setup seamlessly with power and cables
Crackles, interruptions, and poor-quality cables can ruin your whole sound system. Invest in durable, high-quality cables to never encounter a crackle or even interrupt the sound. Double-check all connections before anything happens at the event.
Outdoor venues often lack easy access to power:
- Bring reliable generators or use any nearby power outlets
- Reduce the cable mess to avoid failing or tangling them
- Never go out without spare cables and adapters, just in case
Mix it up
In case If you are using multiple microphones or instruments, a mixer is your best friend. It allows you to balance sound levels so that speeches, music, and announcements flow smoothly. For dynamic settings, a mixer, in conjunction with speakers such as the Loud Series Active Line, makes your audio perfect for the occasion.
Tip 5: Be Weather Ready
Ah, yes, unpredictable London weather. How can we forget it? Be prepared to have rain, wind, or bright sunshine.
- Use weatherproof covers for your speakers and gear
- Fasten speakers securely to resist sturdy winds.
- Pop-up tents can rescue the day when there are sudden downpours.
Tip 6: Sound Check = Success
Don’t miss the sound check. Walk around the venue and try to find dead spots where the music is weak. Then, adjust the position and direction of your speaker until every spot is covered.
Keep an ear on the sound level during the event. Too loud? Your guests can be crushing. Too quiet? They might miss any important announcements. Slight adjustments along the way keep the event perfectly balanced.
Soundcheck is not optional; it’s a necessity.
- Test volume levels for music, mics, and other equipment.
- Go and check the sound level in each corner of the venue spot.
- Adjust the sound perfectly to avoid that awful, dreaded feedback squeal.
Tip 7: Hire the audio-visual pros
Outdoor events can be quite tricky, but you don’t have to do it alone. Professional AV services ensure that your sound systems are set up just right. We at AV Productions provide:
- Speaker hire services using high-quality equipment
- Expert technicians to handle the installation and troubleshooting
- On site support to ensure a hassle-free experience.
Tip 8: Add extra fun with lighting
Go wireless. It is a great advantage for speakers and performers, as they can move around freely without being tied to cords. The Funktion-One JBL PRX812 is excellent for high-energy performances, lively speeches, interactive moments, and energetic performances.
Amp it up with lighting
Why stop at the sound? Combine your audio with lights of different colours. Lighting goes beyond mood. It not only sets the mood but also creates a visual spectacle that captivates your guests.
Tip 9: Pack up with care
When the event is over, avoid hasty cleanup.
- Switch off all appliances before unplugging.
- Check for any damages.
- Pack cables neatly to keep them tangle-free for next time.
Winding up
Setting an outdoor speaker system is not as tricky as it seems. With the right speaker setup, your outdoor event will leave everyone talking (in a good way).
At AV Productions, we have made it even more easier. With speaker hire to complete audio-visual solutions, we take care of everything. Let us sort the tech while you get on with the fun.
Reach out to us, and let’s make some noise to make your event the talk of the town.
