The Best Sound Systems For Outdoor Events

While outdoor events can be tricky to plan, particularly in the UK when the weather can be challenging, there’s nothing better than spending time outdoors listening to great music or attending a community festival. However, one important consideration you’ll have to make when arranging an outdoor event is how to get the best sound, for your chosen site and audience. After all, the sound you create makes all the difference to your attendees. Imagine attending a concert where you can’t hear the music or a corporate product launch where every other word is missed due to a lack of clarity. However, not all sound systems will suit all events so opting for the most high tech expensive system may not be necessary.  With this in mind, we’ve put together a guide to choosing the best sound system for your outdoor event.

What Options Do I Have?

There are many options out there for you to choose from, including portable, column or complete PA systems. If you’re unsure as to which system would suit you best, it is wise to contact a company that is experienced in providing sound services to such events. They will likely give you options such as:

• A portable PA system- This is effectively a solution that you can move around quite easily. With built-in mixers, battery power capabilities and wireless features, they are ideal for smaller gatherings, or events where the PA system needs to be moved quickly around an area. Some examples of quality systems include the Bose S1 Pro+ and the JBL EON ONE Compact.
• A column PA system- This is a streamlined system that uses an innovative design in order to project sound further than you might expect it to. If you need clarity, for example when making speeches at corporate events or for large weddings, this is a good choice for you. It will ensure that everyone will be able to hear what is said clearly, even over a distance. Some good options here include the Bose L1 Pro 8, or the LD systems MAUI 5 GO.
• A complete PA system- These are systems that have separate amplifiers, speakers and mixers to give you maximum flexibility. They are ideal for concerts or larger festivals. There are many strong contenders in this category that will help you give clearer sound to a large crowd, such as the QSC CP12 and the SubZero SZPA-815.

How To Choose The Best Sound System For Your Event

There are various important considerations to make when choosing outdoor event sound systems. These include:

• The size and acoustics of the venue- This is a vital consideration. After all, a small community fete will not need the same level of power as a large music festival.
• The power source – it is important to consider what type of power outlet you will be able to access to ensure your system works with it. For example, for larger systems you will likely need a generator at the least, while if portability is a requirement, you may need to consider having backup batteries.
• Your budget- Typically, you will have a budget in mind when choosing a sound system for your outdoor event. It may be worth speaking to a services hire company that can help you determine the best system and set-up for your budget. They may also be able to provide technical help on the day.

Don’t Forget The Extras

Of course, along with the sound system you choose for your outdoor event, you will need accessories such as cables, microphones and speaker sounds. Make sure to put these into your budget, and you should be able to provide the level of sound you need without any extra headaches