The unsung heroes of many live events are the sound engineers and sound designers who work tirelessly to ensure that the sounds you are hearing are balanced, clear, and beautiful.
Whether it's a live band or a conference session with different speakers, sound production can make the difference between a highly enjoyable event and a monotonous-sounding performance.
Pretty much any live performance experience starts with a microphone: even conferences and events that don't include music. Presenters often need to have their voices reach clearly to the far corners of various rooms, and good sound designers know how to tie microphones into an electronic PA system that includes amplifiers, speakers, and other related equipment.
Not only does a microphone increase the volume of someone's voice, but it also can pick up sounds from musical instruments and other acoustic sounds or recorded sounds during a session.
You may think it's pretty easy to set up a PA system for an event, but there are different kinds of microphones to consider for different session types, and how they get placed in a space can make a world of difference when it comes to what your audience hears.
Talented sound designers not only understand the electronic components of the equipment used, but they also know how to make the most out of the sounds created on stage and balance them for the best listening experience.
Amplifiers and speakers are critical components to any live event or session, and amplifiers play a crucial role in taking small sounds and enlarging them, so they blend appropriately with the louder sounds the audience hears.
Sound engineers and musicians can add effects in addition to the sounds that make their way through the amplifiers, and this can include things like echoes or distortion to make musical instruments sound rougher.
Some instruments plug directly into an amplifier, such as an electric guitar, while other setups require a microphone to pick up the sound first, as is the case with non-electric instruments such as acoustic guitars.
Speakers are the endpoint for the sound that travels through an amplifier, and this release point typically gets oriented towards the audience. Special types of speakers, called monitors, direct sound towards the musical group or people on stage in certain situations so they can hear themselves as they sound after amplification.
Monitors also allow the musicians and the sound engineer on-site to monitor the overall audio quality of the session, and all of this equipment gets connected through thick cables that come in various lengths.
Sound mixers are large panels of controls that you've probably seen prominently displayed at recording studios. Sometimes these devices get called mixing boards or just mixers, and they allow the sound engineer to blend different sounds from a performance into one cohesive and balanced final product.
All the sounds from the instruments on stage get controlled by the sound mixer. This component typically gets set up away from the stage so that the sound engineer can better hear what the audience is hearing.
Mixing boards come in all sizes and capacities, with each channel able to accommodate one voice or instrument. From there, creating quality audio recordings is more accessible, but there are still some challenges to overcome, which is why having a talented sound engineer on hand is vital. These individuals can assess the noises of the crowd and set up on the stage to strategically place equipment for optimal recording.
Good sound engineers also know how to use the electronic equipment in place to make judgments about mixing and balancing and help set realistic expectations about the final recording quality.
Your typical conference session will require a combination of equipment for each space. Essential equipment like a microphone and speakers is a start, but if you have any type of music as part of the session, you'll likely need amplifiers, sound mixers, and a sound engineer.
AMP Event Group’s sound designers can help put together a layout of what sound production elements we think you'll need at your event. We'll talk you through various components such as music or lighting to ensure each session has precisely what it needs to run seamlessly.
The cost of the equipment you'll need will vary based on your event's size and the number of stages or individualized setups required. AMP Event Group offers a range of equipment, so we can match your event with the type of components that make the most sense for your concert and your budget.
Whether you're planning a large music festival, concert in the park, live performance in an auditorium, or intimate VIP-only jam session, we can ensure the proper sound production equipment gets used. We'll do our best to ensure your event engages your audience through state-of-the-art lighting, video, and sound design.
Our sound designers will go over the venue with you so that every space, whether indoors or out, has all the equipment and staff on hand to run smoothly. Often, conferences and live events have various activities, presenters, and artists, so our sound designers will look at the stage, the physical setup you need for the event, and other relevant factors to ensure quality sound.
At AMP Event Group, we don't want your live event to just go off without a hitch; we want it to be dynamic and energizing for all attendees. To achieve this, we offer 3D renderings, CAD drawings, technical direction, and other scenic design resources not offered by our competitors, so you know exactly what to expect.
If you're searching for "sound production companies near me," look no further than AMP Event Group and its highly skilled team, offering 200+ years of combined experience in event sound production. As a company, we've produced the audio for over 3,000 live events of all shapes and sizes in an ever-changing landscape of venues in and around Philadelphia and beyond, so we know what factors matter most when it comes to quality sound production.
“Of the many national/international conferences we have been responsible for over the years, we have never worked with either a hotel AV services or an outside company that offered the same level of excellence which we experienced with AMP Events. They were able to anticipate issues with six breakout sessions running simultaneously over two and a half days. I would highly recommend AMP Events to anyone in need of these services.”
Assistant Dean and Director, Continuing Education in Nursing and Health Care — Villanova University“Working with AMP Events was heaven-sent. They consulted us every step of the way assist us from design to alternative cost saving options for AV requirements to stay within budget.”
Marketing Manager, Event Logistics — Software AG“AMP Events produced a professional looking stage design that they were able to travel with and adjust to fit all six conference destinations. It was a positive experience with smooth transition and open communication with the AMP Events team to make adjustments in our requirements, as well as working with the onsite staff who were professional, knowledgeable and flexible in successfully executing each program as needed.”
Program Director — HelmsBriscoe“It was truly a pleasure working with the AMP Events on the 2016 ENRS Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team’s professionalism and ability to problem solve made our experience worry free. We look forward to working with them again.”
Executive Director — Eastern Nursing Research Society“As a returning customer for 10 years, I only have the highest of praise for AMP Events and its entire staff for providing an outstanding service! I appreciate the professionalism, technical expertise and quality included with their services for my meetings and events. I am also thankful they always develop a proposal that fits my budget, without affecting the quality of service. I highly recommend AMP Events to anyone!”
Owner AGEM Events (retired) — Boeing“We use AMP Events for our bi-annual town halls and they are fantastic! Richard and his team are flexible, responsive and generally super easy to work with. Plus their prices are well below the competition while delivering an outstanding product. Their onsite AV staff are friendly and helpful too! We absolutely recommend AMP for all audio/visual needs!”
Project Manager — CHS“AMP Events has been the greatest help for all our events for more than 4 years now. What we like the most is that they are always helpful and cooperative, trying to make sure all our needs are met. They are always on site early to set up and check everything. They are fun and pleasure to work with, open to any of our crazy ideas. The tech level of the company is really very high, up to date.”
Event Manager — AIPAC“We’re so appreciative of AMP Event’s excellent performance on the set up of our open house for our new plant opening. I would like to thank their team for their exceptional work and flexibility before and after the event. It was a pleasure working with them on the planning and execution. I'm happy to recommend the services of AMP Events.”
Event Manager — NOSCO“I just wanted to say a word of Thanks for the gentlemen who did the sound at our graduation at Roxborough High School on Monday. Steve and his assistant were truly excellent as always. They are both very observant and pay close attention to levels, and program details. They were perfect! I appreciate the extra time it took to set up and break down the system in the bitter heat as well. They are a true professionals and a pleasure to work with. Thank you Again!”
Music Director — Roxborough High School“The President’s Reception is a meaningful event and AMP Events has helped us produce an incredible occasion to give thanks. Their professionalism while drafting up a quote through set up and tear down of the equipment is unparalleled. Thank you for helping us say thank you to our community.”
Gift of Life Family House“I have used AMP Event’s services for several annual conferences and have been very impressed by the following: AMP Events is an organization of very high character, which trickles down through their work ethic, their treatment of speakers and attendees, and the quality of employees they keep on their staff. Their equipment is excellent. Their technical knowledge is high. Last but not least, they are reasonably priced and willing to work with the conference planners to minimize expenditures.”
Conference Coordinator — Midwives Alliance of North America“We highly recommend AMP Events for their technical expertise, creative technical ability, efficient management of presentations and for their outstanding “people” skills. Our two and one half day conference including two evening sessions ran in a seamless and efficient manner without even a small glitch. The AMP staff were expert in dealing with speakers, attendees and staff.”
Executive Director — Paget FoundationTrust AMP Event Group to provide the equipment, services, and know-how to make your event a success.
AMP Event Group
5201 Bella Vista Road
Drexel Hill, PA 19026
(855)292-2100
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