Sound Systems for Live Events
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.
We use best-in-class audio equipment available from top-tier brands such as:
- Sennheiser
- Meyer Sound
- RCF
- JBL
- QSC
- Allen & Heath
- Shure
- Yamaha Professional Audio
Microphones & PA Systems
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.
Speakers & Amplifiers
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 & Audio Recording
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.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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.