Tips for Hiring an Audio-Visual System
Whether you’re planning a wedding, party, conference or trade show in Melbourne, a quality AV system is an essential part of the planning. When it comes to audio visual hire, there is a lot to take into account. Making sure you have the appropriate AV equipment is essential to ensure your event goes off without a hitch.
Hiring the right AV system is about more than just fitting the system into your budget. You need a system that’s suited to your venue and your audience size and includes all the necessary functionality to make sure everything goes smoothly.
We have some useful tips to help you hire an AV system perfectly suited to your next event.
- What kind of event are you organising?
The type of event you’re organising will help you determine what sort of equipment you will need for your AV system. Most AV hire companies will have basic hire packages for the more common events like weddings, parties and conferences. These packages will set you up with the essential basics like microphones, speakers, mixers, cabling, lighting and so on.
- What are the music requirements?
The type of music you’re planning will have a huge effect on your AV requirements. If you’re music will be nothing more than an iPhone or laptop plugged into the system, then your requirements will be pretty simple. However, if you’re planning on having live music, a professional DJ or even a karaoke system, then your music setup will be a little more complicated. If you’re having a band or DJ, make sure you know what equipment they’re bringing and what they will need to plug into the system. It’s worth having a detailed list of your music provider’s requirements before you talk to your AV hire company.
- What’s the size of the venue and audience?
The size of the venue and audience will determine the power output needed to run your PA system. For small crowds (up to about 50 people) a lower power rating of about 25 watts will be adequate. If you’re looking at a large crowd (over 150 people), then you’ll need a system rated over 75 watts.
You’ll also need to consider the venue size. If you have a smaller crowd dispersed over a large area, you’ll need a high-powered system. If you’re in an area with a lot of ambient or background noise – outdoors for example–then you will also need a high-powered system.
- Is the event indoor or outdoor?
An outdoor event will require a more flexible AV system than an indoor event. An outdoor system may require a battery powered system; more durable, weather-proof gear; and greater power. If you do require an outdoor system, it’s important to be aware of the area your system needs to cover before speaking to your AV company.
- What special AV accessories will run through the system?
Depending on your event, you may require additional accessories to run through the system. These may include music or media players, cameras or projectors, wireless or headset microphones, karaoke systems, laptops or tablets. Whether you are supplying these yourself or you need to hire them as well, make sure your AV hire company is aware of these requirements so they can make sure they supply a system with the appropriate inputs/outputs and cabling.
- What about display options?
It’s important to make sure your event not only sounds great, but also looks great. So, you need to factor in all the necessary visual components to your hire package. These may include lighting systems, stage and lectern hire, stage draping and backdrops, branding (for professional events), projector hire and more.
- Find a reliable audio visual hire company
A quality AV hire company will be able to build you a custom system specifically tailored to your event requirements. Make sure you find one that will deliver the equipment, set it up and provide someone to operate the system for you.
