Not everyone is technically skilled, that is obvious. However, every organizer should have awareness and basic knowledge of the main aspects of event planning, and that definitely includes sound setup. And since it differs for indoor and outdoor events, let's take a look at how to do both.
Indoor Sound Set up
Understanding Room
Acoustics Reverberation
Large rooms with hard surfaces (such as concrete or glass) can create excessive echo. Consider adding acoustic panels or curtains to soften reflections and improve sound clarity.
Bass Traps
In the corners of a room or near walls, low frequencies can accumulate and cause a boomy sound. Installing bass traps in the corners will help control this problem.
Speaker Placement
Even Coverage
Indoors, it's important to distribute sound evenly. Instead of one or two large speakers in the front, use several smaller speakers placed around the room to avoid "dead spots" or overly loud zones.
Avoid Walls and Corners
Placing speakers too close to walls can cause unwanted reflections. Angle the speakers slightly toward the audience and away from reflective surfaces.
Delayed Speakers for Large Venues
If the room is long, consider using delayed speakers at the back of the space to ensure even coverage. These speakers should be delayed so that the sound from the stage and speakers arrives at the listeners at the same time.
Equalizer (EQ): Fine-Tuning for Clarity
Use the equalizer to fine-tune the sound, reduce excess low frequencies and highlight mid to high frequencies for better clarity.
Watch out for low frequencies, as too much bass can cause a “muddy” sound in smaller or enclosed spaces.
Controlling Feedback
In smaller indoor spaces, microphones can easily cause feedback. Use directional microphones and pay attention to monitor placement to avoid feedback loops.
Use feedback suppressors to automatically detect and reduce feedback.
Soundproofing
Consider soundproofing in areas where sound leakage could be a problem (e.g. into adjacent rooms or buildings). Thick curtains, carpets and foam panels can reduce sound leakage from the room.
Outdoor Sound Set up
Compensation for Open Spaces
Outdoor spaces usually have no reflective surfaces, which means that sound dissipates quickly. You'll need a more powerful sound system to compensate for the lack of reflection.
Line array systems are popular at outdoor events because they can project sound over longer distances and provide even coverage over large areas.
Speaker placement
For outdoor events, the audience is often spread over a wide area. Place the main speakers on elevated platforms so that the sound clearly reaches the furthest reaches of the audience.
Consider using delayed speaker towers for large outdoor venues to maintain consistent sound throughout the space. These speakers need to be delayed so that the sound from them arrives at the same time as the sound from the main speakers.
Wind Influence
Wind can significantly affect sound outdoors, especially high frequencies. Place speakers strategically so that the wind does not blow the sound away from the audience.
Use protective microphone covers to reduce wind noise, especially during live performances.
Bass Control
Outdoors, bass can easily be lost because it doesn't bounce off surfaces like indoors. You may need multiple subwoofers to achieve deep and powerful bass.
Consider using cardioid subwoofer arrays, which focus the bass towards the audience and limit sound distribution in unwanted directions, such as nearby residential areas.
Subwoofer for optimal bass sound Settings for Noise Pollution
Outdoor events are exposed to external noise (traffic, nearby events, etc.). To deal with this, provide a sufficiently powerful sound system to drown out ambient noise.
At the same time, be aware of local noise regulations. Use a limiter to ensure that the volume level does not exceed the permitted limits, especially in residential areas.
In residential buildings, sound is limited to 35 dB indoors after 22:00. In outdoor areas it is again limited to 25 dB, measured at the windows of residential buildings where the sound is coming from outside.
(But check your local regulations to be sure.)
Sound Zones
Outdoor events often have multiple zones (stage, bar, relaxation zones). Use different speaker setups with independent control for each zone to avoid drowning out quieter areas while ensuring the stage has an energetic sound.
Weather Protection
Always choose waterproof speakers and ensure that all audio equipment, including amplifiers and mixing consoles, are well protected from rain or moisture.
Use tarpaulins and covers, but ensure they do not block ventilation, which is important to prevent equipment overheating.
Power Supply
Ensure sufficient power supply and backup power (e.g. generators). Outdoor events often require more power due to larger and more complex setups.
Use power conditioners to regulate voltage and protect your equipment from fluctuations, especially when using generators.
Ambient Sound Delays
Open environments can cause sound to interact with surrounding elements (e.g. mountains, buildings). Set up your system to minimize echoes and be aware of how natural elements affect sound.
General Tips for Indoor and Outdoor Setup
Test the System Ahead of Time
Always perform a thorough sound test well in advance, both in a quiet environment and in a crowded space. This will help you understand how the sound behaves in the environment and make the necessary adjustments.
Sound Engineer
For indoor and outdoor events, it is recommended to have a professional sound engineer on site. He can adjust EQ, volume levels and troubleshoot any problems during the event.
Monitor Volume
Use decibel meters to monitor volume levels and make sure they are appropriate for the space and comply with local noise regulations.
Hopefully, these tips have given you some insight into setting up sound systems and you'll be wiser next time. If you have any favorite products, be sure to share them with us.
Also check out our whole blog page, what are the best online tools for workshop organizers, or how you can start your event presale with us in 5 minutes.