Hire our PA systems & speakers

Choosing PA speakers and a mixing desk

Two halves of a working PA

Something has to make the sound and something has to control it. An active speaker has its amplifier built in, so it needs only mains power and a signal; the desk is where each microphone, instrument and playlist gets its own channel, its own level and its own tone. One wired microphone into one speaker technically works. Two microphones, a laptop and a guitarist is when the desk earns its place.

How many speakers and channels

• Two speakers on stands cover speech for 80 to 150 seated guests; a single speaker suits a small room or a corner.
• Add a subwoofer for anything with a beat rather than turning the top boxes up — the bass comes from the sub.
• Channel count: count every microphone, instrument and playback source, then add two spare.
• Four-piece bands usually want twelve to sixteen channels and a monitor or two.

What to look for

• Digital desks such as the SQ-5 and X32 recall a whole set-up by name and can be driven from a tablet in the room; analogue desks are quicker for a volunteer to learn.
• Stands and poles are separate items — check they are on the order and rated for the speaker.
• Coverage beats volume: two well-placed boxes sound better at the back of the room than four crowded together.

Common questions

Can I plug a microphone straight into a speaker?

Yes, for one wired microphone into an active speaker with a microphone input. As soon as you add a second microphone, a laptop or a player you need a desk to blend them, otherwise everything sits at one fixed level.

Will two speakers be loud enough for my venue?

For speech and background music in a room of up to about 150 seated guests, yes. Tell us the room and the guest count and we will say whether a subwoofer is worth adding before you find out on the night.

Do I need an engineer to run it?

Not necessarily. We can set the system up, sound check it and show you the two or three controls you will use. For a live band, an engineer is normally worth adding.