About these Sound & Lighting

There are many uses for a public address system. Whether it's a new wedding band without all their own gear, or someone who's simply in need of amplification for the speeches at a wedding, a PA system is a crucial piece of equipment that often underpins a whole event.

Without a PA system, everything could easily go wrong and considering this, it’s useful to know what equipment to hire, how loud the system needs to be and how best to assemble it achieving a good sound quality. Not only is this useful for those organising their own event but also for up and coming bands and musicians who are keen to learn more about the equipment they use.

"Electric-Bear provided an excellent service, including set up and take-down and each of the events they came to. They were courteous and friendly to attendees and always responsive to the artists needs and feedback. Great guys, and we’ll definitely be using their services again!"

Client's review of Professional PA/Sound Hire by EBP

When hiring a PA system:

When hiring a PA it can be difficult to assess the size that is needed, as each system has a different wattage, accounting for its volume potential. The amount of power needed for an event depends on what the PA will be used for. A rough guide can be that speeches will need around 1 watt per audience member, whilst a 4-piece rock band will need a minimum of 3 watts per audience member. Take advice from the company you are using.

Below is a suggested list of the equipment needed for a 4 piece band:

Equipment List:

• Two loudspeakers (preferably with tweeters and woofers) and speaker stands, active speakers will generally be easier as they don't require a separate power amp

• Two or more active monitor wedges

• Vocal microphones (Shure SM58's are the industry standard) try to include a spare, and stands

• Guitar microphones (Shure SM57's are the industry standard) try to include a spare, and stands

• Enough mic cables (Usually XLR leads for active speakers or Speakon for passive) including spares

• A DI box, or way of linking the Bass amp to the PA system.

• Guitar leads (make sure they’re long!)

• Enough speaker leads (usually XLR) plus spares

• Powered mixer or separate mixer and power amplifier (about 300 watts)

• Plenty of power extension leads, and IEC/Kettle leads for each electrical appliance.

Setting up a microphone and an active PA (for speeches)

1) To begin with, set the two loud speakers onto the speaker stands either side of the stage and plug them in, but DO NOT turn them on. Place the microphones behind the speakers (not in-front, as this will cause feedback when active)

2) The mixing desk will usually need it’s own source of power - most are active, and will require plugging in. DO NOT turn it on yet.

3) The speakers now need to be linked to the mixing desk. There are two cables, usually XLR (microphone cables) for active speakers. This depends on the set up of the PA and how far away the speakers are from the desk. Both speakers need to be connected into the left & right output on the mixer. It’s best to tape all leads down with gaffer tape so there are no accidents and no equipment is broken.

4) Plug the microphones into the mixer’s input channels, using an XLR cable. The female end (the smaller one) goes into the microphone, whilst the larger end is plugged into the mixer.

5) It is important to turn the mixer on before the speakers, otherwise the speakers will "pop". Set the initial volume level on the speakers reasonably low (just under half). this can be adjusted again later and helps prevent feedback.

6) Press the PFL button on the channel you are using and speak into the microphone, while slowly easing up the Gain at the top of the channel. No sound should come out yet, but the indicator on the desk should show up green, into yellow. Set this to a reasonable level, but make sure it is not entering the red. Press the PFL button again when done.

7) Ease up the main faders to 0 or normal on the desk, then ease up the fader on the channel you are using. There should now be power coming through the PA system and microphones should be working. If not, ensure that microphones are turned on and that relevant faders are up. You can use the mute button to turn the relevant channel off or on.

8) You can now co-ordinate between the volume levels on the speakers and the relevant faders to achieve the right volume.

REMEMBER: a PA system can be dangerous in untrained hands and so take extreme care. Wherever possible, get a demonstration on how to use the system, as mixing desks will differ. If you're unsure of anything at all, ask for advice for a professional.

Prices for Sound & Lighting:

Prices for PA systems will vary depending on what you need and for how long. Typically "dry hire" (that is, operating the system yourself) of a small PA system will cost between £100 to £150 per day, usually plus VAT. Use the "advanced search" feature to find PA hire companies near you.

The PA systems for hire featured on this page are all listed in the LastMinuteMusicians.com UK entertainment directory. Use the refine section at the top of this page to find PA Systems close to you. Simply choose a county or enter a post code into the "available in" box to refine the listings to your local area. Click the "visit listing" button to see the full profiles of the individual Sound & Lighting. With over 3300 active listings you are sure to find the perfect entertainer, musician, band or entertainment service to make your event just perfect. Don`t forget you can use our online chat (below) to get instant help with your booking.