As a provider of sound equipment rental in Orange County, CA, we often get questions from customers who aren’t sure where to start when it comes to choosing a sound system for their live event. We understand—there is a wide range of audio systems out there, and a seemingly endless array of add-ons and gadgets to go with them.
Fortunately, you don’t need to be trained as a sound engineer to pick the right sound system—we promise! In fact, most live sound systems boil down to two different options: conventional speakers and line array speakers.
Planning to take advantage of some audio system rentals in Orange County, CA soon? Read on to learn about those two types of live speaker systems, and about the other things you will want to consider.
Conventional speakers
Also known as “point source boxes,” conventional speakers are just what their name implies: basic, functional speakers used for a broad range of purposes. In fact, you have probably seen these speakers your whole life and didn’t even realize it. They’re the simple box speakers that can be used in high school choir performances, coffee shop open mic nights, simple weddings and funerals, community plays and an endless list of other functions where you need a reliable, effective speaker system that isn’t too complicated.
Conventional speakers are a better choice than line array speakers when you need volume control in a relatively small space, or plan to put them on a low-volume setting. They are versatile and relatively easy to use. Ask your source for sound equipment rental in Orange County, CA which conventional speaker system they recommend for your upcoming live event.
Line array speakers
Line array speakers use the same basic technology as conventional speakers, but they are also markedly different. Line array speakers first hit the market in the mid-1990s, and they use an audio concept called “constructive interference” to project sound much farther than a conventional speaker is able to.
A line array speaker is usually hung from the ceiling of a venue. They are ideal for big, crowded concerts and other events that involve large spaces and loud crowds, as they are generally much louder than conventional speakers.
However, using line array speakers at outdoor events can be a bit tricky, as you might not be able to find a suitable place to hang them.
Ask the experts
We have gone over the two basic types of speaker audio system rentals in Orange County, CA, but we have hardly covered everything there is to consider when renting a speaker system. The type of event you are hosting, how big your venue is, what the acoustics are like inside that venue, how many people will be at the event and so many other factors will impact the ultimate decision of what type of speaker system you ought to rent.
If you have questions, or plan to rent a speaker system soon for your own live event, then please get in touch with Larson Lighting & Audio today. We look forward to helping you pick the right speaker system for your event!