Speaker Hire

The Complete Guide To Speaker Hire: What Each Speaker Is Used For And Which Setup You Need For Your Event

Choosing the right speakers for your event comes down to three things, the model, the size of the audience and the type of venue. This guide explains every speaker and mixer available at Beatz Hire, where each one is best used and how many guests it can comfortably cover. It also helps you pick sound systems based on event type, venue size and technical needs, with direct links to book each item. If you want a simple way to choose the right setup, use our recommendations or hire one of our ready-made packages.

Jack Bridges, founder of beatz hire
Jack Bridges

November 21, 2025

Speaker and DJ decks on hire from Beatz Hire for venue of 150 people

Choosing the right speakers for an event can feel confusing if you are not used to sound equipment. Different models have different strengths, some are built for vocals, some for DJ sets, some for speeches, and some for outdoor crowds who need long-throw coverage. This guide breaks everything down in plain English so you can understand each type of speaker, where it is best used, and which setup suits the number of guests you are expecting.

We cover the whole region including Surrey, Sussex, Kent, Hampshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Greater London.

Where relevant, each product links directly to its dedicated page so you can read specs, book online or compare options.

Understanding the Different Types of Speakers

Before we look at specific models, here are the four core speaker categories you will see in the hire world.

Active speakers

These have built-in amplifiers which makes them easy to set up. Ideal for speeches, small parties and plug-and-play events.

Passive speakers

These need external amplifiers. Not common for small events but used in large venue installs and live band rigs.

Line array speakers

Built for long-throw coverage and even sound across large spaces. Perfect for outdoor events, concerts, sports events and tall venues with high ceilings.

Subwoofers

Subs handle low frequencies. They give your system warmth, punch and depth which is essential for DJs, live bands, dance floors and outdoor events.

“Most sound issues at events come from using the wrong speaker in the wrong space. Once you match the model to the venue and the crowd size, everything becomes easier.”

Speaker Models We Offer And What They Are Best Used For

Here is a breakdown of every speaker and mixer we offer, what they are designed for, and the types of events that suit each one.

RCF HDL 26-A

A compact line array speaker ideal for:

  • Outdoor sporting events
  • Large halls and arenas
  • School sports days
  • Live performances
  • Medium to large corporate events

Why choose it:
It provides clean long-throw coverage which means the sound carries evenly across wide spaces without getting harsh.

Recommended for: 150 to 500 people depending on how many boxes you use.

Hire RCF HDL 26-A Today!

RCF HD 32-A

A versatile powered loudspeaker ideal for:

  • Corporate presentations
  • DJ events
  • Wedding receptions
  • Marquees
  • Live vocals

Why choose it:
This is a great all-rounder. It delivers high output with strong clarity which makes it ideal for both speech and music.

Recommended for: Small to medium events up to 200 people per pair.

Hire RCF HD 32-A Today!

RCF NX-10A

A compact premium speaker ideal for:

  • Small corporate events
  • Breakout rooms
  • Vocal-only setups
  • Acoustic performances
  • Home or studio events

Why choose it:
Lightweight, clean and perfect when you need quality without overpowering the room.

Recommended for: Up to 80 guests per pair.

Hire RCF NX-10A Today!

RCF SUB 9004-AS

A high-power professional subwoofer ideal for:

  • Outdoor shows
  • DJ events
  • Large marquees
  • Live bands
  • Festivals and sports events

Why choose it:
This sub is built for serious bass. If you want punch, depth and chest-thumping low end, this is the unit to pick.

Recommended pairing: Works perfectly with the RCF HDL 26-A or HD 32-A systems.

Hire RCF SUB 9004-AS Today!

RCF SUB 18 AX

A solid sub that suits:

  • Weddings
  • DJs
  • Medium sized parties
  • Indoor venues

Why choose it:
Steady bass, reliable, and pairs well with most powered tops.

Hire RCF SUB 18 AX Today!

RCF SUB 8003-AS

Great for:

  • Medium outdoor events
  • DJ sets
  • Corporate parties
  • Bands

Why choose it:
Strong low-end output in a portable size. Ideal when you need bass but want easier transport.

Hire RCF SUB 8003-AS Today!

Allen & Heath SQ-5 Mixer

Best for:

  • Live bands
  • Complex events with multiple microphones
  • Conferences
  • Sports events needing commentary

Why choose it:
Professional digital mixing with clean preamps and flexible routing.

Hire Allen & Heath SQ-5 Mixer Today!

RCF F 12XR Mixer

Best for:

  • DJs
  • Vocal events
  • Small music acts
  • Simple inputs

Why choose it:
Reliable, simple, and great for plug-and-play setups.

Hire RCF F 12XR Mixer Today!

Soundcraft EPM12

Best for:

  • Corporate events
  • Vocal groups
  • Church events
  • Conferences

Why choose it:
Very clean sound with classic Soundcraft preamps.

Hire Soundcraft EPM12 Today!

Which Speakers Should You Use For Different Event Types

For Weddings

  • RCF HD 32-A
  • RCF SUB 18 AX or SUB 8003-AS
  • Ideal crowd size: 80 to 150
  • Good for speeches, music and dancing

For DJ Events

  • RCF HD 32-A with 2 x SUB 9004-AS for bigger rooms
  • RCF NX-10A for booth monitors

For Outdoor Events and Sports Days

  • RCF HDL 26-A line array
  • RCF SUB 9004-AS for bass support
  • Ideal for 200 to 500 people

For Corporate Events

  • RCF NX-10A for speeches
  • HD 32-A for main presentation rooms
  • Works well with Soundcraft EPM12 mixer

For Live Bands

  • HD 32-A tops
  • SUB 9004-AS subs
  • Allen & Heath SQ-5 mixer for full control

For School Events

  • NX-10A or HD 32-A depending on hall size
  • Optional sub for large halls or performance nights

Speaker Setups Based On Audience Size

Up to 50 people

  • 2 x RCF NX-10A

Up to 100 people

  • 2 x RCF HD 32-A

Up to 150 people

  • 2 x RCF HD 32-A + 1 or 2 subs

Up to 300 people

  • 2 x RCF HDL 26-A + 2 subs

300 to 500 people

  • A small array of 4 to 6 x HDL 26-A
  • 2 to 4 subwoofers depending on layout

Venue-Specific Recommendations

Marquees

  • HD 32-A + SUB 18 AX
  • Good for weddings, garden parties, receptions

Outdoor Sports Fields

  • HDL 26-A line array for long throw
  • SUB 9004-AS where music or commentary is needed

School Halls

  • NX-10A or HD 32-A
  • Clean sound for large rooms with tricky acoustics

Theatres

  • HD 32-A as fills
  • Line array where needed
  • Mixers for multiple microphones

Technical Terms Explained

What is a line array

A stackable column of speakers designed for long-range projection. Perfect for outdoor events and large halls.

What is an active speaker

A powered speaker with a built-in amplifier.

Why do you need subwoofers

Subs handle bass frequencies which improves music, speeches and overall clarity.

Do you need a mixer

Yes if you are using multiple microphones, instruments or need proper control.

Choosing the Right System for Your Event

When you are unsure, use these questions as a guide:

  • Is the event indoors or outdoors
  • How many people will attend
  • Do you need strong bass or mainly speech clarity
  • Do you need long-throw sound
  • Will you have live performers or just a playlist
  • Do you need a microphone for announcements

If you answer these, we can build the ideal sound package for you.

Hire Areas Across the South East

We cover sound hire across the entire South East including:

  • Surrey
  • Sussex
  • Kent
  • Hampshire
  • Berkshire
  • Buckinghamshire
  • Oxfordshire
  • Greater London

If you need fast turnaround or last-minute sound equipment, our team can deliver, set up and collect based on your event needs.

“A clear, reliable sound system can change how an event feels. You do not always need the biggest speakers, you just need the right setup for the room.”

If you want to build your own system, you can book any speaker or mixer individually using our dry hire catalogue.

If you prefer full support, we offer complete sound and production packages for all event types.

We are always happy to help you choose the right setup for your venue, event type and crowd size.

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Have a question or ready to get started? Let us know what you need, and our team will guide you every step of the way to make your event exceptional.

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