Choosing the wrong sound system is one of the easiest ways to ruin an event. Too small and nobody can hear a thing. Too big and you upset neighbours, venues, or both. This guide breaks down what size sound system you actually need for different types of events in the UK, without technical jargon or guesswork.
February 19, 2026
Most event sound problems come from the same mistake. People focus on how loud they want it, not what the sound needs to do.
A speech needs clarity. A DJ set needs punch. A sports event needs coverage. Those are very different requirements, even if the crowd size is the same.
Before you think about speakers or subs, ask one simple question.
What is the main purpose of the sound?
Crowd size matters, but it is not the only factor. These are the four things that actually decide what you need.
Outdoor events always need more power. Sound escapes instead of bouncing off walls, so systems that work fine indoors often fall flat outside.
A long narrow room needs a different setup to a wide open hall. Ceiling height and obstructions also affect how sound travels.
Many UK venues and residential areas have strict noise limits. Bigger is not always better if you cannot use it properly.
Typical examples:
For these events, clarity matters more than volume. A clean, well-placed setup will sound better than a big system turned down.
Common mistake: hiring a large subwoofer for a small room and ending up with muddy sound and complaints.
Typical examples:
This is where people often under-hire. Two small speakers pushed too hard will distort and sound harsh. Having enough headroom makes a huge difference.
If the event includes speeches and music, the system should be balanced for both, not just one.
Typical examples:
At this level, placement matters as much as power. Sound should be evenly distributed, not blasting the front row and disappearing at the back.
This is often where professional advice saves money. Hiring the right system once is cheaper than hiring twice.
Typical examples:
These events should not be guesswork. Power, safety, coverage, and backup all matter.
For anything this size, full event production support is usually the safest option.
This catches people out all the time.
As a rough rule, outdoor events often need at least 30 to 50 percent more system capacity than indoor ones for the same crowd size.
Not always.
You probably need subs if:
You probably do not need subs if:
Too much bass is one of the most common sound complaints at events.
Sound systems do not exist in isolation.
Before hiring, think about:
For outdoor events, power distribution and generators often need planning in advance.
These come up constantly.
Avoiding these mistakes usually costs less than fixing them mid-event.
Here is the honest answer. It depends on the event, not just the number of people.
If you know:
you can get it right first time.
That is exactly what we help with.
If you are unsure what size sound system your event needs, talk it through before hiring anything.
Beatz Hire supplies sound systems for everything from small private events to full-scale event production across the UK. Tell us what you are planning and we will recommend a setup that actually fits the event.
No guesswork. No overkill. No weak sound.
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.
Reach out to us directly via email or phone—we’re here to assist you with any inquiries or bookings.
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