Have you ever needed a sound system for an event but had no idea how much it would cost? Whether you’re hosting a corporate event or a conference, renting a sound system in London can be tricky if you’re unfamiliar with the process.
So, if you are planning an event, you probably want to know what to expect in terms of pricing and choices. The cost to rent a sound system varies based on factors like the event size, the type of equipment, and the rental duration.
Here, we have compiled an average pricing list to rent a sound system in London. We also list the factors that affect pricing and discuss where you can find the best deals for sound system hire.
QUICK COST BREAKDOWN TO RENT A SOUND SYSTEM IN LONDON
Sound system hire costs can vary, but here’s a simple table to give you an idea of rental costs in London or across the UK. These are general ranges and can change depending on the company and your event needs:
| Type of Rental | Average Cost (Per Day) (Excl. VAT) |
| Basic Speaker System | £50 – £150 |
| Medium Sound System (with mic) | £150 – £350 |
| Large Sound System (for big events) | £500 – £1,500 |
| Professional Concert Setup | £2,000 – £10,000+ |
| Wireless Microphones | £20 – £50 each |
| DJ Equipment | £100 – £500 |
These figures serve as a guide for sound system hire costs in London. Remember that a basic package might be cheaper. However, adding more features, like extra microphones or custom lighting, can raise your sound system rental cost.
| Pro Tip: When hiring a sound system in London, always ask for a detailed quote. Some companies include setup and technician fees in the price, while others charge extra. |
TYPES OF SOUND SYSTEMS AND THEIR COSTS
Let’s break down the different types of equipment and what they might cost you.
- SPEAKERS
Speakers come in all shapes and sizes. The cost to rent a sound system in the UK will depend on the speaker’s size, brand, and capabilities.
- Small speakers: Great for small parties or conferences.
- Large speakers: Perfect for big events, parties, and gigs.
- Subwoofers: Add extra bass for a fuller sound.
- Line Arrays: These are used for bigger venues, ensuring evenly distributed sound.
Here are some examples of daily hire rates for speakers:
- RCF 702-AS Subwoofers: £35
- RCF J8 Line Array: £65
- Bose S1 PRO Battery Powered Speaker: £50
- Turbosound ix12 Active Bluetooth Speaker (Pair): £60
- MIXERS
A mixer lets you control the sound levels and combine different audio sources. Here are some examples of daily hire rates for mixers:
- Pioneer XDJ RX3: £120
- Studiomaster Club XS10: £20
- Behringer X32: £70
- Mackie CFX16: £40
- MICROPHONES
Whether for speeches or singing, you’ll likely need a microphone.
- Wired Microphones: Basic and reliable.
- Wireless Microphones: More freedom to move around.
- OTHER EQUIPMENT
Don’t forget cables, stands, and any other essential accessories you might need. Also, ask your rental company if these items are included in your customisable package for your event requirements.
WHY RENT A SOUND SYSTEM INSTEAD OF BUYING
You might think, “Can’t I just buy a speaker and save money?” No, that’s not the right choice. Here’s the answer to why renting a sound system is a smart move instead of buying:
- Saves Money: Buying a sound system can be expensive. When you rent, you only pay for what you need when you need it.
- No Maintenance: You don’t have to worry about fixing anything. The rental company takes care of all the maintenance.
- Flexibility: Every event is different. Renting lets you get the perfect sound system for each party or gathering.
| 🌟 Fact: Renting is cost-effective, as you don’t have to worry about maintenance or damage costs. |
FACTORS THAT AFFECT SOUND SYSTEM HIRE COST IN LONDON
So, what exactly goes into the sound system hire cost? Here are some things that can change the price:
1. TYPE OF EVENT:
Different events require different audio setups. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Event Size | Estimated Cost Range | Equipment Needed |
Small (20-50 People) | £80 – £300 per day | 1-2 speakersBasic mixer 1-2 microphones |
Medium (50-200 People) | £300 – £800 per day | 2-4 speakersMixerMultiple microphones |
Large (200+ People) | £800 – £2,000+ per day | Line array systemAdvanced mixerExtra gear |
A small meeting may only require a couple of microphones and speakers, while a concert needs a full-scale PA system.
2. DURATION OF RENTAL
Most companies offer discounts for long-term rentals. A one-day hire may cost more per hour than a weekend or week-long rental.
3. SETUP AND DELIVERY
Some companies include these services in the rental cost, while others charge extra.
4. LOCATION
Some companies include these services in the rental cost, while others charge extra.
5. QUALITY AND BRAND OF EQUIPMENT
- High-end brands like Bose, JBL, and Yamaha cost more.
- Budget-friendly options are available but may lack premium sound quality.
6. ADDITIONAL RENTAL SERVICES
Some rental services include setup and technical support, while others may charge extra for:
- Delivery & Setup (£50 – £200).
- On-site Technician (£100 – £500 per day).
- Live Mixing Engineer (£150 – £700 per event).
HIDDEN COSTS TO WATCH OUT FOR BEFORE RENT A SOUND SYSTEM IN LONDON
Some rental companies include hidden charges to increase costs, so be sure to ask about any additional fees upfront. Carefully review all terms and details before finalising the deal. Here are some terms you need to follow before hiring a sound system:
- Delivery Fees: You should know how much it will cost to have the equipment delivered and picked up.
- Minimum Order: Some companies have a minimum order amount.
- Late Fees: Find out what happens if you return the equipment late.
- Damage Waiver: It might be worth paying extra for insurance if something gets damaged.
- Parking/Congestion Charges: Some companies may charge extra if they have trouble parking at your venue.
Before wrapping up, here’s a bonus tip to keep in mind.
Don’t pick the first provider you find. Get at least two or three quotes.
FINAL TAKEAWAY
Renting a sound system in London can cost anywhere from a small amount for basic equipment to several hundred pounds for a top-of-the-line setup. By understanding these factors that affect the price, you can find a system that fits your needs and your budget.
Don’t forget to plan ahead, ask for quotes, and compare rental services to get the best deal.
Looking for top-notch sound system rental services in the UK? EMS Events, a London-based AV hire and event production company with over 25 years of experience, can help make your event sound amazing.
Why choose EMS Events?
- Over 30,000 pieces of AV equipment are available.
- Full event production services.
- Professional technicians for smooth execution.
Contact us today for quotes and expert advice.
FAQS:
CAN I RENT A SOUND SYSTEM FOR A SMALL EVENT?
Yes, you can easily rent a sound system for small events like conferences, meetings of 20 to 50 persons.
DO RENTAL COMPANIES PROVIDE DELIVERY AND SETUP?
Some do, but it depends on the sound system rental providers. EMS Events offers professional setup and on-site support to ensure your event runs smoothly.
HOW LONG CAN I RENT A SOUND SYSTEM FOR?
You can rent for a day, a week, or even longer. Many companies offer discounts for long-term rentals.
DO I NEED TO HIRE A TECHNICIAN?
For larger events, hiring a technician is recommended. However, you may be able to handle smaller setups yourself.
WHERE CAN I FIND A RELIABLE SOUND SYSTEM RENTAL IN LONDON?
Contact EMS Events for a free quote now. We have over 25 years of experience providing high-quality sound system hire in London.
