Award ceremony sound system rental: a complete guide
Confident, polished sound for hosts, winners, live music and dinner.
- Typical audience: 100 to 1,000 guests
- Corporate and professional
Award ceremonies mix formal speech with entertainment. The host, presenters and winners all need clear microphones, the music needs to hit cues and the sound has to stay elegant during dinner. A good system keeps the mood formal without being dull.
Winners often speak unrehearsed, so a technician who can manage levels live and a supply of spare microphones make a real difference.
What you will need
- Host and presenter microphones, with spares
- Winner microphones that are easy to hand over
- Walk-on music, stings and playback cues
- Background music for dinner and networking
- Stage monitors for live performers
Recommended setup by audience size
- 100 to 300 guests
- A stereo system with a subwoofer, four microphones, a console and a technician.
- 300 to 1,000 guests
- A larger system with delay speakers, monitors, a console and a crew.
Recommended equipment
Wireless Microphones
Handheld and lapel microphones for hosts, presenters and winners.
PA Speakers
Full-range speakers for speech and playback.
Mixing Consoles
A console that runs playback, microphones and live acts.
Stage Monitors
Monitors for live performers and the host.
Subwoofers
Subwoofers for entertainment and walk-on music.
Before you book
- Running order, cue sheet and the person who calls cues
- Number of microphones needed on stage and at the podium
- Walk-on music and stings, and how they will be played
- Live acts and their technical riders
- Rehearsal time and a full sound check
Practical tips
- Keep a runner ready with a spare microphone for winners who move.
- Test the walk-on music at the same level as the speeches.
- Agree how loud dinner music should be with the venue.
More event guides
Corporate events and team daysConferences and seminarsProduct launches and brand activationsExhibitions and trade showsCharity galas and fundraisersWeddingsBirthday partiesEngagement and anniversary parties
Frequently asked questions
- How many microphones do I need for an awards night?
- At least one for the host, one for presenters and a spare, plus a podium microphone. Live acts need their own.
- Can the sound cover both speeches and a band?
- Yes. A console with enough channels and monitors for the band handles both.