Concert Sound System: Essential Equipments for a Concert

Dec 02, 2024

Discover the modern sound system that AV Vietnam provides, bringing a vivid and professional sound experience to every concert.

 

AV Vietnam proudly stands as a leading provider of professional concert sound systems, delivering optimal audio solutions for every event. Discover how AV Vietnam’s concert sound systems can elevate your event experience with unparalleled audio quality and professional service.

What is a concert sound system?

A concert sound system is a combination of equipment, software, and electronics created to capture, mix, amplify, and deliver sound with precision and clarity during live events. The main objective of these systems is to guarantee that the audio is heard with equal intensity and accuracy by all attendees, no matter where they are located in the venue. Achieving this requires a seamless integration of advanced technology and engineering.

Concert sound systems play an important role in any event

Why is a concert sound system important?

A concert sound system is crucial for creating an immersive and high-quality audio experience at live events. Without the right concert sound equipment, the clarity and balance of sound could be compromised, making it difficult for attendees to fully enjoy the performance.

The system ensures that every note, instrument, and voice is captured and delivered with precision, regardless of the venue size or acoustics, allowing the audience to experience the performance in its true form.

Moreover, well-designed concert sound equipment plays a key role in ensuring that the audio reaches all areas of the venue evenly. It provides consistent volume levels, preventing certain sections from being too loud or too quiet.

This is especially important in large venues where the sound must travel long distances. In essence, a concert sound system is essential not only for clarity and quality but also for creating a memorable and engaging experience for all attendees.

Key components of a professional concert sound system

Sound sources 

These sound signal sources may be difficult for those not involved in music professionally to visualize. However, in reality, these devices are quite familiar in daily life. Examples of sound sources include wired and wireless microphones, DVD and CD players, computers, as well as musical instruments like guitars, organs, keyboards, and pianos.

The devices that serve as sound sources play a vital role in providing the audio signal to your sound system. This signal travels through the system and ultimately reaches the speakers, where it is converted into sound waves and transmitted to the listener’s ears. This process ensures that every note or voice is delivered clearly and accurately.

Mixer

A mixer, also known as a sound control or audio mixing desk, is an essential component in every audio system. Enthusiasts of audio equipment often refer to the mixer as the "soul" of the sound system.

Audio signals are transmitted to the mixer, where sound engineers use the knobs and sliders to adjust the sound for optimal clarity and balance. This process allows for precise control over various elements of the audio, ensuring a perfect blend of sound.

Mixer image provided by AV Vietnam

Today, mixers are mainly divided into two types: analog mixers, also known as traditional mixers, which are adjusted manually by turning knobs, and digital mixers, which use advanced technology to make adjustments electronically.

Digital mixers provide more flexibility and precise control, enabling sound engineers to adjust multiple parameters simultaneously with ease. This evolution in mixer technology has significantly enhanced live sound production.

Amplifier

When using large-capacity speaker systems, it is essential to have devices that are powerful enough to drive these speakers. This device is called a power amplifier, also known as an amplifier. It receives signals from input sources such as DSP, mixers, and digital echo processors, then amplifies the signal to the speakers, making the sound stronger and clearer.

Since line array speakers have a relatively large capacity, selecting an amplifier differs from choosing conventional amplifiers, as the latter cannot provide the necessary power. Therefore, it is crucial to use amplifiers with higher capacity and stability.

Typically, you should select an amplifier with a power output 1.5 times greater than the speaker's capacity to ensure optimal and clear performance.

Speakers and Arrays 

Stage sound equipment, particularly line array speakers, plays a crucial role in professional stage sound systems. These devices are essential for delivering high-quality audio in large venues, ensuring that the sound is evenly distributed across the entire audience area.

In performance sound systems, especially on stages, multiple speaker systems are used to guarantee that every attendee experiences the same level of sound quality, no matter their location. This is a significant difference compared to smaller sound systems, where only a few speakers might suffice.

Speaker systems are equipped at AV Vietnam events

The use of stage sound equipment like line array speakers allows for better control over sound dispersion, providing clarity and balance across vast spaces. These speakers are designed to project sound over long distances without distortion, which is essential in large venues such as concert halls and arenas.

By incorporating advanced stage sound equipment, performers and audiences alike can enjoy a more immersive and impactful auditory experience.

In performance stage sound systems, there are three main types of speakers:

• Full-range speakers (also known as line arrays): These are the main speakers in a stage sound system, responsible for transmitting the clearest and most realistic sound to the listener. Due to their large capacity, line array speakers are capable of excellently reproducing the full range of bass, mid, and treble frequencies. Line array speakers also have the advantage of being easy to install and evenly dispersing sound, ensuring that the sound reaches every position in the auditorium.

• Subwoofer speakers (or subwoofers): These speakers specialize in providing low frequencies and do not handle mid and high frequencies. They help to supplement the bass that the full-range (line array) speakers cannot reproduce, creating a powerful and solid sound effect that makes the overall sound more harmonious and lively. Subwoofers are crucial for enhancing sound power, particularly in electronic music and live performances.

• Monitor speakers (or monitors): These speakers are positioned towards the stage or the performers, such as the singer, MC, and band, instead of facing the audience. They allow performers to hear their sound or instruments, enabling them to adjust and optimize their performance. Monitor speakers also help foster coordination among band members, ensuring that everyone hears the sound clearly and stays in sync throughout the performance.

Signal processor

The signal processor helps control the changes and fluctuations, reproducing the sound accurately and powerfully. The equalizer adjusts the frequencies to ensure the clarity of each sound range, while the compressor helps control the loudness of the sound, and the limiter prevents the sound from becoming distorted or broken. All of these devices combine to provide the perfect sound experience, tailored to each requirement and space.

Image of Vietnamese staff processing audio

Cabling and network systems 

Cabling and network systems are essential components of any professional sound system, ensuring that all equipment is connected and functions seamlessly together. High-quality cables and robust network systems enable the efficient transfer of audio signals between various devices, such as mixers, amplifiers, and speakers.

These systems are designed to minimize signal loss and interference, maintaining sound clarity and consistency, especially in large venues or complex setups. Proper cabling also helps prevent technical issues, allowing the system to operate smoothly throughout the event.

In addition to their role in signal transmission, cabling, and network systems must be carefully managed to ensure safety and ease of setup. For example, using the correct types of cables for specific purposes, such as balanced cables for audio or Cat5 cables for network connections, is crucial for preventing damage and ensuring reliable performance.

Organizing cables in a tidy and accessible manner also makes it easier to troubleshoot any potential issues quickly, ensuring that the sound system delivers a high-quality audio experience without interruptions.

5 important steps to set up sound for a concert event

To ensure flawless sound quality during a concert event, follow these essential steps for a successful setup.

Spectacular music events organized by AV Vietnam

Assess the venue and plan the layout

Before setting up any equipment, it's crucial to assess the venue's size, acoustics, and layout. This helps in determining the placement of speakers, amplifiers, and other sound equipment for optimal sound coverage. Consider the audience's seating arrangement, stage position, and any potential obstacles that may affect sound distribution. A well-thought-out plan ensures that all areas of the venue receive balanced sound.

Position and set up the speakers

Once the layout is planned, the next step is to position the speakers strategically. For large venues, using a line array system is often ideal, as it allows for even sound distribution across the entire space. Ensure that speakers are placed at appropriate heights and angles to avoid sound distortion. This step also includes securing and testing the speaker connections to ensure they’re functioning properly.

Connect and set up the mixing console

The mixing console is the heart of the sound system, controlling all audio inputs and outputs. Set up the mixer in a location that allows the sound engineer to monitor and adjust audio levels during the event. Connect all audio sources (microphones, instruments, playback devices) to the mixer, ensuring that each input is routed correctly. Test each channel to make sure that signals are clear and there is no interference.

Images of the grand music event organized by AV Vietnam

Test and calibrate the audio levels

With everything connected, the next step is to test and calibrate the audio levels. This involves adjusting the gain, equalization, and volume levels for each input to ensure clear, balanced sound.

Conduct sound checks to identify any feedback or distortion and make necessary adjustments to achieve optimal sound quality. Calibrating the system before the concert begins prevents any issues during the performance.

Final check and monitor during the event

Before the concert starts, do a final walkthrough to ensure that everything is functioning properly. This includes checking for any loose connections, verifying that all equipment is securely set up, and making sure the sound system is stable.

During the event, continue monitoring the audio levels and make adjustments as needed. Keeping an eye on the sound throughout the performance ensures the best possible audio experience for both performers and the audience.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, a professional concert sound system is vital for creating an unforgettable event experience, ensuring high-quality sound that reaches every listener with clarity and precision. With AV Vietnam's leading expertise and top-tier equipment, you can elevate your events to the next level.

For more information about our sound system rental services and to get started, contact us today at our hotline (+84) 913 311 911 or (+84) 918 640 988. Let AV Vietnam be your trusted partner for flawless sound at your next event!