The Benefits of Renting vs. Buying an Event Sound System
Do you want to create an unforgettable experience for your guests at your next event? If so, keep reading.
One element many event planners might overlook when preparing for an event is using a good sound system. Sound is everything, whether you are planning a festival, wedding, concert or corporate conference, and having the right audio setup can help you create the perfect atmosphere. But when it comes to securing a good sound system, you might be asking yourself: is it better to rent or buy one? While both options have their own advantages, the choice you make can significantly impact your budget, logistics and overall experience.
The good news is that the Spyglass team is here to help you hit all the right notes and ensure your next event is a huge success. In this blog, we’ve broken down the pros and cons of buying versus renting an event sound system so you can make an informed decision. Read on to discover how a premium sound system can amp up your next event. Let’s get started!
Is A Sound System Worth It?
The short answer is absolutely.
Imagine walking into an event. Hundreds of people are talking and mingling. They are having a nice time, but the music is lacking in the background, and the overall mood and energy feel a bit flat.
Suddenly, the volume is louder, and the rhythm of the music fills the atmosphere. In a matter of seconds, the mood is lifted, and people start laughing and chatting more freely. The event is now in full swing. That’s the power of a good quality sound system. Some might think it’s just about providing background noise, but it can truly make or break the perfect environment for your guests to enjoy and share the moment.
No matter what event you are planning, great audio and sound are key elements for success. If your guests struggle to hear and understand event speakers, or the music is more of an ear-sore than creating harmony, you are likely not using a quality event sound system.
Buying or Renting an Event Sound System
Whether you buy or rent a sound system, here are the pros and cons you need to consider.
The Pros of Buying a Sound System
Improved Sound Quality
Buying the right sound system for your event will improve your audio experience across a large number of events. Whether you are hosting a small or large event, it will add to the experience and create an engaging atmosphere without the need to book and collect equipment every time you want to put on a gig.
Customisation
Depending on the type of sound system you want to buy, consider its features and how you can customise it to suit your event needs. Every event is different, so it’s important to choose a sound system that will allow you to adjust the audio setup, whether that’s better clarity for a conference or good quality music for a concert. Remember, if you don’t have sound engineering knowledge, this may flip to a con as it could constitute a drain on time if your first few events are a steep learning curve.
The Cons of Buying a Sound System
Storage & Transport
Buying an event sound system means you are responsible for storing it properly and transporting it safely to and from events. This could add additional expenses, especially if you need to pay for extra storage and hire a van or truck whenever you want to use it for an event. So, think carefully about the logistics and long-term costs involved.
Higher Upfront & Ongoing Costs
Purchasing a sound system for an event can be very expensive. It requires multiple powerful speakers and amplifiers to support the space, giving you the best audio quality and sound for your event. Buying a sound system wouldn’t make sound financial sense if you only host a handful of events throughout the year. You should also consider the costs of any maintenance and repairs and whether this is something you can afford in the long run.
The Pros of Renting a Sound System
Cost-Effective
Consider how many events you are hosting throughout the year. If that’s only a few, then you will likely save a lot of money in the long run by renting a sound system. Instead of paying a large amount of money upfront for a system you will only use a handful of times, one that will provide exactly what you need for your event without blowing your budget out.
Technical Expertise & Support
Another great advantage to renting an event sound system is that you don’t need to worry about technical issues. If something goes wrong at your event, you will have professional support to keep things running smoothly. From setting up to troubleshooting during performances, the experts at Spyglass can take care of everything for you so you can focus on enjoying your big moment.
The Cons of Renting a Sound System
Availability
It's important to book your event sound system in advance to avoid any last-minute disappointment. There might be limited availability for events in your area, so make sure you get in quickly, especially in the high season and around public holidays. At Spyglass, we stock high-end sound systems from world-class brands such as D&B, L’Acoustics, Digico and many more, and if you book in advance, we can make sure you always get the best sound system for your event.
Your Event Sound System Experts
If you want your next event to be music to everyone’s ears, choose Spyglass. As experienced audio engineers and sound designers, our team has worked across New Zealand and overseas, providing clients with outstanding audio for all sorts of awesome events. We work with your budget and booking requirements and let you know exactly what expenses are involved upfront.
As one of the top production companies in New Zealand, we are passionate about bringing spectacular sound to your event to take it to the next level. Contact our friendly team today to find out how we can provide you with a flawless event sound system and all the planning and tech support you need to pull off a memorable event. Ready, Set, Sound!