Essentials for Sound System Companies Supplying Music Festivals.

The sound systems used at music festivals are an essential part of the music production that impact on festival-goers. Sound installations need to be reliable and robust capable of producing a quality sound that satisfies performance artists and festival-goers. They must also match the requirements of the festival organisers including budget and logistics management.

Although there are numerous suppliers of sound systems not all will have experience of installations at music festivals in remote locations. The equipment requirements will differ depending on how exposed the location is and the availability of power and weather protection. There are similar considerations when assessing the technical staff used because working in a remote location that is exposed to the elements presents different challenges. What are the essential requirements necessary for running a sound system supply company specialising in music festivals. 

Equipment Standards. 
The equipment used for sound amplification is constantly changing with advances in hardware technology and software. Sound system companies need to constantly invest in the latest technology and this can be reflected in the prices they charge. Technical equipment will also need constant maintenance and repair especially when used in a music festival scenario where they may be more susceptible to damage. Suppliers also need to have the right equipment capable of producing a quality sound in an open-air environment. 

Technical Staff. 
Anyone working on sound systems must have the necessary technical expertise to be able to set up and maintain any equipment that is to be installed on a festival site. The usual mixture of personnel would include a variety of certified skillsets. The Installation Systems Technicians will have knowledge about electricity supplies and how to connect everything together. The Sound Engineer will have responsivity for setting up software systems and mixers to get the best out of the system's installation, they may work directly with artists or the artist’s own dedicated sound engineer. 

Service and Logistics Management. 
The sound systems supplier will always work closely with the festival organising teams in the planning phase to ensure that the right equipment will be available and delivered according to strict schedules. This planning phase may also require site visits before and during the site build and working to potential restrictions like noise levels impacting local residents. The sound systems supplier needs as much detail as possible about the performance artists booked and their likely requirements to meet expectations. Any installation should also include full redundancy and back-up should primary systems fail for whatever reason. Other considerations for sound system installations is the weatherproofing of all equipment in case of excessive rain wind, sun or heat. The supplying company should provide sufficient technical staff to be available on-site for the duration of the event to assist with technical issues, troubleshooting and making real time adjustments. 

Sustainability. 
Music festival entities have their own sustainability objectives and sound system suppliers will need to align with these where possible. Initiatives like upcycling parts and components on equipment is trending amongst some equipment suppliers. In addition, the efficient use of electricity required for sound systems is developing to reduce the amount of power required which for sizable systems can be substantial. Old outdated equipment can be donated of recycled in accordance with industry standards reducing the waste produced by sound systems companies who are always under pressure to update their equipment. 

For festival organisers planning their next events using a software management platform like Festival Pro gives them all the functionality they need manage every aspect of their event logistics. The guys who are responsible for this software have been in the front line of event management for many years and the features are built from that experience and are performance artists themselves. The Festival Pro platform is easy to use and has comprehensive features with specific modules for managing artists, contractors, venues/stages, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, guestlists, ticketing, cashless payments and contactless ordering. 

Image by onkelglocke via Pixabay

<< Back to articles