Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, the emergence of hybrid gatherings and events has become normal. The trick for blending in-person and virtual experiences is vital for every participant to get the most out of the event you’re hosting.
Whether it’s a product launch, company get together, or any other type of festival or event, you need to consider the needs of both types of attendees to be able to offer the best experience.
One very important part of such a plan is the audio side of things. It is vital that everybody can hear at a level that is appropriate for the medium within which they experience it, in-person or online. Therefore, there are some sound equipment considerations you will need to make well in advance of your event. Ensuring you have optimised your equipment for both types of audience is well worth the time and effort, as it can really contribute to the overall success of your event.
Here, we ask sound equipment hire experts what is involved in optimising sound for a hybrid event.
Acoustics
The acoustics of your event venue will dictate the type of sound equipment that is best suited to it. Consider the size of the space, whether there are reflective surfaces and what potential noise interference there may be before asking those providing equipment for recommendations.
Do you need professional equipment?
Professional sound service experts will tell you that guests’ experiences are only as good as the audio equipment you use to distribute your messages, whether music, speeches or performances. There are plenty of innovations in sound technology that can help to ensure the best experience for a hybrid audience. Having sound engineers on site may be an option to help manage sound levels, eliminate feedback, and ensure that everybody receives a balanced level of audio. Quality equipment makes a real difference to the ability to effectively communicate to in-person and remote guests.
Microphones
For a hybrid event, choosing the right microphones is crucial. For those speaking in person, a dynamic microphone would be used due to its durability and feedback resistance. However, if there is a virtual speaker, especially in a large space, it may be worth using high-quality condenser microphones to make sure clear and precise audio is captured. Having dedicated microphones for remote participants allows their voices to be heard with the same clarity as if they were in the room.
Audio streaming
It is also vital to have a reliable audio streaming solution. There are platforms that support high-quality audio streaming, which should be low latency as this will reduce delays in the transmission. It can also help to enhance real-time interaction, a vital part of the overall experience for virtual attendees.
Speakers and amplifiers
The speakers and amplifiers you use at your hybrid event will play a significant part in delivering clear audio to in-person audiences. Professional grade speakers that can cover the entire venue evenly are vital for those in person. While speakers and amplifiers aren’t a consideration for remote participants, it’s worth considering giving advice on audio settings for those participating from far away.
Integration of audio visuals
In hybrid events, integrating audio and visual components is paramount for success. You should therefore ensure that whatever sound system you opt for, it is compatible with the visual elements of your event. This may be live demonstrations, presentations or videos. This will allow for a more immersive experience for all sets of participants.
To sum up, there’s plenty to consider when planning a hybrid event, and while not everything should revolve around the audio, it is an extremely important factor in determining the success of your event.