Speaker Rental: A Beginner DJ’s guide in Lebanon
Introduction
Lebanese folks sure know how to throw a great party! The love for music and the vibrant nightlife have become integral parts of Beirut's culture. This cultural shift has sparked a growing interest in DJing and music production, with many enthusiasts embracing these creative pursuits. Moreover, the city has seen a surge in new bars and nightclubs, creating exciting opportunities for people to enjoy the lively scene. It's a dynamic blend of music, culture, and nightlife that's shaping Beirut into a hub of entertainment and creativity.
What begins as a passion can quickly evolve into a part-time job or more. As your skills progress, invitations to DJ at birthdays and other celebrations become a possibility. This is the point at which you'll find yourself in need of speakers for your gigs, which is crucial not only for delivering a quality sound system but also for setting your final price for clients. If you are reading this post, chances are you're the designated DJ or event planner, seeking guidance on speaker rental:
How to choose the right speakers? How many speakers do you need? What sizes and specifications should you consider? What challenges might you anticipate? In this blog, I provide you guidance, drawing from several years of experience DJing and renting speakers in Lebanon and abroad.
How much Power do I need?
Sometimes you have to make sure that the speakers you are renting have enough power. This can vary according to the venue size, number of people, and much more. For starters, there are 3 types of power to check for speakers: RMS, Music or Program Power, and Peak Power.
RMS (Root Mean Square): This is the continuous power handling capacity of the speaker. In practical terms, it represents the amount of power the speaker can handle continuously without distortion. A 400W RMS rating indicates that the speaker can handle up to 400 watts of continuous power.
Music Power or Program Power: This rating is typically double the RMS Power. In practical terms, this is the power you should check when selecting your speakers. Since power represents the amount a speaker can handle when playing music, and music is a relatively dynamic signal, it won't heat the speaker like a sine wave signal used for the RMS rating.
Peak Power: This is the maximum power level that the speaker can handle for very short durations. It's a theoretical maximum and not something you'd want to sustain for extended periods. Peak power is often used to indicate the speaker's ability to handle sudden, transient bursts of energy.
The table below is a simplified way to choose the speakers according to venue size or crowd size. Active speakers with built-in amplified have their power as specified, however, for passive speakers, remember to find an external amplifier with the matching power. As a general rule, dance parties typically need more power, whereas background music doesn't demand as much wattage.
How much does it cost to rent speakers?
Speakers Renting costs can depend on several aspects that are related:
Number and size of the speakers
Delivery and Installation
Characteristics and brand of the speakers
Speaker rentals can range from as low as $60 to $400 for a standard, moderately-sized setup, with an average rental cost hovering around $250. Beginning with a pair of easily transportable 15'' speakers that fit comfortably in an average-sized car, the setup can accommodate various event sizes. However, introducing an 18'' subwoofer to the arrangement may necessitate a specialized truck for transportation, resulting in a notable increase in rental costs. Additionally, the distance of the venue impacts delivery costs. It's important to note that this information pertains to active speakers. Opting for passive speakers adds the necessity of incorporating amplifiers into the entire setup.
| Setup | Components | Average Cost ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Setup 1 | Pair 15 ‘‘ | 120 |
| ----------- | ------------------------------- | ----------------------- |
| Setup 2 | Pair 15’’ + Single subwoofer | 250 |
| ----------- | ------------------------------- | ----------------------- |
| Setup 3 | 2 Pairs 15’’ + Pair subwoofer | 450 |
Do I need a monitor?
In a comprehensive professional setup, including a monitor for the DJ to mix is considered essential. However, for those seeking a more budget-friendly option, omitting the monitor speakers is a viable choice. I've become accustomed to mixing solely with my headphones, eliminating the necessity for a monitor. If you're a DJ who finds it indispensable to mix with a monitor, consider opting for a compact and affordable speaker that you might already own or can easily rent.
Do I need a subwoofer?
The inclusion of a subwoofer, a specialized speaker designed to reproduce low-frequency sounds or what is commonly known as bass, significantly impacts the rental cost. Subwoofers are available in various sizes, with common options being 15 or 18 inches.
Due to their larger size and enhanced capability to deliver powerful bass, subwoofers tend to be costlier to rent. If not requested by the client, it is advisable to omit this component to maintain cost efficiency. While events like techno-themed parties may benefit from a subwoofer, high-quality speakers alone, especially in the 15-inch size, can often deliver ample bass for most settings. For events such as birthday celebrations, it is generally recommended to neglect the subwoofer unless specifically requested, helping to manage both the overall cost and equipment requirements.
How do I choose the number of the speakers?
Starting with just two speakers is a great way to achieve a stereo atmosphere, distributing music evenly on both sides of the room for an enjoyable experience. Professional speakers like the Beta3 u15a which has a size of 15 inches, based on my personal experience, have proven effective for parties hosting up to 100 people, often without the need for additional speakers. I rarely utilized more than half of the speaker's capacity in most instances. As the guest count surpasses 100 people, considering more than one pair becomes essential. Multiple pairs, in many cases, go beyond necessity and elevate the sound experience, creating the sought-after club ambiance that event organizers often desire for their parties.
How do I choose the size of the speakers?
Commonly used speaker sizes include 8, 10, 12, 15, and 18 inches. The 15-inch size is often considered the largest standard speaker, with the 18-inch size reserved for subwoofers designed to deliver powerful low-frequency sounds, commonly known as BASS. Rental companies typically provide 15-inch speakers, and it's worth noting that these are often not used at their full capacity, usually staying below 75%.
For cost efficiency, finding smaller speakers suitable for smaller settings is a consideration. However, if the rental company only offers the 15-inch size, it becomes the practical choice.
Do I need lighting?
Lighting is a commonly overlooked aspect for event organizers. Renting lighting elements, such as LED bars or PAR LEDs, can greatly enhance the party's ambiance. Two PAR LEDs that operate automatically or can be controlled by you, your best friend using a laptop, or even a light controller, add an extra layer to the experience. If the client approves your proposal, you could consider charging an additional fee for operating the lighting simultaneously while you DJ or having your friend manage it alongside you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a standard party typically requires only two 15'' speakers, sufficient for around 100 people in most cases. This setup usually costs around $120, and you have the option to either request delivery and installation from the company or take the DIY approach with the help of friends. Adding extra speakers or a subwoofer is more of a luxury and isn't necessary for a typical party. Introducing lighting can enhance the atmosphere and make your gig more memorable. Propose your ideas to the clients and consider charging additional fees for operating the lighting. Remember to enjoy your gig and keep it lighthearted. The more you enjoy it, the more your audience will enjoy the party. Best of luck!
About the Author
Patrick Haddad, also known as Pathrck, began his DJing journey in 2016 at Pervurt Beirut. Since then, he's brought his beats to various events and clubs in Lebanon. Patrick is a self-taught music producer, deeply passionate about music and fascinated by sound and lighting systems. In 2022, he ventured to France for his studies, continuing his active DJing journey. His favorite genres include afro and funky house, along with baile funk.