How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Sound System for Events in London?

Hiring a sound system in London can cost anywhere from £50 for a basic setup to £10,000+ for a full concert system. Your final price depends on event size, equipment type, and whether you need delivery, setup, or a sound engineer.

Planning an event in London comes with many decisions, and one of the most common questions people ask is, “How much does it cost to hire a sound system?” Costs vary depending on your event, the equipment level you need, and whether you want support from a sound engineer. A basic setup may cost around £50 per day, while larger systems can run into the thousands.

This guide explains sound system hire prices in simple, clear language so you know exactly what to expect before booking.

Average Sound System Hire Costs in London

Basic systems cost £50–£150, medium systems £150–£350, large systems £500–£1,500, and concert setups £2,000–£10,000+. Wireless mics and DJ equipment have separate daily fees.

System Type	Average cost per day (excluding VAT)
Basic Speaker System	£50 – £150
Medium Sound System (with microphone)	£150 – £350
Large Sound System (for big events)	£500 – £1,500
Professional Concert Setup	£2,000 – £10,000+
Wireless Microphones	£20 – £50 each
DJ Equipment	£100 – £500

These ranges help you understand where your event might fall on the price scale. Now, let’s break down what affects these costs.

What’s Included in a Sound System Hire Package?

A typical hire package includes speakers, microphones, a mixer, cables, stands, and optional delivery or setup. Larger events may require subwoofers or advanced mixers.

For bigger events, you may need subwoofers, additional speakers, or more advanced audio control. Speakers are the core of the system. Smaller speakers work for intimate rooms or meetings, while larger speakers or line arrays are used for halls, conferences, and outdoor spaces. A sound system helps carry the sound evenly through the room.

A mixer is needed to control audio levels. Simple mixers work well for speeches or a single mic. Larger events with multiple microphones, a band, or hybrid streaming need more advanced mixers.

Microphones come in different forms. Wired microphones are simple and reliable. Wireless microphones give presenters more freedom to move. Headset microphones are helpful for hands-free speaking.

Most companies also provide stands, cables, and accessories, though some items may be charged separately. Always check what is included in your quote.

Types of Sound Systems and Their Typical Costs

Small speakers and simple mixers are cheaper, while subwoofers, line arrays, DJ decks, and digital mixers cost more. Expect anything from £15 for a mixer to £1,500+ for higher-end speaker systems or larger sound systems packages. Different events need different types of audio systems. Here’s how pricing normally works.

Small speakers are suitable for private meetings and small conferences. Larger active speakers or subwoofers are needed when you expect more people or want more powerful sound. Line arrays are used in large venues where sound needs to reach evenly across the room.

Mixers vary in price depending on their features. A simple club mixer may cost around £20 per day, while advanced digital mixers can cost from £70 to £120 per day.

Microphones also vary. Wired microphones are usually the cheapest, while wireless microphones cost more because they require extra hardware and setup.

If your event includes music or entertainment, DJ equipment may be needed and usually ranges from £100 to £500 per day, depending on the setup.

Why Renting Is Better Than Buying

Renting saves money, avoids maintenance, and gives you the right equipment for each event. Buying a full sound system is rarely cost-effective for one-off or occasional events.

Buying audio equipment may seem cheaper at first, but it often ends up costing more. A complete sound system requires speakers, mixers, microphones, cables, and stands. Storing and maintaining this equipment can be expensive and time-consuming.

Renting is cost-effective because you only pay for what you need when you need it. You also avoid dealing with repairs, technical issues, and transportation. Renting allows you to choose equipment that matches each event instead of using one fixed setup for every situation.

If you want a reliable setup without handling everything yourself, experienced providers like AV Productions can help you select the right equipment for your venue and ensure you only hire what your event truly needs.

Factors That Affect Sound System Hire Cost in London

Event size, venue shape, equipment brand, rental duration, delivery fees, and the need for a sound engineer all impact your final hire cost.

Several key factors influence the final hire price.

Event size is one of the biggest factors. Smaller events with 20 to 50 guests may only need a simple system, while larger events with more than 200 people require more speakers, subwoofers, and advanced mixers. Prices rise as more equipment is added.
Venue type matters too. A room with high ceilings or hard surfaces may need additional speakers or special audio adjustments. Outdoor events require stronger sound coverage and often more powerful systems.
The equipment brand also affects cost. High-end brands like Bose, JBL, and Yamaha cost more because they deliver better audio quality and reliability.
Rental duration influences price as well. One-day hires cost more per day, while weekend or multi-day rentals often come with discounts.
Setup, delivery, and collection fees are also common. Some companies include these in the hire price, while others charge separately based on distance, access, and time of day.

Finally, hiring a sound engineer adds to the cost. Engineers typically charge £200 to £400 per day, but play an important role in larger or more complex events.

London-Specific Cost Factors You Should Know

London prices can be higher due to congestion zones, limited parking, tight delivery hours, and high venue demand.

London has unique cost considerations. Many venues are in busy areas with parking challenges, meaning delivery teams may need extra time to load equipment. Congestion charges, evening load-ins, or limited access hours can also affect the final cost.

London venues often have strict rules about audio levels and equipment placement. Having an experienced team prevents delays caused by compliance issues. These location-specific details can increase the total price depending on when and where your event takes place.

Hidden Charges to Watch Out For

Ask about delivery fees, late return charges, damage waivers, minimum order amounts, and technician overtime to avoid surprise costs.

Some costs can catch you by surprise if you don’t ask up front. These may include:

Delivery fees.
Minimum order charges.
Late return fees.
Damage waivers.
Technician overtime.
Extra microphone or stand charges.
Parking and congestion zone fees.

To avoid surprises, always request a full itemised quote before confirming your booking.

Example Cost Scenarios Based on Event Size

Small events cost £80–£200, medium events £300–£800, large events £800–£2,000+, and concert setups £2,000–£10,000+. Here are a few realistic examples of what you might pay.

A small meeting with 20 to 50 people may cost between £80 and £200.
A medium corporate event may cost between £300 and £800.
A large conference may cost between £800 and £2,000+.
Concert setups can reach £10,000+ depending on scale and equipment.

When You Need a Sound Engineer

You need an engineer for multi-mic events, live performances, large rooms, or hybrid setups. Small meetings may not require one.

A sound engineer is helpful when your event has more than two microphones, live performances, panel discussions, or hybrid streaming. They balance levels, prevent feedback, and manage audio transitions. For simple meetings, a basic setup without an engineer may be enough, but larger events almost always need professional support.

Tips to Save Money on Sound System Hire in London

Book early, choose only what you need, compare quotes, and ask for package deals to reduce the total cost.

You can save money by booking early, avoiding peak times, choosing only what you need, and asking about package prices. Getting two or three quotes helps you compare costs and avoid overpaying.

Some companies offer discounts for weekday events or longer hires, so planning ahead is always helpful.

Wrapping Up

Expect to pay between £50 and £10,000+, depending on your event size, equipment, and support needs. Planning early and choosing an experienced provider helps keep costs predictable.

Sound system hire costs in London can range from £50 to over £10,000 depending on your equipment needs, event size, and level of support. Understanding these cost factors helps you choose the right setup without overspending.

With many years of experience supporting live, corporate, hybrid, and outdoor events across the city, AV Productions offers the reliability and technical knowledge needed to keep your event running smoothly and confidently from start to finish.