Can they hear you at the back? Why your microphone matters more than you think.
London is full of amazing events, from fancy galas in Mayfair to busy tech shows at ExCel. But one thing many planners forget is how important sound is.
You could have stunning visuals, jaw-dropping lighting, and a brilliant speaker. But your whole event falls flat if the microphone crackles, cuts in and out, or fails to reach the back row.
The truth is, poor audio can ruin even the most carefully planned event. Your guests might forgive a late start or even a dull slideshow. But if they can’t hear what’s being said? Game over.
That’s why choosing the right microphone and knowing how to use it is not just a technical detail, it’s about finding what works best for your setup.
In this blog, we’ll break down:
- Why quality microphones are a must-have for successful London events.
- The different types of mics and what works best for your setup.
- Common sound mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Pro tips for microphone hire in London.
And how AV Productions can help you sound spot-on from start to end.
Whether you’re planning a boardroom meeting, a big bash, or something in between, this guide will help you avoid sound slip-ups and impress your crowd, loud and clear.
Let’s get into it.
Why can sound quality make or break your event?
You’ve probably been to an event where the mic crackles, cuts out, or echoes so badly you couldn’t follow the speaker. Annoying, right?
Bad sound can make people switch off, mentally and emotionally. And worse, it can hurt your event’s professionalism and overall impact.
- In business events, that could mean lost leads.
- At a wedding, it could ruin the most emotional moment of the day.
- At a fundraiser, it could affect how much people donate.
So when we say sound matters, we mean it.
The different types of microphones (and when to use them)
Not all mics are the same. Each type is built for different settings and speakers. Here’s a quick guide:
Handheld microphones
Best for: interviews, Q&As, casual speeches.
These are the classic choices. They work well when you need control and are easy to hold and pass around. You’ll get great clarity with less background noise. Ideal for award ceremonies and press events.
Best for: Presentations and regular speaking engagements.
Lapel microphones
Small, wireless, and clipped to clothes, these are ideal for a tidy look and moving with freedom. Common at corporate conferences and panel discussions.
Headset microphones
Best for: Active speakers, fitness events & workshops.
The mic stays close to the mouth, so the sound stays steady even when the speaker moves around. Great for events with a lot of audience interaction or movement.
Tabletop or boundary mics
Best for: Roundtable meetings, boardrooms.
These sit on tables and pick up sound from multiple directions. Best used in smaller, quieter spaces where lots of people need to be heard clearly.
Why London venues need special sound planning
From historic halls with high ceilings to glass-walled meeting rooms and outdoor terraces, London venues are varied, and so are their sound challenges.
- Old buildings may echo or distort audio.
- Busy central locations often have outside noise from roads or trains.
- Outdoor events risk sound drifting into the open air.
That’s why it’s crucial to test the sound setup in the actual space before your event. Don’t rely on guesswork. Work with AV technicians like AV Productions who know how to handle tricky spaces.
At AV Productions, we’ve worked across hundreds of London venues. We know what works and what doesn’t.
Wired vs wireless: Which one should you use?
Both have their place.
Wired microphones
- More stable and reliable.
- No risk of battery failure or signal interference.
- Ideal for fixed setups like lecterns or single-speaker events
Wireless microphones
- Clean, cable-free look.
- Speakers can walk freely.
- Better for larger stages or active presentations.
Tip: Test wireless frequencies in advance. London is crowded with signals, so avoid interference on the day.
Pro tips for flawless mic performance
Here’s what event pros do to make sure the sound is smooth and sharp:
- Always bring extra batteries for wireless kits.
- Do a sound check in the venue (not just backstage).
- Place speakers so the whole room can hear clearly.
- Assign individual mics to speakers, especially headsets, to ensure consistent sound.
- Hire a sound engineer if your event is complex or high-profile.
Why you shouldn’t DIY your event audio
Let’s suppose you’ve got a budget. But trying to run the sound system yourself or using cheap equipment can backfire.
A poor microphone setup can lead to:
- Cracking or echoing audio.
- Awkward silences if the mic cuts out.
- Distracted, frustrated guests.
- A loss of professional credibility.
That’s why smart planners work with professionals. At AV Productions, our team handles the full AV setup: mics, speakers, mixers, sound checks, and on-site support.
What to look for in a microphone hire service in London
If you’re planning an event and need microphone hire in London, here’s what you should expect from your AV partner:
- Modern, high-quality microphones (brands like Shure or Sennheiser).
- On-time delivery and full setup.
- Local knowledge of venue acoustics.
- Support during the event (not just drop-and-go).
- The right mic types for your event style.
AV Productions offers all of the above, with a friendly, experienced team based right here in London.
Clear sound is a must, not a maybe
Your microphone might seem like a small detail. But it can have a massive impact on how your event is received.
Don’t leave your sound quality to chance in a busy city like London, where expectations are high and venues are unpredictable. Make microphones a priority, just like your visuals, decor, or speakers.
With the right gear and a trusted team behind you, your audience will stay focused, engaged, and impressed.
Mic hire is just the start; we handle it all
Sure, you could just hire a microphone. But what about:
- Setting levels?
- Testing for feedback?
- Adjusting for room acoustics?
- Balancing multiple mics and audio inputs?
That’s a full-time job on its own.With AV Productions, you don’t need to worry. We offer complete AV hire packages across London. We don’t just hand over the equipment. We stay with you throughout the event to ensure everything works and sounds exactly as it should.
