1

Assess Your Venue and Audience Size

Before selecting equipment, evaluate your space:

• Measure room dimensions and ceiling height
• Note acoustic challenges (hard surfaces, carpeting, glass)
• Count expected attendees
• Determine if you need single or multiple speaker zones

A 50-person boardroom needs vastly different audio than a 500-person ballroom.

2

Select Appropriate Microphones

Choose based on your presentation style:

• Podium/Lectern Mic: Best for formal presentations
• Lavalier (Lapel) Mic: Ideal for mobility and natural movement
• Handheld Mic: Offers flexibility for Q&A sessions
• Wireless Options: Essential for larger venues to avoid cable hazards

Always have backup batteries and test wireless systems 30 minutes before the event.

3

Choose and Position Speakers

• Main speakers should face the audience at ear level or slightly above
• Avoid placing speakers near corners (creates bass buildup)
• For larger rooms, use distributed speakers rather than single-source audio
• Test audio coverage in back corners and edges

4

Set Up Your Audio Mixer and Levels

• Connect microphones and input devices to your mixer
• Set input levels to peak between -12dB and -6dB (not in the red)
• Adjust output levels so speech is clear without distortion
• Create a simple mixing workflow—assign speakers to specific channels
• Use faders rather than gain knobs for real-time control

5

Conduct a Full Sound Check

• Test all microphones at different distances
• Verify wireless mic range throughout the venue
• Check speaker coverage—walk the room and listen
• Adjust equalization if needed (reduce feedback frequencies)
• Confirm backup systems are ready
• Document all settings for easy troubleshooting