The help section aims to advise you on what equipment you need for the event you are planning. Below are some frequently asked questions most people have on their mind when planning an event. Technical advice on how to set-up equipment can be found in the technical help section. Advice on what you can use to make your event special can be found in the creative advice section.
What happens when I hire from Onion Audio?
Does Onion Audio deliver equipment?
Ive never used the equipment before. Will your engineer give a demo of the equipment
What equipment is involved in putting on a live band?
What equipment is involved in putting on a DJ?
What equipment do I need to run an iPod disco?
What would a sound engineer do at my event?
What do I need to hold an event outside?
Do Onion Audio hire individual items such as microphones or PAR cans?
How big does my sound system need to be?
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What happens when I hire from Onion Audio?
When you contact Onion Audio we collect all the details we need to give you an accurate quote (venue size, location etc). Once you are happy with the quote and equipment we have suggested, we ask you to fill in a simple online form. This guarantees that we have all the details we need for the event (time, place, contact details etc) so there are no nasty surprises on the day. Once you have submitted the form we can confirm the date with you. Its that simple!
Does Onion Audio deliver equipment?
We deliver and set-up equipment to places in and around Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Hull, Sheffield, Middlesbrough, Nottingham & Derby.
Ive never used the equipment before. Will your engineer give a demo of the equipment?
When delivering & setting up equipment we are leaving you with, our engineers are more than happy to demo the equipment and make sure you are comfortable with everything.
What equipment is involved in putting on a live band?
The equipment required to put a live band on consists of the following. The instruments and amps that the musicians play through. These are typically provided by the band but can be provided by Onion Audio if required. Microphones, cables and stands are the next thing needed. A mixing desk for the engineer to work from is also needed to blend the sound together. The sound system consists of speakers that produce the sound that the audience hears. Monitors are the wedge shaped speakers that play the sound back to the band so they can hear themselves while on a noisy stage. Don’t forget a little stage lighting as well as the actual stage! There are a few more bits but these are the main pieces of equipment you need to get a band up and running.
What equipment is involved in putting on a DJ?
A DJ will require a few simple things to get up and running. Firstly they need to play their music from something. Onion Audio provide professional CD players for DJs to play from as well as industry standard record decks. If the DJ is using their own laptop, that also works well. Next they need a DJ mixer to plug the Laptop, CD player or record decks in to. From there you need to plug in to the sound system. The system will vary depending on the size of the room but the equipment needed is literally that simple. Don’t forget disco lighting & a stage!
What equipment do I need to run an iPod disco?
Putting on your own iPod disco really is simple. All you need is your Ipod or laptop (remember to bring your charger!). That gets plugged in to a small mixer with a volume control (its one fader so its really easy to operate) and then from there the mixer plugs in to the sound system. All you need then are some disco lights and good music!
What would a sound engineer do at my event?
Depending on the event, our sound engineer will arrive with the equipment, setup in the correct place and test that everything is working. If the engineer is leaving the equipment with a DJ they will give instructions on how to operate. If the event is a live band then the engineer will stay at the event to help a band set-up, place microphones in the correct places & mix the sound during the show. At the end of the event the sound engineer would pack down the equipment and load in to the van. Our engineers are passionate about events running smoothly. They will do all they can to make things easier for you and your guests.
What do I need to hold an event outside?
There are a few extra things you need to consider when holding an event outside. The first is power & power distribution. You need to provide sufficient power, usually in the form of a diesel generator. You will then need to distribute the power to the places that need it. Onion Audio can help with both of these issues. The next is protection from the elements. Sound & lighting equipment needs to be covered from the rain so a stage with a roof also is necessary. As with indoor events you need to consider the licensing laws and noise regulations. If you have local residence you may need to work with them as well as the local council to assure the environmental health agency does not close your event down prematurely.
Do Onion Audio hire individual items such as microphones or PAR cans?
Yes! Just ask.
How big does my sound system need to be?
The size of the sound system naturally varies depending on the size of the venue and the nature of the event. We wouldn’t specify the same size system for an acoustic gig and a club night. Our engineers are experienced in specifying the correct equipment depending on the event but a good rule of thumb to start with is to use the 10 watts per person.
