Let's talk money
Prices and Quotes
We don't publish a price list because hardly any price list holds true. What we can do is explain in detail what you pay for and why, so you can compare quotes with confidence.
The six factors
What Drives the Price of Sound Rental
Once you understand these six points, you can read any quote in the industry.
How many people, and in what space
This is the number one factor, and for good reason: 80 people in an enclosed room need a fraction of the power required for 800 at an open-air venue, where the sound doesn't bounce off any walls and you have to push much harder.
What will happen on stage
A speech with one microphone is not a DJ, and a DJ is not a band with a drummer. Each step up adds channels, monitors and microphones, and that does show in the quote.
Indoors or outdoors
Outdoors you need more power, protection from sun and rain, ballast for the structures and sometimes a generator. Same event, higher cost.
Where it is and when it's set up
Travel is calculated by town. Set-ups in the early hours, those that must be done in two shifts or those that involve waiting hours between set-up and the event also cost more.
With or without a technician
This is the item most people skip without knowing whether they should. At a birthday party it usually isn't needed; at a congress or a live show, doing without one is the most expensive way to save money.
The date
During the Feria, in May, on June and September weekends and at Christmas there are peaks when equipment is scarce across the whole province. Booking early doesn't just secure the date: it also works out better.
Sample quote
How We Break Down a Quote
All our quotes include these lines. If a quote doesn't, ask why.
| Line | What it should say |
|---|---|
| Equipment | An item-by-item list, with make and model. Not just “sound system”, but which system. |
| Transport | There and back, depending on the town. |
| Set-up and take-down | Estimated hours and in what time slot. |
| Technical staff | How many technicians, how many hours and how late they stay. |
| Extras | Generator, lifts, ballast, special cabling, carpet, skirting… |
| Terms | Deposit if there is one, payment method, cancellation policy and what happens if it rains. |
| VAT | Shown separately. Everything is invoiced. |
Tips
How to Compare Quotes Without Getting It Wrong
Compare equipment, not headlines
Two quotes for a “sound system for 200 people” can differ by twice the actual power. Always ask for makes and models. If they won't give them to you, that tells you something.
Check which hours are covered
A very low price often hides the fact that the technician leaves at 2:00 or that take-down is charged separately. Ask until what time the event is covered.
Ask about backup
What happens if a wireless microphone fails halfway through the ceremony? At important events there should be duplicate equipment. That costs money, and it is the difference between a scare and a disaster.
Be wary of “all-inclusive” without the small print
Transport outside the city, the generator, overtime and SGAE music rights are not invisible: either they are in the quote or they will turn up later.
And the lowest price is rarely the cheapest
An event happens once. A badly done set-up cannot be repeated.
Money questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Price
Can I get the price over the phone in two minutes?
We can give you an approximate range over the phone if you tell us the audience size, location and type of event. We will send you the fixed price in writing within 24 working hours, which is how it should be done.
Do you ask for a deposit?
For rentals without a technician, where the equipment is your responsibility, there may be a deposit. It is always stated in the quote and refunded when the equipment is collected in good condition.
How do I pay?
Usually with a booking payment when you confirm the date and the balance before or on the day of the event. Everything is invoiced.
Is it cheaper if I collect the equipment myself?
For small systems, yes, it can work out a little cheaper. For large systems we don't recommend it: set-up and transport carry more risk than it seems and the saving isn't worth it.
Is it more expensive on a Saturday?
In high season and on key weekends demand is much higher. We don't apply arbitrary surcharges, but available equipment is what counts: the earlier you book, the better the price and the better the equipment.
Do you work with local councils and brotherhoods?
Yes. We issue quotes and invoices with whatever details the organisation needs, and we are used to the deadlines and paperwork they usually require.
Quote
Get your quote
With the date, location and number of guests we can give you an approximate range straight away, and the fixed price in writing within 24 working hours.
