Speaker Rental and Setup Preparation: Beginner DJ’s Guide in Lebanon
Introduction
Lebanese folks sure know how to throw a great party! The love for music and the vibrant nightlife have become integral parts of Beirut's culture. This cultural shift has sparked a growing interest in DJing, music production, and event production, with many enthusiasts embracing these creative pursuits. Moreover, the city has seen a surge in new bars and nightclubs, creating exciting opportunities for people to enjoy the lively scene. It's a dynamic blend of music, culture, and nightlife that's shaping Beirut into a hub of entertainment and creativity.
What begins as a passion can quickly evolve into a part-time job or more. As your skills progress, invitations to DJ at birthdays and other celebrations become a possibility. This is the point at which you'll find yourself in need of speakers for your gigs, a crucial step not only for delivering a quality sound system but also for setting your final price. If you are reading this post, chances are you're the designated DJ or event planner, seeking guidance on rentals.
How many speakers do you need? What sizes and specifications should you consider? What challenges might you anticipate? In this blog, I provide you guidance, drawing from several years of experience DJing and renting speakers in Lebanon and abroad.
Start with a pair
Let’s not complicate things — it all starts with a pair of speakers to create a proper stereo effect, with the audio signal split between the left and right channels. Here are some important questions to ask yourself :
Can a pair of 12” speakers do the job, or do I need the standard 15” speakers?
Do I need an extra pair of speakers, or is one pair enough?
Is a subwoofer necessary for the event?
Should I ask for monitors, or can I skip them?
What about the DJ table?
Should I add lighting to improve the atmosphere?
Let’s Begin
To answer these questions, you should consider these 5 key factors:
Size of the crowd
Size of the venue
Indoor/Outdoor
Genre of the music
Budget of the client
Why is the environment important?
The size of the crowd, the dimensions of the venue, and whether the event is indoor or outdoor are the key factors in determining the right speaker setup. Sound behaves differently depending on the environment, and understanding these basics helps ensure proper coverage and audio quality. Large crowds naturally absorb sound energy — especially high frequencies — which means that as the number of people increases, more acoustic power is required to maintain clear and balanced sound throughout the space.
Venue size also plays a major role: the larger the area, the more speaker coverage and output are needed to evenly distribute sound without losing clarity or volume.
Outdoor setups are even more demanding because there are no walls or ceilings to reflect and contain the sound, causing audio to disperse much faster. As a result, outdoor events typically require more powerful speakers, additional coverage points, and often subwoofers to achieve the same impact as an indoor venue.
Selecting the proper setup is therefore not only about loudness, but about understanding how sound interacts with people and space.
What size to consider?
NB: Sizes in this illustration are not to scale
Commonly used speaker sizes include 12, 15, and 18 inches. The 15-inch size is often considered the largest standard PA speaker, with the 18-inch size reserved for subwoofers designed to deliver powerful low-frequency sounds. Rental companies typically provide 15-inch speakers, and it's worth noting that these are often not used at their full capacity.
To reduce costs, opt for 12” speakers whenever the event setup and venue size can be adequately covered by them.
Below is a simplified guide to choosing the number of pair and size of the speakers.
Do I need a monitor?
Image from the internet
In a professional DJ setup, having a monitor speaker is generally considered essential, as it allows the DJ to hear the mix clearly and accurately while performing. However, for a more budget-friendly setup, it is possible to mix exclusively through headphones, eliminating the need for dedicated monitor speakers. While this approach can work well, it may create some discomfort because the main speakers are designed to project sound toward the audience rather than directly toward the DJ. In addition, their volume must be adjusted for the entire venue, making it difficult for the DJ to control what they personally hear during the mix.
Do I need a subwoofer?
A subwoofer is a specialized speaker designed to reproduce low-frequency sounds, and it plays a major role in enhancing the overall energy and depth of the sound system. Subwoofers are commonly available in 15” and 18” sizes. In some cases, we cannot omit the need for a subwoofer, especially in clubs, dance parties, outdoor events, or large venues where powerful bass makes the music more impactful and immersive.
A subwoofer is vital for some music genres such as House and Techno. However, a subwoofer is not always necessary. For softer events such as lounges, small indoor gatherings, background music settings, corporate events, or casual celebrations, full-range 15” speakers can often provide sufficient bass on their own. The decision to include a subwoofer should therefore depend on the venue size, event atmosphere, music style, and the budget.
What is a DJ table?
Not every table is a DJ table, but in many cases, almost any stable table can serve the purpose. A DJ table is specifically designed at an appropriate height for comfortable mixing and often includes openings or space for cable management and equipment organization. Using a proper DJ table always creates a more professional and organized appearance.
In some cases, the host may provide a regular table. When this happens, it is recommended to use a table cover to conceal the area underneath, including cables and equipment, helping maintain a clean and elegant setup. Proper cable management is especially important to preserve the overall aesthetic of the event and ensure a professional presentation.
With Soundosra, you can also benefit from a complimentary DJ table with each booking.
Do I need lighting?
Lighting is a commonly overlooked aspect for event organizers. Renting lighting elements, such as LED bars or PAR LEDs, can greatly enhance the party's ambiance. Two PAR LEDs that operate automatically or can be controlled by you, your best friend using a laptop, or even a light controller, add an extra layer to the experience. If the client approves your proposal, you could consider charging an additional fee for operating the lighting simultaneously while you DJ or having your friend manage it alongside you.
How much does it cost to rent speakers?
Speakers’ renting costs can depend on several aspects that are related:
Number and size of the speakers
Delivery and Installation
Characteristics and brand of the speakers
| Setup | Components | Average Cost ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Setup 1 | Pair 15 ‘‘ | 120 |
| ----------- | ------------------------------- | ----------------------- |
| Setup 2 | Pair 15’’ + Single subwoofer | 250 |
| ----------- | ------------------------------- | ----------------------- |
| Setup 3 | 2 Pairs 15’’ + Pair subwoofer | 450 |
Conclusion
Choosing the right DJ and speaker setup is all about understanding the event’s needs and finding the right balance between sound quality, venue size, audience experience, and budget. From selecting the appropriate speakers and subwoofers to organizing cables, monitors, and lighting, every detail contributes to creating a successful and professional event atmosphere.
About the Author
Patrick Haddad, also known as Pathrck, began his journey in 2016 in Beirut, where he learned DJing at Pervurt. Since then, he has continued developing his career as a DJ and music producer, driven by a strong passion for evolving music scenes.