The right sound company is the one whose proposal answers specific questions: which system, why that system for your room, who the engineer is, what backs up the microphones, and what happens if the schedule runs long. If a quote can't answer those, it isn't comparable yet.
These are the questions an engineer asks when reviewing a proposal for a client. They work for weddings, private parties and corporate events across Los Angeles and the South Bay.
The system
- Which speaker system, and how many boxes? A proposal should name the system and the quantity, not "full sound system."
- Why that system for this room? The answer should mention the room's size and shape, where guests sit, and whether you need front fills or delay speakers for the back.
- Can you show a coverage plot or prediction? For larger rooms and outdoor spaces, a prediction shows whether every seat gets even, clear sound.
The people
- Who is the lead engineer (the A1), and what have they mixed? Ask for the name of the person who will actually run your event.
- Who is the point of contact on the day? One named person should own audio from load-in to the last song.
Microphones and wireless
- How many wireless microphones, and which kind? Handhelds for toasts, lavaliers or headsets for presenters, and a plan for each speaker.
- What are the backups? Spare mics, fresh batteries and a plan if a channel drops.
- Who coordinates frequencies? Hotels and convention centers can be crowded with wireless signals.
Schedule, labor and overtime
- What are the load-in, sound check and strike times? Sound check should happen before guests arrive, not during cocktail hour.
- What does overtime cost, and when does it start? Events run long. Know the terms in advance.
- What's included, and what's extra? Delivery, setup labor, power distribution and any venue fees should be visible in the quote.
Your venue and program
- Has the company worked with your venue's rules? Many hotels and estates have rules for outside vendors, load-in access, power and sound levels. Ask the venue early as well.
- For outdoor ceremonies: how will wind, distance and power be handled, and how will vows reach the last row?
- For live bands: who handles the stage plot, input list and monitors?
- For livestreams or recordings: is there a separate program mix, so remote viewers don't hear the room's echo?
- For private estates: how will the system keep the party full while staying considerate of neighbors?
How to compare two proposals side by side
Lay the quotes out line by line: equipment, crew and hours, labor, delivery, overtime terms, and anything listed as optional. When one quote is lower, find the line that explains it, such as fewer speakers, no backup microphones, a shorter crew call or overtime that starts sooner. The goal is to compare the same show, not the same price.
Proposals are easiest to compare when every vendor quotes the same specification. That's the first thing an independent consultant writes. What an event audio consultant does.
Have a proposal already?
Snake Audio reviews vendor proposals line by line and can help you get comparable quotes for weddings, corporate events, private parties and holiday parties. Snake Audio is event audio consulting by Jacob Moore, a freelance L-Acoustics systems engineer based in Redondo Beach, CA, serving the South Bay and Los Angeles. Request a consultation and mention the quote you have.