Audio & Sound.
Every word matters.
PA system hire, sound engineering and practical audio support — from a microphone for a meeting to live performances and larger events.
engineeringExperience across live events and productions.
PA systemsQuality sound equipment for different event sizes.
expertiseSound tailored to the space and audience.
supportHire, setup and experienced operation.
optionsHearing-loop systems available on request.
What does an audio & sound service include?
An audio and sound service provides the equipment and technical expertise needed to make speech, music and other sound clearly audible at an event.
It can include PA system hire, speakers, microphones, mixing equipment, sound engineering, setup and technical operation. The right combination depends on your venue, audience and whether the sound is for speeches, presentations, live performances or background music.
Based in Castlemorton, near Malvern, Hillside provides audio and sound support throughout Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire. For suitable larger or specialist projects, we can also travel further across the UK.
Tell us what you're planning →Sound systems sized to the occasion.
A small meeting and a live concert need different approaches. These examples show how sound provision can scale, without turning your event into a fixed package.
Compact sound systems
For small meetings, speeches, ceremonies and background music.
- Compact or column speakers
- Microphone and stand
- Bluetooth music playback where appropriate
- Battery-powered options for locations without mains electricity
Medium sound systems
For larger audiences, presentations and events requiring wider coverage.
- Additional speakers as needed
- Wired or wireless microphones
- Mixing and sound distribution
- Subwoofers where appropriate
Larger & live sound
For bands, concerts, festivals and technically demanding productions.
- Multiple microphones and mixing
- Appropriately scaled speaker systems
- Sound engineering and operation
- Additional specialist crew when needed
These are illustrations, not fixed audience capacities or priced packages. Venue acoustics, layout, programme and audience size all affect the right setup. Battery-powered options may run for around 8–10 hours depending on the equipment and use.
Not sure which sound system you need? Tell us about your venue, audience and event, and we’ll help work it out.
Not sure what you need? Let’s talkThe right sound for your setting.
From spoken presentations to performances and outdoor events, the venue and programme help shape the audio setup.
Help everyone see and hear.
For larger meetings, conferences, ceremonies and events with audiences in different areas, sound reinforcement can be complemented by live video relay. A live camera feed of speakers or proceedings can be shown on additional screens, helping people follow the event when they cannot see the stage directly.
Clear sound takes more than volume.
Reflective surfaces can make speech unclear, while large venues need carefully managed sound coverage.
Our team’s sound-engineering experience guides speaker placement, equalisation (EQ), system tuning and speaker numbers.
In churches and other reflective venues, several smaller speakers at controlled levels can work better than increasing the volume at the front.
- Equipment chosen to suit the acoustics
- Speaker placement and sound distribution
- System tuning for intelligibility and balance
- Solutions for churches, venues and outdoor spaces
Built for the performance.
Live bands, theatre and performances have different demands from speech-only events.
Hillside can supply sound systems, microphones, mixing and experienced engineering. The equipment and support are matched to the performers, instruments, audience and venue.
Where projects need more hands on deck, specialist sound engineers and crew can be brought in to support the production.
Discuss live soundHelping more people hear and take part.
Hillside can provide induction-loop equipment for people using compatible hearing aids or listening devices. Discuss accessibility needs when planning the audio.
Hardwired hearing loops
A cable loop installed around a defined area to transmit audio to compatible hearing aids or receivers.
Portable hearing loops
Compact battery-powered devices positioned near listeners. One unit can serve several people seated close together, depending on the setup.
Available on request: hearing loops are not automatically included with every hire. Let Hillside know about any access requirements early so the options can be discussed.
From equipment hire to experienced operation.
You can hire just the equipment you need, or arrange the support to make sure it is set up and operated correctly.
Equipment only
Dry hire for clients and AV professionals who already know how to use the equipment.
Delivery & setup
Equipment delivered, positioned, connected and tested where required.
Sound operation
Experienced technical support for events involving speakers, performers or live changes.
Wider production
Audio working alongside lighting, video and other specialist technical requirements.
Good sound starts with good planning.
A few details make it much easier to recommend the right sound system.
What size PA system do I need?
It depends on audience numbers, the layout and acoustics of the venue, and whether you need speech reinforcement, background music or live sound. Hillside can recommend a suitable setup after discussing your event.
Can I hire a PA system for a small meeting?
Yes. A compact system with speakers and a microphone may be all that's required. Battery-powered speaker options are available where mains power is limited.
Do I need a sound engineer?
Not always. Dry hire can be suitable if you know how to operate the equipment. An engineer may be helpful when you have performers, multiple microphones or sound that changes during the programme.
How many microphones should a panel discussion have?
Ideally, each panellist should have suitable access to a microphone. Remember to plan for audience questions too; people at the back may not hear someone speaking without amplification.
Can you help presenters use microphones properly?
Yes. Hillside can offer practical microphone guidance, including positioning and speaking distance, to improve clarity.
Can you provide sound for churches or echoey venues?
Yes. Sound distribution, speaker positioning and equalisation can help improve intelligibility in highly reflective spaces such as churches and cathedrals.
Do you provide hearing-loop equipment?
Yes. Hardwired and portable induction-loop options are available on request. Please explain the accessibility requirements when enquiring.
Which areas do you cover?
Our main area covers the three neighbouring counties of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire. We can discuss travel elsewhere in the UK for suitable projects.
Great sound starts with a conversation.
You don't need to know which microphones, speakers or sound system you need. Tell us what you're planning, where it's happening and how many people you're expecting. We'll help work out the right solution.
Discuss your sound requirements