How Many Microphones Do You Really Need for Your Event? A Guide for Event Professionals
- STRATUM
- Feb 21
- 2 min read
How often do you think about microphones when planning an event? Probably not all that often. But that doesn’t mean you should overlook this critical detail! The number of microphones you need isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. Luckily, Stratum Live Event Production is here to give you the insight you need to make the right call.
Getting the Right Mic Count for a Flawless Event
At first glance, it might seem easy—just count how many people will be on stage and match that number to the number of microphones. Problem solved, right? Not quite. A seamless event requires careful planning, and microphones play a big role in keeping everything running smoothly.
At Stratum, we use a proven formula to determine the ideal microphone count. This formula ensures smooth transitions between speakers, prevents last-minute scrambling for mics, and allows your event to flow without awkward pauses or AV hiccups.
The Microphone Formula
To determine how many microphones your event needs, consider these four key factors:
People on Stage: Start with the total number of speakers who will be on stage at any given moment.
People on Deck: Next, include speakers who will need to be mic’d up before going on stage, ensuring seamless transitions.
MC Microphones: Your MC should have a dedicated microphone, since they’ll be on and off stage throughout the event.
Q&A Microphones: If you’re including audience Q&A, dedicated handheld microphones (or a throwable mic like Catchbox) are a must.
Why This Matters
If you don’t plan for enough microphones, your event could face delays while speakers switch out mics. Worse, you might have audio disruptions that frustrate both your speakers and audience.
For example, if you have a panel of three speakers on stage, followed by a two-person panel right after, you’ll need additional microphones for the second group to ensure a smooth transition. The last thing you want is your AV team scrambling to swap mics between sessions!
Pro Tips from Stratum
Plan for Breaks: If you’re looking to optimize your microphone count, schedule large panels right before breaks. This gives the AV team time to reset mics without interrupting the flow of content.
Use Combo Kits: Ask your AV provider about combo kits that allow flexibility between handheld and lavalier microphones. This can save budget and provide more options for your speakers.
Communicate Early: Work with your AV team ahead of time to make sure they understand your event’s flow and microphone needs. The more they know in advance, the smoother your event will run.
Let’s Make Your Event Seamless
We specialize in making sure every technical detail is handled so you can focus on delivering an incredible experience.
Need help figuring out the right microphone setup for your event? Let’s talk!