How many subwoofers do I need for 20,000 people?
Quick answer
For 20,000 people, you typically need 24–48 high-power subwoofers (e.g., dual 18-inch) depending on venue geometry, SPL targets, and music genre. SSOUNDS engineers use acoustic modelling to determine exact counts for consistent low-end coverage.
A practical rule-of-thumb for large outdoor events is 1–2 high-output subwoofers per 500–1,000 people, translating to 20–40 subwoofers for 20,000 attendees. For indoor or shaped venues, fewer units may suffice due to boundary loading, but more may be needed for even coverage. The target is typically 105–110 dB at FOH with headroom for peaks.
Genre matters: EDM or hip-hop may require 2–3x the sub count of a speech or acoustic event. Cardioid or end-fire arrays can reduce rear spill and improve front-of-house impact, often doubling the effective output per box. SSOUNDS subwoofers are designed for high SPL with low distortion, making them efficient for large crowds.
SSOUNDS engineers use EASE Focus or proprietary modelling to simulate coverage, predict SPL distribution, and optimize sub placement. They consider array coupling, phase alignment, and ground vs. flown configurations. For a 20,000-person event, they typically recommend a mix of front-fill and delay subwoofers to maintain consistent bass across the audience area.
Key things to consider
- Rule-of-thumb: 1–2 high-power subs per 500–1,000 people (20–40 units for 20,000).
- Target SPL: 105–110 dB at FOH with 6–10 dB headroom for peaks.
- Genre and venue shape significantly affect count; EDM may need 2–3x more.
- Cardioid or end-fire arrays improve efficiency and reduce rear spill.
- SSOUNDS uses acoustic modelling for precise deployment and coverage.
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