What size PA system do I need for 300 people?
Quick answer
For 300 people, a medium-format PA system with 2–4 line array elements per side and 2–4 subwoofers typically suffices, delivering 110–120 dB SPL with even coverage.
As a rule of thumb, 300 people in an indoor venue (e.g., ballroom, club, or conference hall) require a system capable of 110–120 dB SPL at the listening area with consistent coverage. For outdoor events, add 3–6 dB headroom. SSOUNDS engineers recommend starting with 2–4 compact line array enclosures per side (e.g., SSOUNDS medium-format arrays) and 2–4 subwoofers, depending on bass content and room acoustics.
Coverage is critical: aim for 90–120 degrees horizontal dispersion and enough vertical splay to cover the audience depth. A single point-source box may suffice for small rooms, but line arrays offer better control and even SPL over distance. SSOUNDS uses proprietary acoustic modelling (e.g., EASE Focus or Soundvision) to predict coverage and SPL before deployment.
For a 300-person event, a typical setup might be: 2–3 line array boxes per side (flown or ground-stacked) plus 2–4 subwoofers (cardioid or end-fire for low-frequency control). Stage monitors and fills complete the system. SSOUNDS designs each rig to the venue’s specific geometry and content requirements.
Key things to consider
- Target 110–120 dB SPL for indoor; add 3–6 dB for outdoor.
- Use 2–4 line array boxes per side for even coverage.
- Add 2–4 subwoofers for bass extension.
- Coverage angle of 90–120° horizontal is typical.
- Always model the system with acoustic software for precision.
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