What size PA system do I need for 20,000 people?
Quick answer
For 20,000 people, you typically need a large-scale line array system capable of 105–110 dB SPL at the mix position, with 16–24 enclosures per side and 24–40 subwoofers, depending on venue geometry and music genre.
Sizing a PA for 20,000 people requires balancing coverage, SPL, and low-frequency impact. A good rule of thumb is to aim for 105–110 dB SPL at the mix position (around 100–150 ft from stage) with at least 6 dB of headroom. For a typical outdoor festival or large arena, this translates to 16–24 full-range line array enclosures per side (left/right) and 24–40 subwoofers, often flown or ground-stacked in cardioid arrays to control rear radiation.
Coverage is equally critical: the system must maintain even SPL across a wide horizontal angle (90–120°) and vertical coverage tailored to the audience depth. SSOUNDS engineers use AI-assisted acoustic modeling to predict coverage and optimize array configuration, ensuring every seat gets clear, consistent sound. Factors like venue shape, stage height, and crowd density also influence box count.
For music genres with heavy bass (EDM, hip-hop), you may need more subwoofers—up to 40 or more—to achieve the desired low-end impact. Always add 20–30% headroom for reliability. SSOUNDS systems are designed to meet these demands with precision, offering scalable solutions that deliver world-class performance for large-scale events.
Key things to consider
- Target 105–110 dB SPL at mix position with 6 dB headroom for 20,000 people.
- Use 16–24 line array enclosures per side and 24–40 subwoofers as a starting point.
- Coverage must be modeled: horizontal 90–120°, vertical tailored to audience depth.
- Add 20–30% more subs for bass-heavy genres; cardioid sub arrays reduce rear bleed.
- SSOUNDS uses AI-assisted modeling to spec systems precisely for each venue.
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