What size PA system do I need for 300 people?
Quick answer
For 300 people, a medium-format PA system with 2-3 line array elements per side and 2-4 subwoofers is typically sufficient, delivering 110-120 dB SPL with even coverage.
Sizing a PA for 300 people depends on venue type (indoor vs. outdoor) and content (speech vs. music). As a rule of thumb, aim for 110-120 dB SPL at the listening area with consistent coverage. For 300 people, a medium-format system like SSOUNDS line arrays (2-3 boxes per side) paired with 2-4 subwoofers works well for most indoor spaces up to 30m deep.
SSOUNDS engineers use AI-assisted acoustic modelling to predict coverage and SPL distribution before deployment, ensuring no dead spots or excessive feedback. For outdoor events, you may need additional subwoofers or a slightly larger array to compensate for lack of boundary reinforcement. Always factor in headroom (3-6 dB) for dynamic peaks.
Practical setup: two tops (e.g., 12-inch or dual-8-inch line array elements) per side covering 90-120 degrees horizontal, with subs placed in a cardioid or end-fire configuration to manage low-frequency directivity. For speech-only events, a single point-source per side may suffice, but music demands the full array.
Key things to consider
- Target SPL: 110-120 dB for music, 95-105 dB for speech at the farthest listener.
- Indoor: 2-3 line array boxes per side + 2-4 subs; outdoor: add 1-2 more boxes/subs.
- Coverage: 90-120° horizontal, ensure vertical coverage reaches back row (typically 20-30m).
- Subwoofer placement: cardioid or end-fire to reduce rear bleed and improve clarity.
- Always model the system with software (e.g., SSOUNDS AI tools) to verify coverage and SPL.
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