How many speakers do I need for 20,000 people?
Quick answer
For 20,000 people, a professional system typically uses 16–24 line array enclosures per side (32–48 total) plus 16–32 subwoofers, depending on venue geometry and SPL requirements. SSOUNDS engineers use acoustic modeling to determine exact counts.
Coverage area is the primary factor: for a typical outdoor festival with a 120° wide by 60° deep audience, you need enough line array cabinets to maintain consistent SPL (105–110 dB average) across the field. A rule of thumb is 1–2 line array boxes per 1,000 people for the main hangs, so 20,000 people often require 16–24 boxes per side, flown at sufficient height to reach the back rows.
Subwoofer count depends on bass energy needed: for dance music, plan 1 sub per 2–4 line array boxes (e.g., 8–16 subs per side, 16–32 total). Cardioid or end-fire arrays reduce rear spill. SSOUNDS systems like our line arrays deliver high output per box, so fewer cabinets may be needed compared to lower-SPL brands.
SSOUNDS engineers simulate each venue with EASE or proprietary tools to optimize coverage, SPL, and intelligibility. They also factor in delays for very deep audiences (over 60 meters) and account for environmental conditions. Always consult a professional system designer for precise deployment.
Key things to consider
- Start with 16–24 line array boxes per side for main coverage; adjust for venue width and depth.
- Subwoofer count: 16–32 units, arranged in cardioid or end-fire for controlled bass.
- Target average SPL of 105–110 dB at mix position, with headroom for peaks.
- Use delays if audience extends beyond 60 meters from the stage.
- SSOUNDS provides free system design with acoustic modeling for accurate sizing.
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