Planning a live set for a local gig, wedding, or community festival? If you’re sorting sound for a small band or acoustic act, it’s easy to feel a bit out of your depth—especially when there’s more kit than plugs and a hundred ways it could go wrong.
Don’t stress. Whether it’s a chilled acoustic duo at a café or a four-piece playing a village hall, here’s a straightforward guide to mic’ing it all up without the faff.
🎤 Step 1: Know What You’re Working With
Before you even unpack the gear, get clear on:
- How many performers?
- What instruments? (Acoustic guitar? Cajón? Violin? Vocals? drums?)
- Indoor or outdoor? (Affects your speaker choice and shelter needs)
- Audience size? (This helps you avoid under-speccing your sound)
JET tip: For most small acoustic sets, you’re looking at 2–4 mics, a compact mixer, and a PA that doesn’t take up half the venue.
📸 Image idea: A simple 3-piece acoustic band setup at a small venue, with visible mic stands and compact speakers.
🎛️ Step 2: Choose Your Microphones
You’ll want a mix of:
- Wired dynamic mics for vocals or instruments (they’re reliable and budget-friendly)
- Condenser microphones like the Rode NT1-A for studio quality sound vocals or capturing a full range instrument
- Instrument-specific mics, like our AKG Rhythm Pack, great for miking up drums or acoustic instruments
- Wireless mics if you want clean stage aesthetics or for mobile performers
💡 Hiring from JET? Our wired mics are just £15/day and rock-solid. Going wireless? The Shure PG58 is crystal clear and super easy to use.
🧰 Step 3: Bring in a Mixer
Even small setups benefit from a mixer. It gives you control over volume, EQ, and reverb (if you’re feeling fancy). Our Behringer Xenyx 1204 is spot-on for small bands—4 mic inputs, built-in FX, and easy peasy to use. or for more flexability choose the x32 for a no nonsense digital mixer
🎚️ Pro tip: Mic up first, then mix. Start all channels at zero, bring them up one at a time, and listen before tweaking.
🔊 Step 4: Pick the Right Speakers
For smaller, indoor gigs:
- BOSE L1 Compact: Brilliant sound dispersion, minimal footprint. Perfect for up to 100 people.
For outdoor or larger setups:
- LD Stinger 15”: Rugged, loud, and ready to handle wind, crowd noise, and more.
🧡 Bundle it up: Our Indoor Party Sound System includes 2 BOSE L1s, wireless mic, lighting, and a mixer—ready to roll.
🔌 Step 5: Don’t Forget the Stands and Cables
This is the boring bit people forget:
- Mic stands for each mic
- Speaker stands for proper projection
- XLR Snakes if you mixer is away from the stage
- Extension leads and wire floor covers (tripping over a cable mid-solo? Not ideal.)
✔️ We’ve got mic stands at £10/day, XLR Snakes and wire covers that keep things neat and safe, especially for outdoor gigs.
☔ Bonus: Keep it Covered
If you’re outside, rain is always a risk. A 14’x14’ Coleman Shelter with sides gives you a dry, pro-looking space for your performers and gear. Bonus: it doubles as a shaded chill zone for summer sets.
🎶 Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple
You don’t need a truckload of gear or a degree in sound engineering to pull off a great live set. Stick to quality kit, know your space, and get everything set up with time to spare. And if you’re not sure what you need? Just drop us a message we’ll sort you out.
