Choosing the best audio equipment for concert tours is crucial when you aim to deliver exceptional performances for fans each time. Choosing high-quality gear is the best match for your stellar performance. It will ensure superior sound and enhance reliability and durability while you’re on the road and constantly on the move.

Explore the audio equipment every artist and music manager should consider, from essential microphones and in-ear monitors to robust mixing consoles and amplifiers. Investing in the best possible equipment lets you focus on your craft, knowing that your equipment will help you produce great sound every time.

Essential Audio Equipment for Touring Musicians

When considering the best audio equipment for tours, most musicians realize that having high-quality audio equipment is crucial to delivering an exceptional performance that impresses fans. Although there is a range of equipment that the right AV company can provide, some essentials make up the bones of a good performance, and as an artist or music manager, you should consider them closely.

Microphones

Quality microphones are one of the most critical components for live performance. When choosing microphones, consider frequency response, build quality and polar patterns to ensure they meet your touring demands. The main types that come in a range of build and sound quality include:

Dynamic microphones: These mics are known for their durability and are ideal for live vocals and even some instruments. They are undoubtedly less sensitive to background noise than condenser mics and are perfect for loud environments.
Condenser microphones: These mics often provide a superior sound quality but are most certainly more sensitive and will capture detailed audio with clarity. These mics tend to be used for vocals and instruments in quieter settings such as studios and are typically more fragile. They will need phantom power, while dynamic mics do not.
Ribbon microphones: If you’re looking for a warmer and partially vintage sound, such as when using brass and woodwind instruments, then ribbon mics are a good choice. While they can be delicate and tend to be used in controlled environments, they add a unique flair to live performances.

In-Ear Monitors (IEMs)

If you want the best audio equipment for live music, floor monitors might not be sufficient for performances of a specific size. Therefore, in-ear monitors (IEMs) have become essential for musicians to hear themselves clearly while performing on stage. These kinds of monitors differ from traditional stage monitors as the artist receives a personalized mix directly into their ear, which helps in several ways, including reducing the stage noise and preventing potential feedback.

Additionally, the artist benefits from noise isolation when using IEMs, which improves their ability to focus on their performance. Some of the key reasons you might want, particularly custom-molded, high-quality IEMs are that they offer:

Sound quality
Ear comfort
Product durability

Mixing Consoles

Mixing consoles are the brains of any live sound setup. For the best audio equipment for concerts, you’ll want a console you can rely on to balance and control the audio from several sources simultaneously, without fault. When selecting your mixing console, you can choose between two fundamental types:

Digital consoles: These have become extremely popular in modern music performance as they offer several features, like built-in signal processing, built-in effects, the ability to save settings and much more. The scene recall is likely the most notable feature, especially if you have complex setups with several instruments and changes.
Analog consoles: Although they offer less complex functionality, they are sometimes preferred for their ease of troubleshooting and extreme durability.

Your final choice will come down to precise needs and preferences.

Crucial Supporting Audio Equipment

Once you have your essential equipment, premium supporting audio equipment is vital in guaranteeing flawless performances. Items you will need include amplifiers, speakers, public address (PA) systems and cables, which help to deliver a crisp sound while on tour.

Amplifiers

Once you have your inputs sorted, you need something to boost the sound from the various instruments and vocals so you can be heard in any venue. You’ll want a reliable amplifier — or more than one — that provides a sufficient power output to match the size of the venue you’re playing in and the number and types of instruments used.

As a touring musician, you’ll also want to pick one that is portable and easy to transport and set up at the next venue. It would be best if you also looked for the following traits in your chosen amplifiers:

Multiple channels
Built-in effects
Robust construction

Speakers and PA Systems

High-quality speakers and PA systems project the crisp and high-quality sound produced by your vocals and instruments to the vast audience. Having the best instruments and artists performing is good, but you need speakers and PA systems that provide clear, powerful audio through the venue without distortion. You’ll want to consider:

Portability
Power handling
Sound dispersion

Two popular options, depending on your precise needs, include:

Line array systems: These are best for larger venues, primarily as they can ensure consistent sound coverage.
Portable PA systems: These are ideal for smaller venues and help balance power, ease of use and convenience.

Cables and Connectors

It is imperative to opt for the best brand and quality cables available, as these are the veins connecting your entire system. You want cables and connectors that you can rely on to help maintain a reliable setup. With high-quality cables, you are more likely to experience:

Consistent signal
Effective signal without interference
Clear sound transmission

The four main types of cables musicians will need for touring include:

XLR cables: These are commonly used for microphones and audio to ensure balanced audio connections — they help to provide a secure and noise-free signal.
RCA cables: Typically, you use these to connect audio and video equipment, including amplifiers and mixers.
TRS cables: Like XLR cables, TRS cables help provide a balanced audio connection and stereo signals. You will often see them used for instruments and headphones.
Instrument cables: These are designed to connect guitars, keyboards and other instruments to amplifiers or audio interfaces.

Additional Gear for Enhanced Performance

When compiling the top audio equipment for musicians and live recordings, there is some additional gear that can significantly enhance your performance and the recording quality. The following equipment can help to elevate your performance, whether you are on stage or in the studio:

Audio interface: For an interface, you should look for one that offers multiple input and output options and ensures low latency and high audio resolution.
Digital audio workstation (DAW): Regardless of your skill level, you want a user-friendly interface compatible with your computer’s operating system that provides robust editing and mixing features.

Experience the Top Audio Equipment for Musicians With LRAV

If you’re looking for a professional AV team specializing in large gigs such as festivals and tours, then LRAV is the company for you. We have a team of highly trained members and top-of-the-line equipment for your audio, video and lighting needs. We can assist in setting up, running and rigging every one of your performances with extreme fluidity, backed by years of experience.

If you would like to focus on the performance aspect of your next tour and entrust us with setting up and handling all the technical components, contact us to discuss your precise needs today!