Professional Sound System & Audio Hire in Manchester
From crisp speech reinforcement for corporate conferences to high-impact live sound for festivals, broadcasts, and live shows, AV LightCraft (AVLC) supplies industry-standard audio equipment across Manchester and the North West.
We stock everything from cost-effective portable PA options to ultra-reliable Yamaha active speakers, powered subwoofers, analogue consoles, and the 96kHz Allen & Heath SQ5+ digital mixing desk.
Audio Hire Equipment & Solutions
Whether you need a quick dry-hire package on a tight budget, an outdoor-rated weatherproof setup, or full-service audio engineering for a multi-zone venue, our inventory scales to fit your venue and budget requirements.
| Equipment Category | Key Hardware & Specifications | Ideal Application |
| Speech & Corporate Mics | • Sennheiser Lectern Mics (Slimline gooseneck condenser mics) • Shure SM7b (Broadcast-quality dynamic mics) • UHF Wireless Systems (Handhelds & discrete headworn/headset mics) | Podium speeches, keynote lectures, executive presentations, live podcasting, hybrid events, and Q&A panels. |
| Stage & Theatre Mics | • Boundary & Float Mics (Low-profile stage edge capture) • Full Band Mic Kits (Shure SM58/SM57, drum mic sets, instrument dynamic & condenser mics) | Theatre productions, choir performances, stage plays, live bands, acoustic ensembles, and orchestral events. |
| Mixing Consoles | • Allen & Heath SQ5+ (48-Channel, 96kHz, RackUltra FX) • Compact & Medium Analogue Desks (4 to 24 Channels) | Live bands, corporate multi-mic panels, hybrid streaming, straightforward acoustic gigs. |
| Mid-to-High Output PA | • Yamaha Speakers (CHR15 – 15″, CHR15M – 15″) • High-Output Powered Subwoofers (DXS18 Mk3 – 18″) | High-clarity speech, full-range audio for live performances, evening parties, and DJ sets. |
| Budget & Portable PA | Entry-Level 12″ Full-Range PA Speakers (300W): Cost-effective, high-clarity active speakers providing ample power and coverage for speech, background music, and small events. | Budget-conscious events, background music, small presentations, and quick dry-hires. |
| Indoor & Outdoor Rigs | • Weather-resistant enclosures, covers • Long-throw horn & column speakers | Outdoor ceremonies, sports days, street festivals, garden parties, and indoor hall events. |
Specialised Microphone Solutions
The right microphone makes the difference between an average event and an exceptional one. We supply complete wireless and wired mic packages tailored to your staging requirements:
Sennheiser Lectern Microphones: Elegant, low-profile gooseneck condenser mics engineered specifically for podiums. They deliver exceptional gain-before-feedback and crisp, intelligible voice projection for executive speeches and lectures.
Stage & Float Microphones: Boundary and float mics designed to sit discreetly along the front edge of a stage or hanging above performers. Ideal for theatre shows, school plays, and choral performances where individual lavalier or handheld mics aren’t practical.
Complete Band Mic Packages: Fully stocked mic kits covering dynamic vocal standards (Shure SM58), instrument mics (SM57), clip-on drum kits, and overhead condensers for full live band reinforcement.
Broadcast & Streaming Quality: Featuring the Shure SM7b dynamic microphone. Designed for hybrid corporate events, live podcast recordings, live streams, and high-spec voice capture requiring studio-grade rejection of background noise.
Hands-Free Headworn Wireless: Low-profile, comfortable headset/headmic systems ideal for active presenters, keynote speakers, fitness instructors, and stage actors.
Handheld Wireless Systems: Professional UHF wireless handhelds featuring clean frequency management for seamless stage movement during Q&A sessions and awards hosting.
Mixing Desks: Analogue Simplicity to 96kHz Digital Precision
Having the right console ensures seamless operation and zero downtime during your event.
Allen & Heath SQ5+ Digital Console
The flagship addition to our hire inventory. Operating on a 96kHz FPGA core, the SQ5+ delivers ultra-low latency (<0.7ms) with studio-grade audio processing.
48 Channels & 12 Stereo Mixes: Ideal for complex band setups, in-ear monitor mixes, or multi-room audio routing.
Built-in Automatic Mic Mixing (AMM): Perfect for multi-person corporate panel discussions or lectern setups using our Sennheiser goosenecks and wireless mics.
Multitrack Recording: Direct 32×32 USB recording for live event capture and virtual soundchecks.
Analogue Mixing Desks
For simpler events, acoustic acts, or quick dry-hire setups, our tactile analogue consoles provide zero-complexity operation—plug in, level up, and go without needing digital menu navigation.
Complete Audio Packages for Any Event & Budget
Need a turnkey solution? We combine matched speakers, subs, consoles, and microphones into ready-to-deploy rigs:
Lectern & Corporate Presentation Package
Sennheiser Lectern Mics + Wireless Handheld for Q&A.
2–4x Yamaha Active Speakers + Compact Mixer / SQ5+.
Best for: AGMs, academic lectures, press conferences, and corporate announcements.
Theatre & Stage Performance Package
Boundary / Float Mic stage package + Wireless Head Mics.
Allen & Heath SQ5+ Digital Desk + Yamaha Active Tops & Monitors.
Best for: Theatre productions, stage plays, school shows, and choir performances.
Full Live Band Package
Complete Band Mic Kit (Drums, Amps, Vocals) + DI Boxes.
High-output Yamaha Tops + Active Subwoofers + Stage Monitors.
Allen & Heath SQ5+ Digital Console + Digital Stage Box.
Best for: Live music venues, festivals, wedding bands, and corporate galas.
Presenter & Hybrid Broadcast Package
Shure SM7b Broadcast Mics or Head worn Wireless Systems.
Allen & Heath SQ5+ (for USB audio interface out/streaming routing) + Yamaha Active Monitor Speakers.
Best for: Hybrid conferences, live podcasts, panel broadcasts, and high-end corporate presentations.
Budget-Friendly / Micro-Event Package (Indoor/Outdoor)
All-in-one compact powered speaker or battery PA system with Bluetooth & wireless mic setup.
Best for: Pop-up retail, outdoor garden parties, small ceremonies, and low-budget community events.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do float and boundary mics work for stage plays or theatre?
Float/boundary mics sit flat on the edge of the stage floor or hang overhead to pick up sound from a wider area. They capture ambient speech from multiple actors walking across the stage without needing to put a personal microphone on every single performer.
Why choose a dedicated Sennheiser lectern mic over a standard microphone?
Gooseneck lectern mics feature isolated capsules that minimize mechanical noise when a speaker touches or bumps the podium. Their tailored frequency response focuses tightly on speech clarity while remaining visual unobtrusive on camera or in front of an audience.
Which is better for my corporate presentation: a lapel mic or a head mic?
While lapels are discreet, head worn (headset) wireless mics position the capsule right next to the presenter’s mouth. This offers much higher gain-before-feedback, consistent volume when turning their head, and superior rejection of room echoes.
Do you have audio hire options for tight budgets?
Yes. We stock compact, entry-level active speakers and all-in-one portable PA systems that deliver clean, intelligible sound at lower price points.
Need a quote for your upcoming event?
Contact our audio team to check equipment availability or discuss venue specs.