The most common question we get at Akari: What music system do I need for my number of guests? The short answer: for 50 guests, a compact system with one subwoofer is enough; for 150 guests, you need two powerful subwoofers; from 300 guests, a system with double 18-inch subs or a line array. Here's what really matters – with concrete examples from our rental range.

01. The number of guests is only the starting point

The number of people gives you a first idea, but three other factors matter at least as much:

Type of music: Background music at dinner needs only a fraction of the power a techno set on the dance floor needs.
Indoor or open air: Outdoors, there are no walls to reflect the sound. For open airs, plan on about twice the power.
Room shape: Long, narrow rooms or venues with lots of corners often need several speaker positions instead of one large system at the front.

Our rule of thumb: plan the system for the most demanding situation – usually that's the party after dinner.

DJ event in Berlin with equipment from Akari

Rule of thumb: plan for the party, not for dinner.

02. Our recommendations by number of guests

The following guidelines apply to parties with danceable music indoors:

Up to 50 guests: Funktion One PA system 01 with two F101 tops and an active 12-inch subwoofer – fits in a car.
Up to 100 guests: Funktion One PA System 02 with an 18-inch subwoofer or the System 03 with two F118-MK2 subwoofers for more bass pressure.
Up to 150 guests: Funktion One PA System 05 with F1201 tops or the Coda Audio PA System 02.
Up to 250 guests: Funktion One PA System 09 with double 18-inch subwoofers or the Coda Audio PA System 03 with four subwoofers.
Up to 500 guests: Funktion One PA System 12, System 14 or the line array Coda Audio PA System 04.
From 1,000 guests: Line-array systems like the Coda Audio PA System 05 – here we always plan the sound individually.

For speeches and background music without a dance floor, a single active speaker such as the JBL EON710 with Bluetooth and microphone input.

Outdoors, you need about twice the power.

VOLLKOMMEN Open Air at RIVO on the Spree – DJ setup by Akari

03. Don't forget electricity, space and transportation

A system for 100 guests needs around 1.5 kW, one for 200 guests about 3.5 kW, and large systems 5 kW or more. For weddings in barns or open airs, it's worth checking the power supply – if in doubt, a Generators.

An 18-inch subwoofer weighs around 50 kg, a double 18-inch sub about 100 kg. From around 150 guests, you need a van and two people – or you book our delivery service with setup.

04. Funktion One or Coda Audio?

Both manufacturers stand for club sound at the highest level. Funktion One is standard in many Berlin clubs and sounds particularly punchy and detailed. Coda Audio scores with very compact, lightweight speakers and scales up to large line arrays for festivals.

05. Plan a monitor for the DJ

Anyone DJing needs their own monitor in the DJ booth – otherwise the DJ only hears the room reverb and can't mix cleanly. For this, use our monitor systems without a subwoofer, such as the Funktion One F101 pair.

Frequently asked questions

Is a mixing console included with the setup?

No, our PA systems come with all cables and stands, but without playback devices. DJ equipment or a Mixer can be added to your rental.

Can I set up the system myself?

Yes. Small and medium-sized systems are preconfigured: set up the speakers, plug in the cables, done. From about 300 guests, we recommend setup and support by our technicians.

Better too big or too small?

Better a bit bigger. A system running at its limit sounds distorted and tiring. A bigger system at moderate volume sounds clean – and is easier on your guests' ears.

Are you unsure? Send us your number of guests, venue and music style – we'll recommend the right system. You'll find all systems under Rent a PA system.