What is AV Equipment?

AV equipment (short for audio-visual equipment) is the sound, video and display gear used at events, such as microphones, speakers, mixing desks, projectors, LED screens and lighting. The term is most common at conferences, corporate events and venues for hire, while concerts more often talk about "production".

How AV equipment works at an event

AV usually falls into four groups:

  1. Audio: microphones, a PA system, a mixing desk and, for performers, monitor speakers.
  2. Video and display: projectors and screens, LED walls, confidence monitors and cameras for streaming or recording.
  3. Lighting: stage wash, spotlights and a lighting desk to control them.
  4. Control and connectivity: video switchers, presentation laptops, clickers, cabling and two-way radios for the crew.

A venue either supplies AV in-house, as part of a wet hire, or the client brings an external AV company on a dry hire. Venues often agree the AV list when a client first sends an enquiry, which is easier when hire requests come through forms in Crescat.

AV equipment vs backline

AV is the system that lets an audience hear and see the event. Backline is the band's own instruments and amplifiers on stage. At a concert, the PA and screens are AV; the guitar amps and drum kit are backline.

Example AV list for a 200-person conference

  • PA speakers and a digital mixing desk
  • Two handheld radio mics and two lapel mics
  • Lectern with a fixed microphone
  • Projector and screen, or an LED wall
  • Confidence monitor facing the stage
  • Presentation laptop, video switcher and wireless clicker
  • Stage wash lighting
  • An AV technician for the full day

Frequently asked questions

Should I use a venue's in-house AV or an external supplier?

In-house AV is usually simpler, because the equipment is installed and the technicians know the room. An external supplier makes sense when you need more than the venue offers, such as an LED wall or a streaming setup. Check whether the venue charges a fee for bringing in outside AV.

Who operates AV equipment at an event?

An AV technician or engineer runs it, supplied by the venue or the AV company. Larger events add a sound engineer, a lighting operator and a video operator, led by a technical director.

What is the difference between AV and event production?

AV refers to the equipment itself. Event production is the wider job of planning and running the event's technical side, including AV, staging, rigging, crew and the run of show.

Related terms