Booking & Quotes
How do I book equipment from Oxford Sound Hire?
Order online, call us on 01865 570440, email hello@oxfordsoundhire.com, or use our online quote form. Tell us your event date, venue, guest numbers and what you need the sound or lighting for, and we’ll recommend the right setup.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for weddings, university balls and summer weekends when demand is highest. For urgent or last-minute events, call us directly — we regularly help with short-notice and emergency hires.
How long until I get a quote?
We usually reply within one working day. If your event is urgent, call us and we’ll prioritise your enquiry.
I’m not sure what equipment I need — can you help?
Absolutely. Tell us your venue size, guest numbers and whether the event is indoors or outdoors, and we’ll recommend a suitable PA system, speakers and microphones based on 30+ years of experience matching kit to venues. We’re happy to discuss options, give impartial advice, and provide a free quote — even if you’ve never hired sound equipment before, we’ll explain everything in plain terms so you feel confident about what you’re getting.
Do you offer packages for specific events?
Yes — we have tailored options for weddings, corporate events and conferences, private parties, and outdoor/public events, as well as add-ons like lighting, wireless microphones and DJ decks.
Delivery, Setup & Collection
Do you deliver and set up the equipment?
Yes. Our team will deliver, set up and test all equipment at your venue — generally between 09:00 and 11:00 — and give you a full handover so you feel confident operating everything before we leave. Our engineers then return the following morning to dismantle and collect. If you’d rather set the equipment up yourself, or need different timings, just let us know.
What areas do you cover?
We deliver across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds through our own dedicated fleet, including Abingdon, Witney, Didcot, Banbury, Bicester, Thame and Swindon. For smaller items, we can also arrange courier delivery to other parts of the UK.
How much does delivery cost?
Delivery charges depend on your distance from our Oxford base — enter your postcode on our delivery page for an instant price, or contact us directly if you’d like advice before booking.
Do you offer emergency or same-day hire?
Yes, where stock allows — call us directly and we’ll do what we can to help, especially for last-minute equipment failures or additions.
Equipment & Technical Questions
What type of equipment do you provide?
We supply sound systems, PA equipment, microphones and high-quality lighting. Every item is carefully selected for reliable, top-tier performance, whether you’re hiring a single speaker or a full event setup.
What is a “Sound System Package”?
A Sound System Package includes all the essential components needed to deliver high-quality sound at your event in one bundle — speakers, stands, cables and a mixer, for example. Each package is tailored to a specific use case (weddings, parties, conferences, outdoor events) and designed to be simple and reliable to operate, even with no prior experience.
How big a PA system do I need?
This depends on your guest numbers, venue size and whether it’s indoors or outdoors. Tell us your numbers and venue and we’ll recommend the right system — there’s no need to know the technical details yourself.
Will my phone, laptop or iPad connect to the equipment?
Yes. Our systems support Bluetooth as well as standard cable connections for phones, laptops and DJ equipment, so you can play your own playlist or hand it over to a DJ.
Is the equipment easy to use?
Yes. On delivery and installation, a member of our team will talk you through how to use each piece of equipment and answer any questions, so you’re confident operating it before we leave.
Can a sound engineer be provided?
Yes, we offer the option to include a professional sound engineer for larger or more technical events, or you’re welcome to run simpler setups yourself with our guidance. Contact us for details and pricing.
Can I hire lighting alongside sound equipment?
Yes — we offer disco lights, uplighters, smoke machines and venue/event lighting packages alongside our PA and sound systems, so you can arrange both in one booking.
I need an additional piece of equipment — can you help?
Certainly. If you need extra equipment or have specific requirements beyond a standard package, get in touch and we’ll do our best to source and include it in your hire.
Payment, Discounts & Hire Terms
How do you charge — daily or weekly rates?
We charge daily rental rates, with discounts increasing the longer you hire — up to 40% off depending on duration, and weekly hires can save you more than 50% compared to daily rates. Check our individual equipment pages for full details, or contact us to confirm the rate for your hire period.
Am I eligible for a discount?
Possibly — we offer both account discounts (for repeat or business customers) and multi-day discounts. Contact us with your requirements and we’ll let you know what applies.
How can I pay?
We accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, all major credit and debit cards online, and BACS bank transfer.
Can I extend my hire period?
Yes, if you need to keep the equipment longer than booked, let us know as soon as possible and we’ll do our best to accommodate an extension, subject to availability.
Insurance, Compliance & Responsibility
Are you insured?
Yes, we carry full public liability insurance, covering all equipment and services we provide. Certificates are available on request if your venue requires one.
What about insurance for the equipment while it’s in my possession?
While the equipment is in your possession, you’re responsible for its safekeeping and insurance for the duration of the hire — please make sure you have adequate cover in place.
Is the sound equipment PAT certificated?
Yes, all equipment is fully PAT tested, with a current “Pass” certificate for each item. Our engineers can provide a printout of test results on delivery if you or your venue need one.
What is a JFMG Licence?
A JFMG Licence is required under UK law for certain equipment used in programme-making, entertainment and live events — such as wireless microphones and talkback systems. It ensures compliance with the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 and covers use at conferences, performances and broadcasts. If your event uses wireless microphones, we can advise on what’s needed.
Can I change my equipment order after booking?
Yes, contact us as early as possible — we’ll do our best to accommodate changes to equipment, quantities or timings, subject to availability.
What happens if my event is affected by bad weather (outdoor events)?
Our outdoor PA systems are supplied with weatherproofing and cable protection where required, and our team can advise on contingency planning for wind, rain or power access issues ahead of your event.
What if I have a problem with the equipment during my event?
We’re available to provide technical support throughout your event — call us and we’ll do our utmost to resolve the issue, including replacing equipment if necessary.
Event-Specific Questions
Do you provide sound equipment for weddings?
Yes — from ceremony microphones and speeches through to evening reception music and DJ setups, including options for churches, marquees and Cotswold barn venues.
Can you support corporate events, conferences and hybrid meetings?
Yes, including PA systems for presentations and speeches, and AV support for hybrid/remote meetings using Zoom, Teams or similar platforms.
Do you supply equipment for outdoor events like fetes or sports days?
Yes — we supply weatherproof outdoor PA systems suited to village fetes, sports days, festivals and public announcements, with advice on power and safe cable routing included.
