Speaker Rigging

Disclaimer: The following page is just for your reference only as to what type of hardware a qualified installer should use. Please do not try to hang speakers or any other hardware yourself. Only an experienced and qualified installer should hang speakers (or any other equipment for that matter).

BUYING GUIDE - SPEAKER RIGGING

When flying speakers, it is important to use the right hardware to do it. I really cannot stress this enough. We are talking about life and death stuff here. The last thing you need is for someone to be up front at the altar, and a 200 pound speaker fall on them. So with that said, we will start by comparing the wrong hardware vs the right hardware. We'll also be talking about what a professional installer should be using in your install. Below are some common pieces of hardware used to hang speakers. The hardware on the left, is the right way, and the hardware on the right, is the wrong way.

Right

Make sure the installer runs a wire or a pull tie through the hole of the bolt and secure it around the shackle to ensure the bolt doesn't back out.

Right

Wrong

Definitely Wrong

Wrong

As solid as this may look, it can be incredibly unsafe. One reason is that it is very difficult to get the nuts tight enough to ensure the cable won't slip under a heavy load. The cable to the left is a safer alternative, or a
speaker rigging chain is even safer.

All Kinds Of Wrong

Wrong

Wrong - On So Many Levels

WHERE TO GET THE SUPPLIES

So obviously, an installer is not going to be able to find the appropriate hardware to fly your speakers in a hardware store (although in a pinch, I found some 10mm drop-forged eye bolts at a local Grainger store on a couple of occasions). If he/she says, "Hey, lemme go down to that True Value to get some stuff to hang yer speakers," you may want to find someone else to do the job.

Now with that said, one of the most accessible and best companies I have found to order these supplies is Full Compass. A brand that I have used before, and have had a lot of really good luck with, is Adaptive Technologies Group.

Every church can be very different in what they need. Please do not attempt to hang any speakers by yourself. This really needs to be done by a professional installer. The main intent of this page is so that when you hire someone to do it, you will know what you should be getting, and how it should look. I have seen some "professional" installs that were very dangerous because it wasn't done right. I also personally know of a church where a speaker fell during a service and killed someone because they thought they would save money and install their system by themselves. Placing a pair of speakers on some speaker stands is one thing, but hanging 200 pound speakers 30 feet in the air, is something totally different.

**Just So You Know - I am not in any way affiliated with any companies mentioned. My selections on what the best gear is, is from direct personal experience with said items. I have nothing to gain by recommending any piece of gear, other than the piece of mind knowing you'll be getting reliable stuff that works.