Outdoor speakers for beer gardens, patios and courtyards

A beer garden or courtyard with good music feels like part of the venue. One with tinny or blaring music sends people back inside, or home. Outdoor audio has its own challenges: weather, open space that swallows sound, and neighbours.

Choose speakers rated for outdoors

Indoor speakers fail quickly outside. Look for speakers designed for outdoor use, with an IP rating (ingress protection) suited to where they will be mounted. Covered verandas need less protection than speakers exposed to rain and sea spray. Ask your technician which rating suits each position.

• Stainless or coated mounting brackets that will not rust.
• UV-resistant housings that will not crack in the sun.
• Cable entry points that are sealed or face downwards.

Spread the sound, point it inwards

Open air has no walls to reflect sound, so it fades quickly with distance. Rather than one loud speaker, use several quieter ones around the edge of the space, angled in towards the seating and away from neighbouring properties. Mounting them a little above head height and angled down keeps sound where your customers are.

Keep neighbours on side

Noise rules and liquor licence conditions often set limits on outdoor music, especially in the evening. Check your local council rules and licence conditions, and ask your technician to set the outdoor zone's maximum volume to suit. A separate outdoor zone also lets staff turn it down at a set time without touching the music inside.

Wiring that lasts

• Use cable rated for outdoor or direct burial use where it runs outside.
• Run cable in conduit where people can reach it.
• Keep amplifiers inside, protected from heat and moisture.

See music zones explained to plan indoor and outdoor areas together, then find an audio technician.