Beat the Heat: Tips to Keep Your Sound Gear Cool This Summer

Summer is here, and with it comes scorching temperatures that can wreak havoc on your precious sound equipment. From crackling amplifiers to speakers in meltdown mode, excessive heat is the enemy of a smooth-running gig. But fear not, event warrior! With a few proactive strategies we gathered from our Wingmates, you can keep you and your gear happy and your summer events sizzling (in a good way).

Shade is Your Friend:

This one's a no-brainer. Direct sunlight is a heat lamp on steroids for your equipment. When setting up outdoors, prioritize shady areas. If shade is limited, consider using tents, canopies or tarps to create a cool zone for your gear.  Shameless plug: StageWing has tents available for rental, you thank us later.

Location, Location, Location:

Beyond shade, be mindful of where you place your equipment. Avoid spots that radiate heat, like hot asphalt or directly next to scorching grills. Remember, hot air rises, so positioning your speakers on speaker stands can make a big difference. Even where you are storing your speakers and equipment when not in use is key here.

Airflow is Key:

Give your equipment some breathing room! Don't cram everything together in a tightly packed rack. Leave ample space around each unit for proper air circulation. This allows the internal fans to function efficiently and dissipate heat. If possible, position your setup where it can benefit from any natural breezes.

Cleanliness is Next to Coolness:

Dust buildup acts like a thermal blanket, trapping heat inside your equipment. Throughout the summer, take some time to thoroughly clean your gear, paying special attention to vents and fans. A can of compressed air is your best friend here.

Fans-tastic Solutions:

For particularly hot environments, consider strategically placed external cooling fans. These can be aimed directly at the vents of your amplifiers, mixers, or even directly at the backs of speakers. Just be sure the fans are designed for electronics and avoid blowing debris into the vents. One of our Wingmates, DJ Phive Star suggests high-performance paint air movers for concentrated cool air. If you use a laptop with your gear, get one of those laptop cooling fans.

Listen to Your Gear:

Most modern sound equipment comes equipped with thermal overload protection. If a unit starts acting wonky or shuts down unexpectedly, it could be overheating. Take a break, let it cool down, and adjust your setup accordingly. Pushing overheated equipment is a recipe for permanent damage.

Bring Extra Gear:

Just in case of over-exposure to heat, it doesn't hurt to have extra gear on hand and back up systems in place to be be able to play music.

Bonus Tip: Power Down When Not in Use:

Even in standby mode, electronics generate some heat. When your equipment isn't actively in use, completely power it down to minimize heat buildup, especially during transport or storage in hot environments.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your sound equipment safe and ensure your summer gigs are a sonic success. Remember, a cool head (and cool gear) makes for a much smoother performance! Now get out there and rock that stage!