Event days are stressful enough without technical difficulties. Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate meeting, or live concert, even minor audio-visual issues can interrupt the flow of your program and distract your audience. While not every situation can be predicted, most AV problems come down to a few common causes that can be avoided with proper setup, testing, and backup plans.

The following are five of the most common AV equipment problems that occur during live events and practical ways to fix or prevent them.

1. Sound Feedback and Distortion

That sharp, high-pitched squeal you sometimes hear from a speaker is called feedback. It happens when sound from the speakers re-enters the microphone and loops repeatedly, amplifying itself until it becomes unbearable. Distortion, on the other hand, is when your sound becomes muffled or crackling because of signal overload.

Why it happens

Feedback often occurs when microphones are positioned too close to speakers, when the gain is set too high on the mixer, or when room acoustics create echo and reverb. Distortion usually results from pushing the system beyond its output capacity or from faulty cables.

How to fix it

• Keep microphones behind the speakers, not in front of them, to prevent sound loops.
• Lower the master volume or gain slightly until the squealing stops.
• Use directional microphones that pick up sound from the front only.
• Check cables for fraying or loose connectors that may cause signal interference.

Prevention tips

Before your event, test microphone placement and speaker orientation. If the venue has challenging acoustics, such as high ceilings or reflective walls, add sound-dampening materials or use equalizer settings to control mid-to-high frequencies.

2. Microphone or Speaker Failure

Few moments are more awkward than a silent microphone in the middle of a speech. Equipment failure can happen to even the best systems, but the root cause is usually simple.

Why it happens

Dead batteries, loose connections, wireless interference, and muted channels are the most common culprits. For wired systems, damaged cables or ports can also cause dropouts.

How to fix it

• Always check that the microphone or wireless pack is powered on and has fresh batteries.
• Inspect cables for visible damage and make sure connectors are firmly seated.
• Verify that the correct input channel is active on your mixer.
• For wireless systems, change the frequency if there’s interference from other nearby devices.

Prevention tips

Test all microphones and speakers during setup. Keep extra batteries, cables, and a backup wired microphone available. If you’re using multiple wireless mics, label each one clearly and assign channels to avoid cross-signals.

3. Poor Lighting or Visual Clarity

Lighting and visuals create the mood for your event. Poor lighting can make photos and videos look flat, while weak visuals can make screens difficult to see. Guests may miss key moments simply because they can’t see them well.

Why it happens

Lighting issues often arise from mismatched brightness levels, insufficient light placement, or failure to adjust lighting as natural light changes. Visual clarity problems typically stem from underpowered projectors or LED screens that aren’t bright enough for the space.

How to fix it

• Reposition lights to eliminate shadows and dark corners, especially near the stage or podium.
• Adjust projector brightness and contrast; increase lumens if the image looks washed out.
• Use blackout curtains or shades if daylight is overpowering your visuals.
• Replace burnt-out bulbs or dim fixtures as soon as possible.

Prevention tips

Always do a full lighting rehearsal with your speakers, performers, or DJ in position. Walk around the venue to check how light and visuals appear from different angles. If possible, record a quick test video to confirm that everything looks balanced on camera.

4. Connectivity and Cable Issues

AV setups often depend on a network of cables connecting mixers, speakers, projectors, and control devices. A single faulty cable or mismatched connector can bring your system to a halt.

Why it happens

Cables wear out over time, pins bend, and connections can loosen during setup or teardown. Using the wrong type of cable for a device can also result in no signal or poor quality transmission.

How to fix it

• Check that all cables are firmly plugged into their designated inputs and outputs.
• Use quality cables rated for the signal type (HDMI, XLR, TRS, etc.).
• Replace any frayed or kinked cables immediately.
• Label your cables to prevent confusion during setup and teardown.

Prevention tips

Store cables properly, coiled neatly and secured with Velcro ties. Avoid running them where they might be stepped on or pinched by furniture. Keep spares on hand, and test every connection before the event begins.

5. Projector or Display Problems

Projectors and displays are central to many presentations, but they can be temperamental. A frozen screen or missing image right before a presentation can delay your schedule and frustrate attendees.

Why it happens

Common causes include incorrect input settings, low-resolution mismatches between laptop and projector, overheating, or faulty cables. Dusty filters and old bulbs can also lead to dim or flickering images.

How to fix it

• Confirm the source input on the projector matches your connected device.
• Adjust resolution settings on the laptop or media player to match the projector’s native resolution.
• Clean the projector lens and air filter to prevent overheating.
• If the image cuts out intermittently, swap HDMI or VGA cables.

Prevention tips

Before the event, test your presentation on the exact projector you plan to use. Keep spare bulbs, cables, and adapters available. Avoid moving projectors once they’re aligned, and make sure they have adequate airflow to prevent overheating.

Quick Reference: Common AV Problems and Fixes

Final Thoughts

Most AV equipment problems can be avoided with preparation, testing, and backup plans. Create a simple checklist that covers every major component: sound, lighting, visuals, and connectivity. Conduct a full run-through the day before your event, if possible, and allow extra setup time to handle surprises calmly.

Even small adjustments, like lowering a gain knob or swapping a cable, can make a big difference in maintaining smooth, professional audio-visual performance. With a bit of foresight and the right troubleshooting habits, you can keep your event running flawlessly from the first speech to the last song.

If you need help with proper AV setup or need to rent AV equipment in Lubbock, TX, you can count on Shannon Sound & Lighting. Contact us today to get started.