Rain and Live Sound: Protecting Equipment and Performance

Rain poses serious threats to live sound equipment and safety. Water damages electronics, creates electrical hazards, and can end performances abruptly. Proper preparation, appropriate equipment, and smart procedures enable successful events even when weather does not cooperate.

Understanding the Risks

Water and electricity create dangerous combinations. Moisture in electrical connections, power distribution, or equipment chassis creates shock hazards.

Electronic equipment failures from water intrusion can be immediate (shorts) or delayed (corrosion). Equipment that survives initial exposure may fail later.

Speakers with paper cones absorb moisture, swelling and potentially tearing. Even “dried out” speakers may have compromised performance.

Weather-Resistant Equipment

Some professional speakers are designed for outdoor use. JBL AWC series, QSC AD-S series, and EV outdoor-rated speakers tolerate weather exposure.

Weather-resistant does not mean waterproof. These speakers survive rain exposure but still benefit from protection during heavy downpours.

Standard indoor speakers should never operate in rain without complete protection. The damage risk is too high.

Protective Covers

Speaker covers provide first-line rain protection. Custom-fit covers for specific speakers offer best protection; generic covers help but may not seal completely.

Microphone covers protect capsules from moisture. Foam windscreens become saturated and heavy; some engineers remove them in rain.

Console and processor covers protect the most sensitive (and expensive) equipment. Clear covers allow continued operation while protecting.

Stage Coverage Structures

Roofed stages provide the best protection. Equipment and performers stay dry regardless of rainfall intensity.

Tents and canopies offer significant protection though may not fully enclose equipment. Side curtains reduce wind-driven rain intrusion.

Portable roofing over FOH positions protects engineers and equipment at mix position.

Power Safety

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) should protect all outdoor power circuits. These disconnect power when current leakage indicates potential shock hazard.

Keeping power distribution equipment elevated above standing water prevents immersion. Platforms, cases, or improvised risers elevate critical connections.

If water threatens power equipment, shutting down immediately prevents both equipment damage and safety hazards.

Microphone Considerations

Dynamic microphones tolerate moisture better than condensers. The Shure SM58’s reputation includes surviving considerable abuse including moisture exposure.

Condenser microphones are generally more sensitive to humidity and moisture. Protecting condensers is more critical than protecting dynamics.

Wireless microphone receivers contain sensitive electronics and must stay completely dry. Transmitters in performers’ hands may get wet; allowing them to dry before storage prevents corrosion.

Cable and Connection Protection

Cable connections are vulnerable moisture entry points. Wrapping connections with plastic or tape reduces water intrusion.

Routing cables to promote drainage rather than pooling prevents standing water in connectors. Hanging connections off the ground keeps them drier.

Checking connections after rain exposure before powering equipment identifies problems before they cause damage.

Show Decisions

Light rain may be manageable with proper protection. Heavy rain, especially wind-driven, tests even well-prepared setups.

The decision to continue, pause, or cancel belongs to event organizers, but sound crews should communicate equipment and safety concerns clearly.

Pausing during heavy rain then resuming often beats pushing through and suffering equipment damage.

Emergency Procedures

Having tarps and covers accessible allows rapid deployment when rain begins unexpectedly.

Assigning specific responsibilities—who covers what equipment—speeds emergency response.

Planning cable routing and equipment placement to facilitate quick cover-up makes protection practical during active performance.

Drying Out After Exposure

Equipment that got wet should dry completely before powering on. Accelerated drying (fans, low heat) speeds the process.

Opening equipment to air (removing covers, opening cases) improves drying. Some equipment tolerates this; others should only be opened by qualified technicians.

Visual inspection for water intrusion before powering up identifies obvious problems. Less obvious damage may reveal itself during testing.

Insurance and Documentation

Documenting rain damage with photos supports insurance claims. Note what equipment was affected and how.

Some rental agreements and insurance policies have specific provisions about weather damage. Understanding coverage before events clarifies liability.

Professional-grade preparation reduces rain damage risk but cannot eliminate it entirely. Weather remains ultimately uncontrollable.