The short answer
For fully acoustic ensembles (string quartet, Ensemble DRE), no PA is needed; for Swamba and Belpop Acoustic it's included; for the Belpopband and DJ Stecks, PA is billed separately (expect €300–€800). So always ask explicitly when requesting a quote.
What is a PA system?
PA stands for Public Address: the system of speakers, mixers and monitors an ensemble uses to sound amplified. Small acoustic ensembles don't need it. Cover bands and larger line-ups need it as essential. The confusion arises because PA is included in the fee for some ensembles, but not others.
Per ensemble: the situation laid out
Ensemble DRE — fully acoustic, no PA needed
Four musicians, fully unamplified. No PA, no technician, no power socket. Ideal for historic venues, outdoor events or spaces with sound restrictions.
Desguin Kwartet — fully acoustic, no PA needed
Two violins, viola and cello — unamplified. Sound carries naturally in most ceremony venues. For very large spaces, subtle amplification can be discussed.
Along Comes Mary — PA included up to 50 people
Along Comes Mary brings its own PA for events up to a maximum of 50 people. For larger spaces or larger line-ups (trio through quintet), external PA isn't included and is billed separately or provided by the venue.
Belpop Acoustic — PA included
The acoustic duo brings its own PA — suited to small-scale events and receptions.
Swamba — PA included
Swamba brings its own PA, suited to spaces up to 100–150 people. For larger venues, the PA requirement is discussed separately.
Belpopband — own PA, not included in fee
The Belpopband has a professional sound system of its own, but this is separate from the fee and billed separately. Not every event has the same PA requirement — the price should reflect that.
De Jartellen — depending on the package
The Unplugged package (45 min.) plays fully instrumental and unamplified. The Live On Stage (60 min.) and Gold (90 min.) packages include PA and a sound technician, included in the fee.
DJ Stecks — PA not included
The DJ rate covers only the DJ hours. Equipment (PA, lighting) is offered separately: Basic Kit Audio from €350, Basic Light Set €250.
| Ensemble | PA included? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ensemble DRE | No PA needed | Fully acoustic |
| Desguin Kwartet | No PA needed | Fully acoustic |
| Along Comes Mary | Yes, up to 50 people | Larger event: extra PA |
| Belpop Acoustic | Yes | Small-scale events |
| Swamba | Yes | Up to ±150 people |
| Belpopband | Own PA, billed separately | Not in fee |
| De Jartellen Unplugged | No PA needed | Unamplified |
| De Jartellen Live/Gold | Yes, incl. technician | Included in fee |
| DJ Stecks | No | Equipment separate |
When does the venue provide PA?
Some function venues and hotels have their own sound system. In that case the ensemble can connect to the existing system — provided it's compatible and a sound technician is present. We always coordinate this with the venue during the technical preparation.
"PA is the most underestimated cost item in live music. Anyone who sees a fee online and assumes that's the final price sometimes gets an unpleasant surprise when the band works with a separate PA invoice. So ask the question literally with every quote: 'is the sound equipment included in this amount?'" Reinout Pauwels — music consultant at De Muziekvitrine