HOW LOUD IS A LIVE BAND?
Sound limiters for live bands comparison
If you are having a party or having your wedding reception with a live band, you may find that the venue you visit mentions a sound limiter to you. They may not, and this is always a good question to ask them. The thing is that, most venues are reluctant to tell you as they either don’t know much about it or feel that you might not book with them as a result. as you can see below:
What is a Sound limiter?
Its a device that is set at circa 95 db and limits the sound that is used to restrict noise pollution. See https://aquietrefuge.com/decibel-noise-level-chart/ where regulatory noise limits are specified. Normally positioned on a wall, it cuts out the power to the unit that the band would plug their equipment into.( looking a bit like this: http://www.sound-light-company.co.uk/soundlimiters.php )
What are the issues?
Besides the potential cutting of power resulting in possible equipment damage, the main area for concern for you is this; if you can picture the scene:
The band are in the middle of a song and the power cuts out, the band lights and equipment goes off and you then have to wait for it to reset and then they can restart. Pretty disruptive for you and annoying when it happens more than once.
The other side effect to sound limiters on a performance is that the band might be conscious of keeping the sound down that they are not giving it their all and also have to keep an eye on the limiter.
Can you get around it?
As it is the local council enforcing the installation it is not even possible to bypass by going through another power source. It would be helpful to find out where the band are likely to be positioned in relation to the limiter as this can make a difference.
Below is a guide to db ratings that might put it into perspective:
Near total silence – 0 dBA whisper – 15 dB
Normal conversation – 60 dB
A lawnmower – 90 dB
A car horn – 110 dB
A rock concert or a jet engine – 120 dB
A gunshot or firecracker – 140 dB
Other options for bands that have no issues with sound limiters can be found here
