| Visit Our Catalog at SteelGuitarShopper.com |

Post new topic Excessive volume in dance clubs
Goto page 1, 2  Next
Reply to topic
Author Topic:  Excessive volume in dance clubs
GaryL

 

From:
Medina, OH USA
Post  Posted 25 Mar 2018 6:15 pm    
Reply with quote

This is sort of a follow-up to a previous post on band volumes. Our group seriously attempts to keep our overall volume at a "comfortable" level, mainly out of respect for the audience. We played a local country-themed "hot spot" last year and the club sound man had the gain so high that it was impossible to hear anything. Having seen acts major and minor at local venues, this seems to be the accepted practice now. Absolutely ear-splitting volume when it is so unnecessary, asinine and unhealthy. Why??
_________________
GFI Ultra D-10 keyless
Quilter Steelaire(s)
Telonics rack system, 12"& 15" TT Speakers, Hilton Volume
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Larry Bressington

 

From:
Nebraska
Post  Posted 25 Mar 2018 6:37 pm    
Reply with quote

Yip it’s a known problem and disease. Two common suspects are off the stage volume and front of house volume
The first thing to do is get everything plugged direct and get all those amps and rumble off the bandstand.
Secondly: Get that sound man under control.

It’s a complement to be asked to turn up, But it’s hard to recover a room when you’ve been asked to turn down!
_________________
A.K.A Chappy.
View user's profile Send private message
Paul Sutherland

 

From:
Placerville, California
Post  Posted 25 Mar 2018 9:33 pm    
Reply with quote

It seems certain sound men really like to crank the bass up. Perhaps the dancers like that, but this old man is really bothered by it.
_________________
It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Donny Hinson

 

From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
Post  Posted 26 Mar 2018 4:55 pm    
Reply with quote

Why? Well, in case you don't know it, disco morphed into line dancing, and the dancers of both must "FEEL" the beat to follow the music. (IOW, they're too busy dancing to listen.) Laughing
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Steven Paris

 

From:
Los Angeles
Post  Posted 26 Mar 2018 6:34 pm     Re: Excessive volume in dance clubs
Reply with quote

GaryL wrote:
Our group seriously attempts to keep our overall volume at a "comfortable" level, mainly out of respect for the audience.

Exactly what level is that? Say, in terms of db SPL at 1 meter in front of the stage. I think we need an actual MEASUREMENT for this discussion to be objective.
_________________
Emmons & Peavey
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
George Redmon


From:
Muskegon & Detroit Michigan.
Post  Posted 26 Mar 2018 10:08 pm    
Reply with quote

The only measurement i need is, if the waitress screams in my ear to take my order, or folks are walking out of the place holding their ears...then you're too damn loud.
View user's profile Send private message
Bill Plemmons

 

From:
Simpsonville, SC
Post  Posted 27 Mar 2018 6:14 am    
Reply with quote

AMEN George!!!
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
GaryL

 

From:
Medina, OH USA
Post  Posted 27 Mar 2018 2:52 pm     Sound levels
Reply with quote

Steve, you are correct about using a sound meter. I have toyed with getting one, for a baseline. But, when I leave a venue and can't hear for the next two days, I know it just ain't healthy. Having played in various bands for years as well as a career in machining/milling/manufacturing for over 30 years, we could not have legally gotten away with sound levels that high. Meter or no meter.
_________________
GFI Ultra D-10 keyless
Quilter Steelaire(s)
Telonics rack system, 12"& 15" TT Speakers, Hilton Volume
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Fred Treece


From:
California, USA
Post  Posted 31 Mar 2018 8:42 am     Re: Sound levels
Reply with quote

GaryL wrote:
Steve, you are correct about using a sound meter. I have toyed with getting one, for a baseline. But, when I leave a venue and can't hear for the next two days, I know it just ain't healthy. Having played in various bands for years as well as a career in machining/milling/manufacturing for over 30 years, we could not have legally gotten away with sound levels that high. Meter or no meter.

This is the first time I have seen anyone mention legal limits in any of the many recent volume-oriented discussions. It is an interesting point, and one that club employees might explore to protect their health.
https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/1983-05-01
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Larry Carlson


From:
My Computer
Post  Posted 31 Mar 2018 9:25 am    
Reply with quote

Excessive volume is the reason my wife and I quiet frequenting clubs etc.
Everything is always so loud you can't talk to the person next to you.
It was irritating and almost painful.
I asked at one club if they could turn it down a bit.
He went over and turned it up.
I love music.
I love being able to hear more.
_________________
I have stuff.
I try to make music with it.
Sometimes it works.
Sometimes it doesn't.
But I keep on trying.
View user's profile Send private message
John Goux

 

From:
California, USA
Post  Posted 5 Apr 2018 11:34 pm    
Reply with quote

There is a consensus among certain musicians that the new types of PA amps and speakers are painful to the ears.
Sometimes I’ll hear a solo singer guitarist, and his digital PA is so harsh I can’t stay for long. These light little PA systems (class D or whatever) are not kind to the ears,

Ive read some artists have talking about going back to old style amplification. The problem is it takes a whole truck full of Crown 300s to equal what someone can hand carry into the gig. Nobody can afford the expense of hauling that old gear around. The new stuff is light and cheap.

The typical PA systems nowadays have 10 times the wattage. It’s digital. And yes, it is too loud.
The thing that is worse...on the breaks, cranking MP3s through that loud system. Insult to injury for your ears.

Old fart.
John
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Jim Sliff


From:
Lawndale California, USA
Post  Posted 6 Apr 2018 2:11 pm    
Reply with quote

SPL meters are cheap - you can find them for under $50. I had one in my gear bag for decades, mainly for use when someone expected un-miked acoustic volume from an electric band AND we were responsible for the house sound.

IMO if there's a house sound system and operator the band should only be concerned with setting stage output levels that facilitate the sound person getting the desired mix - not control the house sound level.

Unless the band is asked to man the mixing board (or brought the sound system) they shouldn't be concerned or involved with the "house" sound mix and levels at all unless asked. In a situation like that the band isn't being paid to "mix".

I've worked both ends hundreds of times. When playing and the band not involved with mixing I didn't care whether the volume level was low or high as long as we could get decent sound on stage. Not my concern.

And when working a house system the only thing I [wanted to hear from the band was initial discussion when setting stage levels and feedback regarding monitor levels and mix. I surely did not tell them how to play and did not appreciate them telling me how to mix in "my" venue.

Again, if the band is asked to supply the sound system or someone to mix then it's a different ballgame - but if the "house" has their own system and staff the band should not get involved.

That's my take on the subject.
_________________
No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Eric Philippsen


From:
Central Florida USA
Post  Posted 9 Apr 2018 7:29 am    
Reply with quote

The volume debate goes on. There are two sides to it and I "get" or appreciate both of them.

Sometimes the volume is just plain stupid-high.

And sometimes the biggest complainers in the audience are those who think a band's volume should be no more than their tabletop radio back home.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Fred Justice


From:
Mesa, Arizona
Post  Posted 9 Apr 2018 7:50 am    
Reply with quote

Folks, there is a Casino in northern Arizona, (played there with different groups)they have a sound meter so to speak.
If you play over 80 disciples, you'll receive a warning.
If you go over the limit twice your FIRED on the spot, and an Indian band will finish the night.
Their real serious about it.
_________________
Email: azpedalman@gmail.com
Phone: 480-235-8797
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Roy Carroll


From:
North of a Round Rock
Post  Posted 9 Apr 2018 9:47 am    
Reply with quote

We have a sound man that carries a dB Meter. We rarely go over 72dB's. Mostly in the 70 dB range. We place places that if you go over 80 dB outside the beer garden the police will warn you and then shut you down. Everything is miked so he can control the sound out front. We have had guests that we have to tell to turn down.
FYI: a vacuum cleaner is 70 dB. A car passing at 65 mph from 25 feet is 76dB.
I will say it pays to be aware that you are not too loud. We get lots of good paying jobs because we control the volume.
_________________
Just north of the Weird place, south of Georgetown
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Fred Treece


From:
California, USA
Post  Posted 9 Apr 2018 9:55 am    
Reply with quote

Roy Carroll wrote:
We have had guests that we have to tell to turn down.

Oh man...lol
You know how many times I’ve wanted to tell Some Screamin’ Loud Drunken Fool at that table over there to shut the heck up? I know that is probably not what you meant, but it’s the first thing I thought. Cool
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Steven Paris

 

From:
Los Angeles
Post  Posted 10 Apr 2018 6:37 pm    
Reply with quote

Here are some free cell phone apps for measuring sound level:
https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/47805-The-best-phone-apps-to-measure-noise-levels
Let's put some numbers to "what is too loud?"
_________________
Emmons & Peavey
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
GaryL

 

From:
Medina, OH USA
Post  Posted 11 Apr 2018 8:21 am    
Reply with quote

Steve,

Thanks! I'll give those a try.
_________________
GFI Ultra D-10 keyless
Quilter Steelaire(s)
Telonics rack system, 12"& 15" TT Speakers, Hilton Volume
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Richard Nelson


From:
Drogheda, Louth, Ireland
Post  Posted 12 Apr 2018 2:54 am    
Reply with quote

I’ve been using ear plugs on gigs for a long time but switched to in ear monitors a few years ago. If I go to hear a band I use ear plugs, you can hear everything you need to, even someone talking beside you.
_________________
https://www.facebook.com/ricknelsteel/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChkzP48NKKSiredddt-NGEQ?view_as=public

www.myspace.com/ricknelsteel
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Bill Ferguson


From:
Milton, FL USA
Post  Posted 12 Apr 2018 5:53 am    
Reply with quote

When I was handling the sound for the ISGC and several other steel shows, I ALWAYS had my Goldline Model 30 Analyzer (SPL meter) connected and the microphone was set in the middle of the room, just slightly off center.

Yeah, it would peak at 90-95 ocassionally (Herby Wallace) but I tried my best to keep the room level around 85-90, remembering that the size of room was huge.

Now I would sometimes have a steel player get on stage and I would have to take him out of the sound system because he played his amp so loud. But those were few and far between.

Today (and we have this problem at church) with all the digital equipment, sound men are busy playing on their phones and just looking at a screen to check the volume levels AND whether it even sounds good. If their computers say the sound is ok, then they think the sound is ok.
Sound men today are not sound men, they are button pushers and have absolutely NO EAR for sound. Heck most of the time we can't even understand what the pastor is saying, it is so muffled or lost in the SUB Woofers.

I remember 2 1/2 years ago when Hartley Peavey called me to come over and listen to the new Peavey Session 115 and the reissue of the Nashville 112.
While being great amps the tone sucked on both.
Hartley said that is why he called me, because of my sound experience with steel guitar.
He explained that he has some of the finest engineers in the world but they are lacking one major thing: EARS.

Nuff said
_________________
AUTHORIZED George L's, Goodrich, Telonics and Peavey Dealer: I have 2 steels and several amps. My current rig of choice is 1993 Emmons LeGrande w/ 108 pups (Jack Strayhorn built for me), Goodrich OMNI Volume Pedal, George L's cables, Goodrich Baby Bloomer and Peavey Nashville 112. Can't get much sweeter.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Steven Paris

 

From:
Los Angeles
Post  Posted 12 Apr 2018 10:46 pm    
Reply with quote

Bill Ferguson wrote:
When I was handling the sound for the ISGC and several other steel shows, I ALWAYS had my Goldline Model 30 Analyzer (SPL meter) connected and the microphone was set in the middle of the room, just slightly off center.
Yeah, it would peak at 90-95 ocassionally (Herby Wallace) but I tried my best to keep the room level around 85-90, remembering that the size of room was huge.

About how many feet was the microphone away from the band?
_________________
Emmons & Peavey
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Bill Ferguson


From:
Milton, FL USA
Post  Posted 13 Apr 2018 4:55 am    
Reply with quote

Let's see, our snake was 100' and the test mic was set about 2/3 out, so about 60'.
_________________
AUTHORIZED George L's, Goodrich, Telonics and Peavey Dealer: I have 2 steels and several amps. My current rig of choice is 1993 Emmons LeGrande w/ 108 pups (Jack Strayhorn built for me), Goodrich OMNI Volume Pedal, George L's cables, Goodrich Baby Bloomer and Peavey Nashville 112. Can't get much sweeter.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Tim Herman


From:
Alberta, Canada
Post  Posted 13 Apr 2018 6:28 am    
Reply with quote

There is a club in my hometown that is the last big honkytonk gig around here. I get calls to play with the groups coming through, but have started turning the gigs down. I am getting old I guess. I want to still hear for a few years. We never played at those volumes through the 80's and 90's. Not sure what changed, but it sure has changed...
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Steven Paris

 

From:
Los Angeles
Post  Posted 13 Apr 2018 12:59 pm    
Reply with quote

Bill Ferguson wrote:
Let's see, our snake was 100' and the test mic was set about 2/3 out, so about 60'.

OK. That would make, according to my calculations, about 93 to 98 db SPL at the front. Very reasonable level, methinks. Not too loud, but enough to hear well.
_________________
Emmons & Peavey
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Robert Leaman


From:
Murphy, North Carolina, USA
Post  Posted 14 Apr 2018 4:41 pm     Too Loud
Reply with quote

A few years ago, a nice local venue tried an opening after years of inactivity. Unfortunately, the band did a practice afternoon so loud that the police shut the place down permanently and never to reopen. This is sad commentary for stupidity. There were some tickets sold for the evening sets but the new promoters were forced to refund money for all the presold tickets. There has never been another such venue in the locality.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Jump to:  
Please review our Forum Rules and Policies
Our Online Catalog
Strings, CDs, instruction, and steel guitar accessories
www.SteelGuitarShopper.com

The Steel Guitar Forum
148 S. Cloverdale Blvd.
Cloverdale, CA 95425 USA

Click Here to Send a Donation

Email SteelGuitarForum@gmail.com for technical support.


BIAB Styles
Ray Price Shuffles for Band-in-a-Box
by Jim Baron