What is a volume limiter?
Essentially a volume limiter is a device which measures the amount of noise in a room, and if it exceeds a certain level, it temporarily cuts the power supply to all the plugs on the stage, turning off all the band’s equipment. That volume is normally measured by a microphone somewhere in the room. This isn’t just the volume of the band that is measured but also any ambient noise in the room, people singing along, clapping, shouting, ordering drinks, cheering.
Essentially a volume limiter is a device which measures the amount of noise in a room, and if it exceeds a certain level, it temporarily cuts the power supply to all the plugs on the stage, turning off all the band’s equipment. That volume is normally measured by a microphone somewhere in the room. This isn’t just the volume of the band that is measured but also any ambient noise in the room, people singing along, clapping, shouting, ordering drinks, cheering.
Normally there is a traffic light system, somewhere where the band can see it. It’s green when the volume is under the set level, amber once the noise starts approaching the threshold and once it turns red for a few seconds then all the band’s equipment, speakers, lights cut out and the performance is interrupted.
Why would a venue install this?
Why would a venue install this? There are two different types of volume limiters. One is installed to protect the hearing of staff working at the venue. These are particularly sensitive to singers and can lead to a situation where the audience can’t hear the singer as the band are having to turn them down to avoid the power cutting off.
There are two different types of volume limiters. One is installed to protect the hearing of staff working at the venue. These are particularly sensitive to singers and can lead to a situation where the audience can’t hear the singer as the band are having to turn them down to avoid the power cutting off.The other type is designed to stop the noise
The other type is designed to stop the noise travelling to neighbours houses. These are normally sensitive to bass. If the band cuts this out then it can lead to the band sounding weak and
What volume will it be set too?
Every venue is different but in most cases, the limit is set between 85 and 95 decibels (db). That means nothing to me, how loud is that?
That means nothing to me, how loud is that?
Well, it depends on a few things, like how far away the microphone is from the source of the sound and the acoustics of the room, but in our opinion, that isn’t loud enough for a band to deliver their best performance.
We’ve made this chart to give you a rough idea of how loud some everyday sounds are.
Ticking wrist watch 20db
Breathing 30db
Rainfall 50db
Dishwasher 60db
Normal conversation 65db
Vacuum Cleaner 75db
Alarm Clock 80db
Some venues set their volume limiters as low as 80-85db this isn’t really appropriate for a live band.
Food Blender 88db
The most common setting for volume limiters is 90-95db. An enthusiastic crowd can still cause a volume limiter to cut out at this level, it is possible for bands to perform, although their performance may be adversely affected by trying to stay under the threshold.
Hand held drill 100db
Even volume limiters over 100db can still create problems for the band if the microphone is placed close to the equipment.
Baby Crying 110db
Typical Rock Band 110db
Fireworks 140db
So what can go wrong?
Booking a venue with a limiter is not necessarily going to ruin your night but if entertainment is an important aspect of your day then it’s worth seeking out a venue that doesn’t restrict your band. If you’ve already booked your venue then here are a few things you might see happening on the night.
- Interruptions to the music are a buzz kill. Everyone’s got their hands in the air, singing along at the top of their lungs and suddenly you’re all stood in silence and near darkness, wondering what’s going on while you wait for what seams like an eternity for the band’s equipment to turn back on
- You won’t get the best out of a band if they’re worried about setting off a limiter. They’ll be watching the traffic lights instead of interacting with you. They won’t be able to concentrate on perfuming and doing their job
- The bands equipment can be damaged by sudden power cuts. Even if the power cut blows a fuse, it will mean the band going through all of their equipment to find and change the fuse over
This sounds terrible, is it going to ruin everything?
Don’t worry, here are some tips on dealing with limiters.
- Bear in mind that every venue with a volume limiter says “We have bands here all the time and it’s not a problem”. That is absolutely not a guarantee that your band won’t encounter issues and it’s always worth checking with your band to see if they have experience of working at your venue.
- Get the venue to agree to turn it off. It’s your big day and maybe a bit of pressure from you will get the venue to agree to turn the limiter off that night (it’s as simple as putting in a key and turning it).
- Choose your entertainment based on which band can perform quietly. We have a list of bands that are more suitable for venues with volume restrictions.
- Book a band that knows what they’re doing. Bands should be trying to play as quietly as possible. They can do things to help with this like using in-ear monitors (headphones so that they can hear themselves, instead of speakers on the stage), getting the drummer to use low volume or practice drum sticks, angling speakers away from the microphone.