noise limiters - anyone had a party spoilt because of one?

[loobs2]

Am searching for a venue for my 40th birthday party but everywhere seems to have this thing called a noise limiter which cuts off the music if it goes above a certain volume level. I have a fab 6-piece live band booked already and am worried about this. Can anyone tell me more about it? The hall I really like has a limiter set at 93 decibels...?

Why not talk to the band you have booked about it? It must be something they've come across before.

93 decibels is pretty loud, mind you.

Many local authorities are making it a condition of granting a licence that venues have noise limiters so it is probably unavoidable.

It is in the band's own interests to make sure their hearing is protected anyway.

Def talk to band, I am sure if this is the case with venues in your area then local bands will also be aware, its not the band themselves but the volume the equipment is set at, so as long as they know this they should be fine. BTW typical noise level at a rock concert is about 100db, sure that you don't want it anywhere near that for a 40th birthday party, you won't want to come out with your ears ringing. Plus this regulation protects the staff in these venues that have to work there everynight.

Never actually heard of this, is it an automatic system? Who installs it, what does it actually cut, the power to the amps/ speakers? Very interested from a professional point of veiw.

noiselimiters.co.uk/

They cut the mains power to the sound equipment if the volune level is exceeded or you can get ones that automatically reduce the volume but they can't be used for mobile equipment.

Thanks i will check that out .

The noise limiter at the venues I've looked at are like a traffic light - if green volume is fine, amber warns not to go louder, and red means the power will cut out - it's rigged up to the ceiling so the band can see it. I have talked to the band and they have confirmed it's do-able but not ideal. On top of the noise the band themselves will generate there will be a lot of audience participation!! But thanks for telling me that 100 db is typical for a rock concert, that's more reassuring. Any more advice will be gratefully received!