What is a sound limiter?
Many clients booking a live function band (or a mobile DJ) for their wedding or party may come across a sound limiter at the venue.
Put simply sound limiters are devices which register the volume of the band or DJ . There are two main types of sound limiter
1.A DB Metre or sound limiter which measures the volume of the function band
2.a DB metre or sound limiter which measures the volume of the band and then cuts the power source off if the band are louder than the limit which is set.
A sound limiter which suddenly cuts out the power to the band can cause damage to the band or DJs equipment.
If you are booking a band or DJ for an event and the venue tells you that there is a sound limiter in place then it is essential to mention this at the time of booking. A reasonable DB level to work within is 95db however the measurement of DB levels is complicated by the location of the sound limiter. The best way to work out if there will be a problem when your band or DJ turn up on the night is to ask in advance if the venue have had problems in the past. Have they ever had a live band playing and if so what type of band was it? Did the band have drums? Did the band play pop and rock music or was it a jazz or acoustic band?
If you have concerns about the presence of a sound limiter at your wedding venue then Live Music Management can possibly help either by telling you if we have had one of our bands playing at the venue in the past or by speaking to the venue on your behalf and working out the best way forward for the wedding band or DJ. It could be that we can offer a band with an electronic drumkit or a band that can play with brushes in order to meet with the sound limits set by the venue.