Sound Limiter & Live Bands

Hi there

92db is generally a fine level for dancing but it really does depend on how close the limiter is to where your band's speakers / instruments will be. The main issue with bands, and why I get asked a lot to play in venues with limiters as a singer with backing tracks, is the acoustic drum kit is what normally sets the limiter off. Having said this, if your band are recommended by the venue they'll know the limiter well and you shouldn't have any problems.

It might also be worth checking if you venue have a live music licence which is timed differently to recorded music. Some venues can't have live music after a certain time (normally 10.30 / 11) and can be quite good at not letting the bride and groom know this beforehand!

Hope this helps

James

Hi there

92db is generally a fine level for dancing but it really does depend on how close the limiter is to where your band's speakers / instruments will be. The main issue with bands, and why I get asked a lot to play in venues with limiters as a singer with backing tracks, is the acoustic drum kit is what normally sets the limiter off. Having said this, if your band are recommended by the venue they'll know the limiter well and you shouldn't have any problems.

It might also be worth checking if you venue have a live music licence which is timed differently to recorded music. Some venues can't have live music after a certain time (normally 10.30 / 11) and can be quite good at not letting the bride and groom know this beforehand!

Hope this helps

James

Hi,

More & more venues are having to install sound limiters as part of their licence agreements, health & safety or council policy.

James above has already given some great advice as it does depend on many factors as to how it can affect a band. An experienced band will quickly work out which frequency it is sensitive to and adapt accordingly. It is usually either high frequency like cymbals or bass frequencies (bass guitar & bass drum).

Some bands will refuse to play with them completely because it can ruin/damage expensive equipment however most professional bands will know how to work with them.

I would advise speaking to one of the preferred bands there and just ask them how sensitive it is. There is one venue that we refuse to play at locally because wedding guests singing along with us will set it off! (Never good!!!)

Hope that helps!

We find that more and more bands are now available to hire with v-drums / electronic drums, this effectively means that they can turn the PA up and down in the same way that a DJ can. I played in a band for many years with this set up and it works well so it may be something to consider.