Sound limiters at the Barbican

Hi - I am an event planner by trade - ask the barbican their db limit. The db limit will be part of the licensing agreement therefore cannot be changed; however the band need to take into account of the capacity of the venue which actually absorbs some of the sound once it is full. Is it down to the drum kit? Two things you can do here - ask them to use electric drums - awks I know, I wouldnt want to ask a band to do that or hire some sound screens for the drums that will absorb the sound and affect the db level in the venue.

Hope this helps x

Yes sound limiters are a pain but they don't have to ruin your evening entertainment at all!

You can always spot an experienced band as the most professional ones out there have evolved to cope with limiters and aren't phased by them. If your band has refused the booking, they either require more information or just aren't equipped to deal with the limiter. You'll want a band that has dealt with limiters in the past and will look for solutions.

The 2 most important things you'll want to find out from the venue are the type of limiter and the db limit. Once a band knows these they will be able to figure out a plan of how to go about giving a killer performance without actually tripping the limiter.

Ironically, many limiters are sensitive to frequencies and not just noise levels. A lot of bands are able to remove certain pesky bass frequencies or put the guitar through the PA and spread the noise so as not to trip the limiter. Electric drum kits/backing tracks these days sound absolutely awesome too and is a common workaround.

Alternatively you can get some amazing lively acoustic bands that will have no problem filling a dance floor whilst staying within the set db limit!

Amazing, thank you for your advise, I'll speak to them again!

Great thank you Joey, db limit is 95.

just having a look at your website now. We're really keen for a high energy band who can do some classics but then some upbeat dance/garage covers for later in the evening.

I don't suppose you have any good recommendations?!

Thanks!

Great thank you Joey, db limit is 95.

just having a look at your website now. We're really keen for a high energy band who can do some classics but then some upbeat dance/garage covers for later in the evening.

I don't suppose you have any good recommendations?!

Thanks!

Great thank you Joey. Do limit is 95.

just having a look at your website now. We're really keen for a high energy band who can do some classics but then some upbeat dance/garage covers for later in the evening.

I don't suppose you have any good recommendations?!

Thanks!

95db isn't bad at all.

Problem is when the power cuts out it can damage equipment and some people don't want to risk it. Again, 95db isn't bad.

When I was there last they did have issues with the limiter, they have a traffic light system that warns the staff if it gets close. The problem the Barbican is that it's slap bang in a residential area and the licensing rules are really really strict.

So they're hot on that limit and watch it closely.

Great venue all the same and one of the few green winter spaces in London.