manchu Posted September 7, 2012 Posted September 7, 2012 Just having a bit of a whine. I've agreed to DJ for the night at a friends 30th this weekend and just found out that the bar has an 85dBa noise restriction (anywhere inside and regardless of time). It's a Soul themed party and getting folks to the dance floor for a boogie is a key part of a making it a successful night. I have a feeling that's going to be pretty tough if people cant hear the music.. The birthday girl was absolutely gutted when I gave her a demo of just how un-loud 85dBA actually is, and that was without the background noise of a room full of people. The bar manager only mentioned the restriction earlier this week, after already collecting a deposit.
Gee Emm Posted September 7, 2012 Posted September 7, 2012 The noise of a crowd in a bar will exceed 85dBA 2
SteveC Posted September 7, 2012 Posted September 7, 2012 Depends if you measure it next to the speakers or outside the front door doesn't it?
pete_mac Posted September 7, 2012 Posted September 7, 2012 Geez... 85dBA is bugger-all in a bar environment. What's the reason for such a firm restriction on noise levels? Is it located ajacent to residential dwellings? I used to DJ at an underground bar at Bondi and they had to implement significant noise attenuation measures, along with a SPL levelling device, to appease the Council and residents.
surprisetech Posted September 7, 2012 Posted September 7, 2012 If you've got a 15 or 31 band GEQ, you can take advantage of the A-weighting curve and boost the lower frequencies to get the most output without exceeding the 85dB(A) limit.
manchu Posted September 7, 2012 Author Posted September 7, 2012 The noise of a crowd in a bar will exceed 85dBA Yep, and I've been to this pub/bar a few months ago and could barely hear the music above the crowd noise....about 3m from the speakers. Depends if you measure it next to the speakers or outside the front door doesn't it? Definitely, but based on level I've heard there before I think they've stuffed up their interpretation of the restriction. I can understand 85dBa if measured outside. Why on earth would the council care what the level is inside. Geez... 85dBA is bugger-all in a bar environment. What's the reason for such a firm restriction on noise levels? Is it located ajacent to residential dwellings? I used to DJ at an underground bar at Bondi and they had to implement significant noise attenuation measures, along with a SPL levelling device, to appease the Council and residents. It's a mixed zone area so some residential around, but more I'd say more commercial. (Swanston street Carlton). they're obviously doing it for a reason, but it's a dirty act to only mention it after the deposit was paid. On top of that they apparently said something like..."It more than loud enough, but not rock concert loud or anything like that". A more accurate statement would be. "You might be able to hear the music, but only if you don't get the vacuum cleaner out" If you've got a 15 or 31 band GEQ, you can take advantage of the A-weighting curve and boost the lower frequencies to get the most output without exceeding the 85dB(A) limit. No EQ unfortunately. right now I'm tossing up whether to worry about setting up the P.A. when my baby 5" active monitors would be more than enough. This whole situation is annoying me the more I think about it. It's got the potential to be a cracking party but I've got lots of doubts now. If there was more time I'd tell her to ditch the deposit and find somewhere else.
Guest Muon Posted September 7, 2012 Posted September 7, 2012 (edited) That's just crazy, and not informing you before the deposit was paid, is deceptive IMO :mad: I can't think of any solution, short of handing out bionic ears at the door. Edited September 7, 2012 by datafone
ayou2 Posted September 7, 2012 Posted September 7, 2012 (edited) Look at taking something of your own that will achieve a more enjoyable / danceable db level and keep the level adjustment on your side of the DJ set up. Crank it up and tell him to get stuffed & if he gets stroppy tell him to call the cops. If there is no noise exceeding local by laws emanating from the bar ie: disturbing local residents .... they won't do anything. On the other hand you could try going down to talk to him about how he has the laws mucked up. There is no way any by-law I ever heard of, stipulates levels in the bar as well as out. I DJ'ed for 15 years both at clubs, private parties and illegal / squat warehouse, so I had a few brushes with the old bill and noise control. If local by laws aren't being broken the cops don't give a stuff and if he has hired you the joint for the night, I'd be 99% sure he has no legal right to privately stipulate any noise level, so long as its not a health issue, such as 110+ db. Edited September 7, 2012 by ayou2
manchu Posted September 9, 2012 Author Posted September 9, 2012 Well it turned out fine. I got told to turn in down several times but I was playing well above 85 all night. Much fun was had by all.
LogicprObe Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 A happy ending! I would have told them to stick it up his clacka..........telling them after taking the deposit though.
Paul Spencer Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 So do the SPL police walk around with their SPL meter and remove people who are talking too loud?! Hey bud, you just hit 86 dB, sorry matey, YOU'RE OUT! Sounds like you need to be handing out wireless headphones! 1
pete_mac Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 Well it turned out fine. I got told to turn in down several times but I was playing well above 85 all night. Much fun was had by all. Excellent... glad to hear it.
Upfront Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 So do the SPL police walk around with their SPL meter and remove people who are talking too loud?! Hey bud, you just hit 86 dB, sorry matey, YOU'RE OUT! Your talking about me after a couple of rums yeah?
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