Management of Sound Levels in Live Music Venues

Abstract

Commercial software-based sound management systems have previously been used as a tool to manage sound levels for large-scale live music events. However, their use in small indoor music venues, which represent a very different environment, has not been explored systematically. In an experimental approach, the use of a commercial audio sound level management system was trialed in six indoor live music venues located in Melbourne. Comparing a control (without sound level management software) and an experimental condition (using the software), there was no reduction in mean LAeq, T. However, the number of nights on which extreme volume levels were recorded was reduced. Subjective questionnaires indicated that one-fifth of patrons would prefer lower sound levels than experienced.