Decibel Meters?

[big_teee]

Anyone have any experience with DB meters, to regulate a bands volume?
Some are quite cheap on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=decibel+m...f=nb_sb_noss_2
This might work for picky clubs?
I wonder what a reasonable db level would be, say at the first table in front of the 4 piece band.
Drum kit, 5 string bass, 2 loud electric guitars, Micd PA with a pair of 15s on stands?
Thanks,
T

[Leo_Gnardo]

Just the old Radio Shack cheapie special. All I remember, it had A and C weighting (A for Annoying ) and a sort of averaging function. Bands I worked for often exceeded 110 dB. Even with the PA off! Rooms generally were so small, there was not much point in trying to position beyond the "critical distance." Audience was in the room, with the band, and might as well have been on stage because the echo in the room kept the volume up even if you tried to move away.

[rjb]

No experience here, but I do know that sound level meter apps are available for as little as free.
Assuming you use a smart phone, that would be one less thing to carry around.
NIOSH has a freebie meter app, but only for iOS.
https://www.google.com/search?q=deci...hrome&ie=UTF-8

-rb

[big_teee]

I want a DB Meter, that says ?

1. Damn that;s Loud!
2. 747 territory!
3. Turn that SOB Down!
4. Get a howitzer, it's quieter!
T

[nosaj]

I want a DB Meter, that says ?

1. Damn that;s Loud!
2. 747 territory!
3. Turn that SOB Down!
4. Get a howitzer, it's quieter!
T

Doesn't your XYL do that for you?

nosaj

[big_teee]

I'm sure you guys have more adjectives for a Night Club band, that is too damn loud?
If you sit next to someone, and they can't hear you, when you yell?
It might be too damn loud?
T

[nosaj]

I'm sure you guys have more adjectives for a band that is too damn loud?
If you sit next to someone, and they can't hear you, when you yell?
It might be too damn loud?
T

What was that saying that used to be popular
If it's too loud your too old
nosaj

[The Dude]

No experience here, but I do know that sound level meter apps are available for as little as free.
Assuming you use a smart phone, that would be one less thing to carry around.
NIOSH has a freebie meter app, but only for iOS.
https://www.google.com/search?q=deci...hrome&ie=UTF-8

-rb

I'll second that one. There are some decent dB meter apps- certainly not as accurate as a real properly calibrated/dedicated dB meter, but close enough for your purpose. You're not doing lab experiments.

[mozz]

They make mics you plug in the headphone jack on andriod phones. Also parts express sells db meter for $22- $40.

[big_teee]

I don't own a smart phone.

[The Dude]

Don't take this wrong T, but that surprises me. Far be it for me to talk to someone about not owning a smart phone. I fought having a cell phone of any kind with every fiber of my being, until I started traveling more and had to get one. The surprise is that a Linux guru such as yourself hasn't yet made the leap.

[The Dude]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-LCD-Sound-Decibel-Meter-Pressure-Noise-Level-Tester-Measurement-30-130dB/252814207349?hash=item3adce6a975:gWMAAOSwCtJaVGEz

No experience with this unit, but if you're looking for low cost,.......

[Jazz P Bass]

I was in a 'Vintage Rock/ Blues band for about 10 years.
As a band we had total control of the band volume.
Can you say "Dynamics".
At the drop of the lead guitarists arm we could take the mix down into the basement.

I don't go out to see bar bands anymore because they have no control whatsoever.
I don't need to be assaulted by music.
It's a shame because we have some good guitar players around here.

"If you sit next to someone, and they can't hear you, when you yell?
It might be too damn loud?"
We had a saying that if you looked out at the crowd and two people where screaming to each other to converse, then the mix is way too loud.

[big_teee]

A 42 year comm tech. I did all the pagers, cell phones, laptops, tool boxes, etc.
I'm retired for past 9 years, live in the middle of the woods, and don't need one.
I do carry a flip phone, in case of emergencies.
I don't do facebook either.
I do like my laptops, and linux.
T

[rjb]

I thought I was the last person on the planet to get a smart phone. They are good for travel - I use it more as a GPS than as a phone.

-rb