[SML] Audio levels

[Alex Donkle]

I had found this in one venue's tech documents package a while ago,
but can't remember which venue it was from. "The house has no decibel
limitations but retains the right to insure the protection of house
equipment. The House Audio Engineer will maintain sole control of the
DSP processing at all times”

A max dB level could be helpful if the venue is liable for hearing
damage, however it is also difficult to measure since the "max dB"
varies depending on how long the event is. For example, OSHA allows 15
minutes of exposure to 115 dBA, or 2 hours of 100 dBA. These limits
were developed for constant noise level industrial machines, while
theatre events tend to vary significantly in volume throughout the
entire show. While it's possible to roughly estimate noise exposure
levels with an iPhone app or even a professional noise meter, a Noise
dosimeter is the only way to test for compliance with OSHA standards.

Alex

On Wed, Jun 3, 2015 at 12:23 PM, Riter, Andrew via Stagecraft
<stagecraft at theatrical.net> wrote:
> Depends who you're talking to:
>
> Rental house: I think a "yes, until you hit the dB maximum listed in the venue rental contract."
>
> As a presenter, you can say "we will hire your show/concert, and give you authority to mix how you like, until the point of damaging our equipment, annoying our neighbours, damaging our audience and staff hearing, or exceeding the maximum dB value listed here (xxx)"
>
> Andrew M. Riter
> Assistant Technical Director / Head Lighting Technician
>
> 604-822-2372
> Andrew.riter at ubc.ca
>>
>> I just received a rider where they specify that "Sound control and level is at
>> the Company's discretion, but every reasonable effort will be made to
>> accommodate Presenter's request."
>>
>> My answer to this was a polite "hell no."  My venue, my gear, my audience.  I
>> get the final say on audio levels.
>>
>> Is this a common request on riders?  I don't get many road shows, and it
>> hasn't cropped up on the few that have been through here.  Does anyone
>> one else give up complete control of their sound system to the show?
>
>
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