{"id":7040,"date":"2023-03-02T10:20:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-02T15:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/?p=7040"},"modified":"2023-04-27T06:18:31","modified_gmt":"2023-04-27T10:18:31","slug":"what-db-level-should-you-set-live-speakers-to","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/techniques-and-performance\/what-db-level-should-you-set-live-speakers-to\/","title":{"rendered":"What dB Level Should You Set Live Speakers To? (The Truth)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When setting up a live PA system, one of the most important decisions is what dB level to set your speakers to. This is important if you want your sound to be clear and balanced without distortion or feedback. But what dB level should you set your live speakers to?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article covers what dB level is best for your live speakers and provides tips on striking the perfect balance between too loud and too quiet. So if you’re looking to make sure your next show is a success, this post is for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What dB level should you set your live speakers to?<\/strong> The appropriate dB level for live speakers during a performance can vary depending on the event’s size and venue. For indoor events, a range of 70-85 dB is recommended, while outdoor events may require a higher dB level of up to 110 or 120 to reach all areas of the audience. It’s essential to ensure that the speaker system and amplifier can handle the required dB level and power demands of the event to prevent distortion or feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a decibel (dB) level?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A decibel (dB) is a unit of measurement for speaker output power.<\/strong> Our ears perceive a change in loudness in a way that is not linear. The loudness of a sound, which is different from its volume, may be affected by several variables. Two factors are the volume of air entering the ear and the physical separation of the eardrum from the sound source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the dB is reduced, more power is sent to the speaker<\/strong>, which may increase the volume. The volume of an audio system is affected not only by the number of speakers but also by its size, design, and location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The decibel scale<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A system of measurement called decibels was developed to help with this problem. The human ear can detect a loudness fluctuation of as little as 1 dB. So a change of 3 dB is a little small, but a change of 10 dB makes the sound twice as loud to the human ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prolonged exposure to high decibel levels can cause permanent hearing damage. <\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Decibel levels for live performances<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This data table provides information on the average decibel levels recorded during various types of live performances, from classical music concerts to rock concerts. Prolonged exposure to high decibel levels can cause permanent hearing damage. Rock concerts typically have the highest decibel levels, while classical music concerts have the lowest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Type of Performance<\/th>Average Decibel Level (dB)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Classical music concert<\/td>60-80 dB<\/td><\/tr>
Jazz concert<\/td>85-90 dB<\/td><\/tr>
Pop music concert<\/td>100-115 dB<\/td><\/tr>
Rock concert<\/td>115-130 dB<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Table showing the average decibel levels for different types of live performances<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What dB level should you set for live speakers?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When setting up a live PA system, the appropriate dB level for the speakers is an important consideration to ensure clear and balanced sound without distortion or feedback<\/a>. The appropriate dB level can vary depending on the type of event and the venue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For indoor events, a recommended range for the dB level is 70-85 dB, depending on the size of the event and the room acoustics. However, for outdoor events with more space between people and speakers, a higher dB level of up to 110 or 120 may be necessary to ensure the sound reaches all areas of the audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s worth noting that as the dB level increases, the need for power also escalates rapidly, particularly when approaching “lifelike” or “theater” levels of around 100-104 dB. Furthermore, sudden peaks of 10-20 dB can make a significant instantaneous demand on the amplifier, potentially causing it to run out of steam quickly. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that the speaker system and amplifier are capable of handling the required dB level<\/strong> and power demands of the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image of a band performing on stage in front of a crowd. Source: unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tips for setting your speaker levels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are some tips to help you set the right speaker levels<\/strong> for a successful live performance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Aim your speakers properly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is crucial to aim your speakers toward the most important part of the room where the audience is located. If you need to cover a group of listeners seated directly beside the stage, you may have to aim an additional set of small speakers to the side so that everyone can hear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Determine the right dB level<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Decide the dB level by considering the type of event, the size of the venue, and the number of speakers. Make sure that your speakers and amplifiers can handle the required dB level for your event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Start with the mixer’s master volume control at zero<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When powering up your sound system, set the mixer’s master volume control (or powered speaker level controls) at zero, and then turn up the gain<\/a>, which is the amount of amplification provided by an amplifier circuit, expressed in dB or numerically. This way, you can avoid blasting the audience with a loud, unexpected sound that could damage their hearing or the equipment. Turn up the gain only when you know that all is well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Setting up speaker levels for live performances requires careful consideration of factors such as venue size, audience location, and speaker placement. By following these tips, you can ensure that your sound system delivers the right level of sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want even more tips and insights, watch this video called “How to Set Level on Amp (or Powered Speaker)”<\/em> from the Collaborate Worship YouTube channel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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