Sound Limiters: What They Are and What You Need to Do

You’ve selected some personalised cocktails, decided on some atmospheric lighting and are well on your way to completing your party playlist when you hear the words: sound limiters. Whether you know exactly what they are or you’re feeling confused, we’re here to help make sure they don’t get in the way of your fun.

While sound limiters have been known to plunge celebrations into silence and darkness (not exactly the vibe you were after, we’re sure) with some planning and preparation they needn’t end the party prematurely.

Of course, the impact sound limiters will have will depend on the type of band you wish to book and their experience with this equipment. Jazz, classical and party bands with pre-recorded backing tracks shouldn’t experience any issues but that rock band you’re eyeing up? It might be a different story.

If your venue has a sound limiter and you’re not sure what to do, keep reading. We’ll demystify these devices and help you get the best from your band.

While you may want to shout from the roof tops that you’re finally married/turning 60/engaged/retiring (delete as appropriate) and party ‘til dawn, not everyone - especially those living in the immediate vicinity of your venue - will want to join in – sorry! This means that some venues are fitted with a device called a sound limiter.

Sound limiters are electric devices that shut the power off if the music – or guests! – get too loud. Many sound limiters work with a traffic light system that indicate when sound levels are just fine (green), approaching being too loud (amber) and loud enough to cut power if it continues (red). Most limiters are set to around 95dB, the limit is set by an environmental health officer and is based on the location of the venue.

Whilst this limit shouldn’t cause any problems for a jazz or classical line-up, it’s much more of an issue for rock and pop bands with bass and drums, whose volume levels are likely to hover around the 110dB mark.

Make sure you ask if your venue uses a sound limiter before you book a wedding band, so that the band can adapt accordingly. A limiter will cut the power supply to the band’s amplifiers and PA, potentially damaging equipment as well as disrupting the set and your guests’ enjoyment of the night.

We recommend giving any bands you’re interested in a heads up before booking if your venue has sound limiters.

Most acts are used to working with noise restrictions of 92 decibels or more, and will happily adapt to this, but you must make sure you warn them about a noise limiter, since the way the limiter cuts off the power can damage an act’s equipment and, of course, stop the show!

Some bands work better with noise restrictions than others – for example, singers using backing tracks will find it easier to adapt than four-piece rock bands.

Whilst our rock/pop bands will do their best in the circumstances, it’s important to note that simply turning down the volume is not usually an effective solution. Bands are often at the mercy of the room’s acoustics and it’s difficult to control the sound in large spaces with very reflective surfaces.

Drums, the loudest instrument in the bands, are hardest to control, which is why electric drum kits are often employed when sound restrictions are in place. Playing a regular drum kit quietly completely changes the tone of the drums and rock music will no longer sound like rock music.

Instead, it’s best to book a band that can work effectively with sound limiters like a lively guitar duo, or a pop soloist or duo, playing to backing tracks.

Whoever you end up booking, make sure you tell them about the venue’s sound limit. It might be necessary for your band to sign a document from your venue agreeing to stick to a certain noise level.

Not everybody will want to join in the party, and if you’re in a built-up area or hiring a venue in a residential area, you might need to think about noise restrictions.

The venue should tell you about any noise restrictions before you book, since music loud enough for dancing is such an important part of most wedding receptions and parties.

If there are restrictions, make sure you find out exactly what these are. For example, there might be a restriction on how late the party can go on or how loud the music can be at any time.

This means that if you have your heart set on a rave that goes on to the early hours of the morning, you might want to consider another venue or move the later part of your celebrations to another setting.

If you’ve already booked your venue and they do have a sound limiter in place, don’t panic! We have a large selection of sound limiter friendly bands that can keep your party popping without exceeding sound levels of approximately 92dB.