There are also concerns that nightclubs lack in-house sound engineers, so owners can simply rent a system so an engineer can set it up before opening, leaving performers to check the system and monitor sound levels. I leave it to you. “If everything is in place and the room is treated and the system is working, that's good. But if I'm not there or the sound engineer isn't there, there's going to be a red line. I can't guarantee you haven't. There's a Funktion-One system out there, and it requires some engineering between sets. Adjusting the sound between the start of the night and the sweat dripping down the walls until you hit your limit. You need to hire an engineer to work with the DJ.”
“Many facilities simply don't pay their engineers…I mean, this is a highly skilled job that comes with a lot of responsibility. And they don't pay skilled operatives to do the job. “I don't feel like there are too many establishments who want to pay £1,000 for a decent job, but for a DJ for a few hours,” Rich continues. “There are a lot of things that could go wrong with this, and the system would fail.” In the FOLD example, James said artists in the venue should check activity levels before performing and be aware of the time of day. It states that different sound levels are given depending on the “We tend to start events at about 95 dB(A) and slowly progress as the event progresses to a peak volume of about 102 to 103 dB(A). This allows for a natural crescendo. The level measurement system is also active throughout the event, allowing for natural dynamics throughout.In contrast to other venues where the noise is intense from the moment you walk in the door, a level measurement system is also in operation throughout the event, ensuring that all Engineers are tracking this for the duration of the event.Dance Floor – Monitored by the sound engineer in front of the house and also relayed to the DJ booth via another monitor, turning from green to red when the DJ raises the level too much. If the volume is too high, please adjust it.”
Even with monitoring, room treatments, and a good sound engineer in place, the common belief that “louder means better” can be a little difficult to shake. “You don't have to explain to people that a sound system is not an offensive weapon,” Tony says. “It might be a bit macho, but the louder it gets, the better it gets, right? Of course not. All kinds of music have appropriate levels for all situations, and a good engineer… , has the appropriate level.”
for everyone mix mug Venue owners and others said the need to change attitudes towards hearing damage on dance floors is key. Highlights include going to German nightclub Robert Johnson. There's a sign in the booth that says “Do not exceed 100 dB.” “And, you know, they never do that,” he laughed. “I've seen them sometimes have to go to the booth there and go up to the DJ and say, 'Okay, turn it up a little bit.'” Hodge, a DJ and producer who suffers from tinnitus caused by NIHL. brings his own dB counter to the venue to reduce noise levels. “I want to know what the level is too!” he says. Haley believes that warning signs should be placed in any noisy area. “When I walk into a club, I want to see posters and flyers with actual facts. It may sound dry, but it raises so much awareness that people read it. “Even when you're at the club or in line for the bathroom, they'll take care of them. No matter how much of a hedonist you are, if you want to party safely for the rest of your life, these That's important. Just like we do,' you know. “
Read next: How tinnitus affects a DJ’s life and music career
Jono Heal, director of custom earplug specialist ACS, also believes more venues and events could be done to spread awareness about the dangers of NIHL. He points out that an unwillingness to acknowledge the dangers associated with noisy spaces can lead to AA. Lack of willingness to properly warn customers. “Sometimes we work with charities to show that it’s okay to wear earplugs at events and festivals, it’s okay to have earplugs and it’s okay to put branding on them, and that’s a good thing. or worry about admitting it to patrons at a nightclub.'' Your hearing could be at risk. Jono, who was involved in events as an HSE officer before helping to set up ACS, believes the risks of NIHL should be treated in the same way as alcohol and drugs. “It doesn't have to be a dirty word. If we do everything we can to make sure the audience is protected, it doesn't mean closing the venue,” he added.
Jono shares a story that had a huge impact on him after he met an up-and-coming DJ who approached him after giving a talk on music-induced hearing loss in 2014. “A young man came up to me and said, 'I've got a real problem.' My hearing has been going crazy since I was 17. I'm 26 now.” This kid 's hearing was just as bad as mine. He's looking for a career in the dance music industry, but the poor kid's hearing is exhausted before he even starts his career. It's heartbreaking for him, I'm a father and a lot of young people come to me and say that, “I have what you have.''
The truth is, we, the audience, always have a responsibility to consider the long-term effects of loud noise. Bringing earplugs to a rave should be treated like applying sunscreen when it's hot outside, or wearing sunglasses when it's a little too bright. However, as there are no clear laws to protect us from harmful noise levels in nightlife spaces, it is up to venues to put regulations in place to ensure our safety. “Most of the messages are always directed at the participants,” Rich says. “People always say, 'Go buy a plug,' or 'You have to wear earplugs.' But that's not what they mean.” [club and events] You should stop worrying. ”
With simple solutions like monitoring, low-cost sound treatment, training welfare staff to prevent people from dancing too close to speakers, distributing earplugs, and installing some warning signs in DJ booths. Shouldn’t all dance music spaces do their part? How can I also lower the decibel level? “We now know the consequences,” Rich says. “This isn't the Wild West anymore. If you aren't thinking about this when you host an event, you need to relearn.”
Megan Townsend is Associate Editor at Mixmag.follow her twitter
