Sound Meter

I have been asked how to best set volume levels during events to make sure people can talk during welcome and dinner periods of their event. The best approach to this to know your sound system, the venue and carry a Decibel Meter.

For those not familiar with this topic, a sound's loudness is measured in decibels (dB). Normal conversation is about 60 dB, a lawn mower is about 90 dB, and a loud rock concert is about 120 dB. In general, sounds above 85 are harmful, depending on how long and how often you are exposed to them and whether you wear hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs.

To make sure sound levels are comfortable I use a Decibel meter and walk the venue at different times during an event to make sure pleasent levels are maintained.