Small Venue SQ

kevhed72

So the wife and I went out last week to a small, local bar venue with a bunch of live bands....it's basically an old brick single screen movie theater turned into a bar with live acts every weekend. We had waaaay too much fun and the place was packed with college kids back on break...it has become a holiday ritual for us every Dec. 23rd. Here's the only negative....the acoustics are terrible and way too loud....one of those deals where your ears are still ringing when you get home, which really bothers me given the nature of this hobby. I may just pop in ear plugs next year....but here's my question: Why do venues such as this, large concerts, restaurants/bars, and places such as Universal Studios boardwalk area feel the volume has to be turned up to such dangerous levels....there must be some ROI theory out there I am unaware of....

lightman1

+10 Kev....The past few small bars/venues I've been to have seem like they were set for an arena. Bad acoustics only made it more unbearable. No sound check, just plug in and go for 11.
Not enjoyable at all.

mhardy6647

We are lucky -- Northern New England's little towns are studded with small theatres and (!) opera houses. Many offer relative comfort and fine acoustics (EDIT: and also generally good sound reinforcement). We've seen some world class talent in what I'd consider tiny (200-300 seat) venues; I am totally sold on the small venue deal now, myself.

Don't do many bars as concert halls ourselves, though.

scubalab

Kev - I agree on small venues & bars playing music WAY too loud. I remember coming home from the bars when I was in college and my ears ringing for a day or two after seeing some live acts. I know that's the cause of my slightly diminishing hearing and the constant ringing in my ears. It's too bad really...

erniejade

I usually bring my molded earplugs with a- 15 or-20 db ffilter when I go to places like that... heck even some normal concerts I will use them also. I hear what others hear just 15-20 db less.they don't stick out like the big old orange plugs.

I have been a DJ on the weekends since I was 13. Im 48 and in my late 20's I had my first set of earplugs made. I think it has saved my hearing. My younger brother is in a bigger local band and his hearing is shot vs mine.

Nightfall

Every small venue in Denver sounds like **** too. Horn loaded speakers turned up WAY too loud. I still go to shows all the time though, I love seeing bands I like live.

WLDock

He who EQ's least, EQ's;s best. Many of these guys just don't have the will, ability, or good ears to get the sound right. Something as simple as a little auto EQ and checking SPL levels around the room is the very least one can do. I've always had sensitive ears and have been to some weddings where the sound was so bad I had a constant cringe on my face and felt as if my ears were bleeding.