Regulating Noise in Entertainment and Public Venues

Sound limiters in Australia have become more of a necessity for entertainment venues that are applying for licenses. They can be used in pubs, restaurants, health clubs, halls and other public spaces in order to minimize noise pollution. Depending on the venue and its use, sound engineers incorporate specific types of limiters.

What Do Sound Limiters Do?

One type of exceptionally sensitive noise limiter, is installed primarily to protect the hearing of the singer or the people who work at the venue. The second one is sensitive to bass sounds and prevents noise from travelling. Although different venues require varied decibel levels, the limit is usually set between 85 and 95 db. The volume depends on the distance between the microphone and the source of sound, the acoustics of the venue and the various other noises present. A limiter uses three colors to indicate visually to a band or DJ. Green shows that the decibel levels are good and acceptable while orange is a warning sign. Once the light changes to red, the performers have just a few seconds before the power is cut for a minute and then restored. In Australia, sound limiters are used to control noise pollution, to prevent structural damage to heritage buildings and to limit discomfort to hotel guests.

Why are Sound Limiters Used?

Sound or noise limiters can be looked at as audio safety nets. Sound processing can cause a lot of peaks, delays, reverbs and erratic dynamics which needs to be avoided. A limiter ensures that the levels are controlled and that no clipping or distortion takes place. In the case of recording a wide dynamic range, a limiter would be able to catch the loudest parts or peaks in order to get the right recording level. Sound dynamics can be sculptured by using a limiter to even the overall decibel levels. Unlike a compressor, sound limiters in Australia can be used to control the attack time by setting the configurations carefully.While loud volumes are the elixir of a party it can quite annoying if every element of the song was really loud. Sound limiters create contrasts by raising the volume of some variables while keeping the others low. Used as the last processing device during recordings, a limiter can really make a difference. Sound engineers use the ‘brick wall’ limiting technique to boost the overall volume of a finished track. While the quality of sound isn’t affected, the limiter increases the perceived loudness.

Sound limiters in Australia, are used in different situations and venues to produce clean, crisp sounds without much distortion or clipping.