BAND TOO LOUD?

Your church should buy a sound level meter if you have questions on sound levels. They cost about $120 from Tandy or similar places. They remove a lot of the subjectivity on this question.

If the band is too loud, people stop singing because they can't hear their own voice; this is not good. People need to have an unhindered opportunity to worship. Yet this situation often comes up. The band diligently practises, prays and leads, but the worship they so passionately seek to inspire may be sunk by levels that are too high.

My observation is that people start dropping out from singing at around 95dB. 100dB is too high and 105 is offensive to the ear and futile for congregational participation and singing.

For a youth concert with largely stage driven performance, the matter is quite different - putting aside the issue of damage to hearing. Loud music attracts young people. They bring their friends who get blessed. But to have the people sing from their hearts, the music needs to support, not drive.

Note that there are other complicating factors on this issue. For example, the human voice at high dB's seems to be more acceptable than electronic sounds at the same level. We had a Sunday School class of about 20 children give a shout of praise in a classroom and the meter registered over 110dB. Similarly, at our "Joy of Healing" live recording the (largely) audience sound tipped 110 at the end of the hymn "It is Well". These levels were not uncomfortable to the ear.

Churches might vary on what level they feel is acceptable, but if you use a dB meter you will at least have something tangible to discuss. But remember, higher levels sacrifice congregational involvement. If you choose higher levels for some reason, make sure you understand the ramifications.

Send us some emails on the subject to info@resource.com.au.

Dennis Prince