Management of sound levels in live music venues

Commercial software-based sound management systems have previously been used as a tool to manage sound levels for large-scale live music events. However, their use in small indoor music venues, which represent a very different environment, has not been explored systematically. In an experimental approach, the use of a commercial audio sound level management system was trialed in six indoor live music venues located in Melbourne. Comparing a control (without sound level management software) and an experimental condition (using the software), there was no reduction in mean L_Aeq,T. However, the number of nights on which extreme volume levels were recorded was reduced. Subjective questionnaires indicated that one-fifth of patrons would prefer lower sound levels than experienced.