Choosing the Perfect Event Venue Beyond DB Levels and In-House PA Systems 

Planning a successful event involves several crucial decisions, and one of the most important considerations is selecting the right venue. While many venues have restrictions on decibel (dB) levels and offer in-house PA systems, it’s worth exploring alternatives that provide greater flexibility and customisation options. In this blog post, we will delve into the benefits of choosing a venue without these restrictions, allowing you to create an unforgettable event tailored to your specific needs.

Freedom of Sound: One of the primary advantages of selecting a venue without restrictions on dB levels is the freedom to create the perfect soundscape for your event. Whether you’re organising a lively concert, an engaging conference, or an intimate gathering, having control over the audio allows you to set the ambiance and atmosphere to align with your vision. This freedom enables you to curate the ideal audio experience for your guests, ensuring they have a memorable and enjoyable time.

Customisation Options: By opting for a venue that doesn’t rely solely on an in-house PA system, you gain the freedom to select and bring in your own audio equipment and technology. This flexibility opens up a world of possibilities, as you can choose equipment tailored to your event’s unique requirements. From state-of-the-art speakers to advanced mixing consoles, you have the power to shape the audio experience precisely as you envision it.

Professional Audio Services: When selecting a venue without in-house audio systems, you have the opportunity to collaborate with professional audio service providers. These experts specialise in delivering top-notch sound production, ensuring optimal audio quality and clarity throughout your event. By partnering with experienced professionals, you can tap into their expertise, benefit from their equipment, and create a truly immersive experience for your attendees.

Versatility and Adaptability: Venues without limitations on dB levels and in-house PA systems often boast greater adaptability and versatility. This means you can transform the space to suit different event types and sizes. Whether you require an open floor plan for a networking event or segmented spaces for workshops, having a flexible venue allows you to mold the space according to your specific needs. This adaptability ensures that your event feels tailored and optimized for its purpose.

Unconventional Spaces: Exploring venues without sound restrictions and built-in audio systems can lead you to discover unique and unconventional spaces. From repurposed warehouses to art galleries or outdoor locations, these venues often offer a distinctive ambiance and character that can enhance the overall event experience. Embracing non-traditional spaces allows you to create a truly memorable event that stands out from the crowd and leaves a lasting impression on your guests.

Why In-House PA Systems and Noise Restrictions Can Be Disadvantages for Your Event

When considering event venues, it’s important to understand the reasons behind their in-house PA systems and noise restrictions. These factors are typically driven by two main concerns: liquor licensing restrictions due to nearby residents and the desire to avoid disturbing in-house accommodation guests. However, it’s crucial to recognise the potential disadvantages these limitations can pose to your event, particularly if you envision a lively celebration that requires an energetic atmosphere to keep guests entertained and on the dance floor.

  1. Liquor Licensing Restrictions: Many venues face restrictions on noise levels due to their liquor licensing agreements. This is often imposed to maintain good relationships with neighboring residents who may be sensitive to excessive noise. While these restrictions are in place to be considerate of the local community, they can limit your ability to create the desired atmosphere for your event, especially if you anticipate a lively gathering where higher volumes are necessary for music and entertainment.

  2. In-House Accommodation Considerations: Venues that provide on-site accommodation often prioritise the comfort and tranquility of their staying guests. To ensure a peaceful environment, they may impose noise restrictions to prevent disturbances. While this is understandable from a hospitality standpoint, it may hinder your ability to host a dynamic event that requires a reasonable volume and ambiance to keep guests engaged and entertained.

The Disadvantages: Choosing a venue with in-house PA systems and noise restrictions for your event can result in significant disadvantages. These include:

a) Limited Atmosphere: A vibrant celebration often relies on a lively atmosphere created through music, dancing, and entertainment. With noise restrictions, it becomes challenging to maintain the desired energy level, potentially impacting the overall experience for your guests.

b) Restricted Entertainment Options: Higher volume levels are often necessary for live performances, DJs, or bands to deliver an engaging experience. However, venues with noise limitations may restrict the types of entertainment you can have or require compromises on volume levels, potentially diminishing the overall impact of your event.

c) Guest Engagement: The success of any event relies on keeping guests entertained and actively involved. A subdued atmosphere resulting from noise restrictions can make it difficult to create the desired level of excitement, hindering guest engagement and participation.

d) Dance Floor Energy: A lively dance floor is often a highlight of celebratory events. However, if volume limitations impede the music’s impact or restrict DJs from delivering an energetic performance, it can dampen the dance floor atmosphere and enthusiasm.

What is the right level?

Decibel (dB) sound levels can vary significantly across different real-life situations. Here are some common examples to provide an understanding of various dB levels in everyday scenarios:

0 dB: The threshold of human hearing. It represents the faintest sound that an average person can detect.

20 dB: Equivalent to a whisper or rustling leaves. It is a very quiet sound level.

40 dB: Comparable to a quiet library or a quiet residential area during the night. It is considered a peaceful and calm environment.

60 dB: Similar to a typical conversation between two people or background noise in an office. It is a moderate sound level.

80 dB: Comparable to heavy traffic noise or a busy restaurant. 

100 dB: Similar to a motorcycle or a concert. 

120 dB: Equivalent to a thunderclap or a chainsaw. 

140 dB: and above: These sound levels are extremely loud and can occur during events like fireworks, jet engines, or firearms.

In summary, while venues with in-house PA systems and noise restrictions prioritise the comfort and compliance necessary for their operations, these limitations may not align with your vision for a dynamic and engaging event. It’s crucial to carefully consider the potential disadvantages and explore alternative venues that provide the freedom and flexibility to create the desired atmosphere, ensuring an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

Selecting the right event venue goes beyond mere dB levels and in-house PA systems. By choosing a venue without these restrictions, you gain the freedom to customise the sound experience, collaborate with audio professionals, and create an event perfectly aligned with your vision. The versatility and adaptability of such venues provide endless possibilities for transforming the space to suit various event types. Embrace the unconventional and explore venues that offer the flexibility you need to craft a truly remarkable event that will be remembered for years to come.

Happy Planning from the events team and we’ll MEET YOU ON THE DANCE FLOOR!