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probably in the wrong place-info on sound dampening

#1
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6/16/08 at 1:37pm
  • Joined: June 2008
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I know this is specifically a Home Theater forum, but I thought maybe somebody might even be able to point me in the right direction of another forum if this is inappropriate here.

Here's the deal:

I put on concerts at an outdoor venue. We have neighbors complaining about the noise. So, I'm wanting to research some things we could do to potentially relieve some of the problem. We want to make it better for them while still being able to run as a venue. We are one of the only all ages, outdoor, midsize concert venue around the Midwest (Kansas).
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#2
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6/16/08 at 4:58pm
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Re: probably in the wrong place-info on sound dampening

Chris,

Welcome to the forum.

I'll move your thread to our HT builders area. Your question is probably just a bit too specialized to get answered properly in our Basics Forum.

Good luck!


Cees
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#3
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6/16/08 at 5:03pm
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Re: probably in the wrong place-info on sound dampening

thank you!
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#4
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6/17/08 at 5:36am
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Re: probably in the wrong place-info on sound dampening

Since your sound system is outside, the only realistic thing you can do is turn it down. Your other, unrealistic option is to rebuild/remodel the neighbor's houses using numerous soundproofing techniques. If I were you, I would contact commercial builders that build hotels near airports. You would need massively thick walls as well as multi-layer, soundproof glass for every window.

Our city's amphitheater is less than 2 miles from my house and I rarely hear anything. The local paper did report complaints from last summer's Alice In Chains/Velvet Revolver show though. I wasn't compaining because I was there! Yes, it was one of the loudest shows I have attented there but it ended at the 11pm cut-off time for shows. Since this venue is a benefit to the city, they overlook the occaisional complaint. Talk to the neighbors and local officials so that some guidelines can be developed. Send someone outside your venue to measure the SPL at the different houses that have complaints. A slight adjustment in volume or EQ may have big impacts outside.

-Robert
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#5
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6/17/08 at 7:37am
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Re: probably in the wrong place-info on sound dampening

If you can get a hold of Mark Seaton I read before where he has done some outdoor theatres and learned some tricks for dampening the sound.

Home Theater Forum - View Profile: Mark Seaton
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#6
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6/17/08 at 4:20pm
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Re: probably in the wrong place-info on sound dampening


Hi Chris,

Welcome to the Forum! I think you'll have better luck posting your question at the Live Audio Board.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt
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#7
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6/17/08 at 4:58pm
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Re: probably in the wrong place-info on sound dampening

Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert_J
Since your sound system is outside, the only realistic thing you can do is turn it down. Your other, unrealistic option is to rebuild/remodel the neighbor's houses using numerous soundproofing techniques. If I were you, I would contact commercial builders that build hotels near airports. You would need massively thick walls as well as multi-layer, soundproof glass for every window.

Our city's amphitheater is less than 2 miles from my house and I rarely hear anything. The local paper did report complaints from last summer's Alice In Chains/Velvet Revolver show though. I wasn't compaining because I was there! Yes, it was one of the loudest shows I have attented there but it ended at the 11pm cut-off time for shows. Since this venue is a benefit to the city, they overlook the occaisional complaint. Talk to the neighbors and local officials so that some guidelines can be developed. Send someone outside your venue to measure the SPL at the different houses that have complaints. A slight adjustment in volume or EQ may have big impacts outside.

-Robert

Thanks for the advice.

Yes, turning it down was the first thing we did. Unfortunately, being the nature of rock-n-roll, the bands think they need it as loud as possible (although my ringing ears say no). When we have larger bands in they have such large equipment and have everything so precise that we have no choice but to turn up the volume to make things sound right.. and of course they complain for having to turn it down as much as they do.

I'm not sure what SPL is, but they have measured the volume.. in decibels i guess. Our last one was at 95 highest, but the neighbor still called police. The police themselves didn't think it was that loud though.
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#8
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6/17/08 at 4:59pm
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Re: probably in the wrong place-info on sound dampening

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wayne A. Pflughaupt

Hi Chris,

Welcome to the Forum! I think you'll have better luck posting your question at the

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

Thank you!
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