ENGLISH Venues with Sound Limiters

[Shaun]

If you know of any venues in England with sound limiters please post them below. Any additional details such as placement / sensitivity (if you know) would also be beneficial.

Many thanks.

[STEVE HANLEY]

The Globe in Gateshead.....Nightmare I'll never play there again

Masonic Lodge in Middlesbrough....Super sensitive. Audience chatter can set it off. Shame really cos it's a really nice venue

[SC Events]

Amington Liberal House, Tamworth.
Packington Moor, Lichfield - However, it is permanently set to 'Monitor', so is never 'Active'.

[CRAZY K]

If you know of any venues in England with sound limiters please post them below. Any additional details such as placement / sensitivity (if you know) would also be beneficial.

Many thanks.

Nice one Shaun--as its my number one hate I will have to dig through the records but can think of one immediately that was a total disgrace and no one should ever play the venue.

I need to check diaries.

Ill be in touch:rolleyes:

[Craig - Dragon Discos]

Kenwood Hall - Kenwood Suite, Sheffield
Limiter situated halfway down the left hand wall, typical triangle of lights, too long on 3 reds and you're off. I worked with no subs, played at normal volime (loud) and didn't set it off. I have no problem working with it again.

Hey Green, Huddersfield
A slightly different kind of limiter. You plug your mixer output into the limiter via XLR, then from the limiter to your amps/speakers. The limiter cuts the bass / volume as needed to help limit, but if you still hammer it the system will cut the power. I worked alongside a band, so got to test with the system and it seemed to go plenty loud enough, but the band had a drum kit & couldn't work with the limiter. After a lengthy 'debate' with the owners it was decided to bypass the limiter, so I can't say for sure how good/bad it is in a gig situation

[Daryll]

The Tythe Barn nr Petersfield.

two sound sentry units . one each end , not to bad, as set up is usually in the middle either side.

Daryll

[DJ Jules]

Off the top of my head....

Bristol:

Longwell Green community centre (though commonly disconnected)
Hungerford Road community centre (nightmare levels)

Bath:

The Assembly Rooms (Tea room specifically, set at a reasonable level)


I'll have to have a dig through my notes to find the rest, I know of at least another two community centres that have them, but they've never given me trouble.

Julian

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Basingstoke wise: There are others but these are the ones to note that can cause problems.

Oakridge Hall for All - Very sensitive sound limiter with the unit by the stage area. There is a plug that bypasses it but you won't be told that.
The Irish Centre - Not too bad but you still a pain. Only been installed for the last couple of years.
Popley Fields - Sensitive.
Chineham Village Hall - Set at 100db. Not really a problem.
Lychpit Village Hall - Set at 90db but smallish hall. Have to keep an eye on it.

Other ones:

The Clockbarn, Whitchurch - No limiter installed but the staff have a handheld monitor. Never had any problems there at all but they are strict on 11.30pm finish.
Northbrook Park - As above. Handheld monitor that is looked after by the staff. Not had any problems here either.
Wokefield Park - Limiter installed and it's set quite high at 115db if I remember correctly. No problems at all.
Trunkwell House - Handheld monitor that is looked after by the staff. Not had any problems there.

That's all I can think of at the moment.

[bangbang]

The co-op club in barrows lane yardley ,even a balloon popping complete nightmare place

[lazersounds]

Best Western Russel Hotel Maidstone - Awful set at 80db, even clapping sets it off, on my black list

West Malling Village Hall, Nr Maidstone - Set at 98db so its not too bad

Weald of Kent Golf Club Nr Maidstone - Set at 110db so its a struggle to even get it in the red!

[CRAZY K]

Nice one Shaun--as its my number one hate I will have to dig through the records but can think of one immediately that was a total disgrace and no one should ever play the venue.

I need to check diaries.

Ill be in touch:rolleyes:

This may be long BUT you might spot somewhere to AVOID.

Right heres the worst Sound Limiter system EVER.

Southampton and Portsmouth readers take note.

4th September 2010--event in Bedhampton Social Hall, Bedhampton PO9 3ES.

I meant to write to the Council to complain but ran out of time.

Limiter never mentioned---so client did not appear to know.

As soon as any serious volume reached bang all power dead--thats not the worst bit, not an auto set system.

The man in charge of resetting the power was serving behind the Bar.:daft::daft::daft::daft::daft::daft::daft::daf t::daft::daft:

Hello Mr Barman I need the power resetting urgently as there are a load of people who want to know why I cant do any Line Dancing.

Reply--hang on I will be free in 5 minutes:daft::daft::daft::daft::daft::daft:

Whaaaaat-then he goes to a locked room and goes into a security cupboard to reset the power.

AN ABSOLUTE JOKE AND DISGRACE.

I think its also had trips on all doors and windows other than front door.

Unless this venue has reviewed this nonesense AVOID. Impossible to work with IMHO.

Next Bray Village Hall near Maidenhead some many years ago, so MAYBE its improved---but as Google earth tells you, smack bang next to houses.

Scottish Celebration---love them. First thing Barman says--you will have trouble with the limiter--eh what limiter?????

Quite right---every round of applause or cheer--bang its off--never mind the music---not that there was much of that--TOTALLY RUINED THE WHOLE EVENT.
Unless its been reviewed AVOID. Impossible to work with IMHO.

Moving South to The Queens Hall, Cuckfield. Bearable limiter but useless if you use the mike a lot ( I do) Screwed up totally the first Barn Dance for the lovely couple of ladies who hired me for a Civil.

Sooo if you let the music do-----not a problem as I blasted things later to get some atmosphere and had no problem--vocal work---big problems.

Well those are my worst ones--

HTH

[Daryll]

Arundel Town hall , Sussex

Sound sentry installed in the down stairs function room , not to bad if you back the bass of a bit.

Daryll

[yourdj]

Excuse my ignorance but what is the purpose of this post? :)
Are you going to compile a map or a list or something at the end of it. :)

I can't see how us posting on her can list enough venues with limiters.

There must be thousands of venues with limiters in so would it not be better getting a list directly from
the county councils as I am sure they have one main list anyway and would only be too happy to share
the information with the interests of educating DJ's on the restrictions that should be imposed (limiter make, volume level etc.).

Just a thought and one that may be a very useful resource perhaps?

You could title the site "www.venuestoavoid.co.uk" ;)

[funkymook]

Excuse my ignorance but what is the purpose of this post? :)


Most DJ's would find this sort of information useful if they were booked at these venues. Would you rather know beforehand or not know?



Best Western Russel Hotel Maidstone - Awful set at 80db, even clapping sets it off, on my black list

West Malling Village Hall, Nr Maidstone - Set at 98db so its not too bad

Weald of Kent Golf Club Nr Maidstone - Set at 110db so its a struggle to even get it in the red!

[WWDJ]

Excuse my ignorance but what is the purpose of this post? :)
Are you going to compile a map or a list or something at the end of it. :)

I can't see how us posting on her can list enough venues with limiters.

There must be thousands of venues with limiters in so would it not be better getting a list directly from
the county councils as I am sure they have one main list anyway and would only be too happy to share
the information with the interests of educating DJ's on the restrictions that should be imposed (limiter make, volume level etc.).

Just a thought and one that may be a very useful resource perhaps?

You could title the site "www.venuestoavoid.co.uk" ;)

Got to agree for once with Toby on this. At least some sort of mapping with details might be useful.

What about a Google Maps?
http://goo.gl/maps/2kRa6

I've started it off and I can invite you to collaborate if you want add venues or I could add them in?

Worth a try ?

[yourdj]

Most DJ's would find this sort of information useful if they were booked at these venues. Would you rather know beforehand or not know?

I agree with why, which is not my point.

There appears (to me) to be no structure to this list as its a load of random posts all over the UK. :)
There is also no way that unless this thread is millions pages long we can cover all the main venues in the UK.

What DJ will spend all day reading through that to find random venues relevant to them?

Surley a list thats divided up in to areas or even districts would be easier and more beneficial to use :)


Got to agree for once with Toby on this. At least some sort of mapping with details might be useful.

What about a Google Maps?
http://goo.gl/maps/2kRa6

I've started it off and I can invite you to collaborate if you want add venues or I could add them in?

Worth a try ?

Thats a good idea. Edit - just had a look and that would work

I still think someone must have a list in some office somewhere, which will make the job much easier. :)

[WWDJ]

Thats a good idea. Edit - just had a look and that would work

I still think someone must have a list in some office somewhere, which will make the job much easier. :)

With regards to finding that list in that office I think you are the man for the job ;-)

[CRAZY K]

This may be long BUT you might spot somewhere to AVOID.

Right heres the worst Sound Limiter system EVER.

Southampton and Portsmouth readers take note.

4th September 2010--event in Bedhampton Social Hall, Bedhampton PO9 3ES.

I meant to write to the Council to complain but ran out of time.

Limiter never mentioned---so client did not appear to know.

As soon as any serious volume reached bang all power dead--thats not the worst bit, not an auto set system.

The man in charge of resetting the power was serving behind the Bar.:daft::daft::daft::daft::daft::daft::daft::daf t::daft::daft:

Hello Mr Barman I need the power resetting urgently as there are a load of people who want to know why I cant do any Line Dancing.

Reply--hang on I will be free in 5 minutes:daft::daft::daft::daft::daft::daft:

Whaaaaat-then he goes to a locked room and goes into a security cupboard to reset the power.

AN ABSOLUTE JOKE AND DISGRACE.

I think its also had trips on all doors and windows other than front door.

Unless this venue has reviewed this nonesense AVOID. Impossible to work with IMHO.

Next Bray Village Hall near Maidenhead some many years ago, so MAYBE its improved---but as Google earth tells you, smack bang next to houses.

Scottish Celebration---love them. First thing Barman says--you will have trouble with the limiter--eh what limiter?????

Quite right---every round of applause or cheer--bang its off--never mind the music---not that there was much of that--TOTALLY RUINED THE WHOLE EVENT.
Unless its been reviewed AVOID. Impossible to work with IMHO.

Moving South to The Queens Hall, Cuckfield. Bearable limiter but useless if you use the mike a lot ( I do) Screwed up totally the first Barn Dance for the lovely couple of ladies who hired me for a Civil.

Sooo if you let the music do-----not a problem as I blasted things later to get some atmosphere and had no problem--vocal work---big problems.

Well those are my worst ones--

HTH

Another one thats a bit tricky--Bourne End Village Hall near Hemel Hempstead/Berkhamsted.

Right in a built up area--I managed to avoid cut off ( just) last time with the traffic light system but that was a Barn Dance--for a loudish Disco I think think you would have problems.

Just had a Wedding enquiry which reminded me:rolleyes:

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Excuse my ignorance but what is the purpose of this post? :)
Are you going to compile a map or a list or something at the end of it. :)

I can't see how us posting on her can list enough venues with limiters.

There must be thousands of venues with limiters in so would it not be better getting a list directly from
the county councils as I am sure they have one main list anyway and would only be too happy to share
the information with the interests of educating DJ's on the restrictions that should be imposed (limiter make, volume level etc.).

Just a thought and one that may be a very useful resource perhaps?

You could title the site "www.venuestoavoid.co.uk" ;)

Toby, the purpose of the thread is obviously to help us out!
Yes, there probably are thousands of limiters in venues all over the UK and yes, there are probably lists available to obtain from County Councils.
Anything that helps us is a good thing is it not?
It used to be a question I asked all the time "Do you know if the venue has sound limiters installed?" but I get a lot of repeat work at venues I have been to before so I know the answer already.
I generally say now that if a venue has a sound limiter, I need to know the db levels otherwise I won't go into them.
I think it's good that a list like this can exist on the forum.
It's not likely that it will happen to me but I'd hate to turn up at a venue where the customer has said there isn't a limiter (maybe they haven't been told or have missed the small print?) and I find that there is one. Having a list of venues with limiters and hopefully db levels will be a big help.

[musicologydisco]

Norfolk. Drayton Old Lodge. Internal mic in unit used and its placed low down right behind where your right hand speaker goes so it just picks up the bass from back of speaker. Take long leads and place the offending speaker half way down the dancefloor, away from the limiter. Gives you more headroom!

[CRAZY K]

It's not likely that it will happen to me but I'd hate to turn up at a venue where the customer has said there isn't a limiter (maybe they haven't been told or have missed the small print?) and I find that there is one. Having a list of venues with limiters and hopefully db levels will be a big help.

Good point, I have had that problem and at least two events ( mentioned at venues on my posts) the whole evening was effectively ruined by the limiters.

[funkymook]

What DJ will spend all day reading through that to find random venues relevant to them?


There would still be long lists however you split it up - as always the Search function is your friend!

Got a booking in a venue you've never played at before? Do a forum search and see what comes up, what's difficult about that? (surely everyone does that anyway).

[yourdj]

There would still be long lists however you split it up - as always the Search function is your friend!

Got a booking in a venue you've never played at before? Do a forum search and see what comes up, what's difficult about that? (surely everyone does that anyway).

But what if you are not checking any specific venue or just want a definitive list? I list of "venues with limiters in Southampton" would be much better than having to go on the search function and perhaps have to sift through lots of other irrelevant comments about it first. :)

I can't see what wrong with a map rather than a massive random list of posts that are not geographically relevant to 99% of the venues I would play at. I also do not think that it could possibly be that conclusive as the thread is already only 3 pages long but full of this conversation and not any venues with limiters. :p Each member would have to post all the venue they personally know that have them, which would mean that a good number of members from the same area would have to do the same to fill in the venues they have not been to or perhaps forgotten.

I am not knocking this idea and I applause the concept but I think there are much more efficient ways of achieving it as it will be most useful.

[funkymook]

But what if you are not checking any specific venue or just want a definitive list? I list of "venues with limiters in Southampton" would be much better than having to go on the search function and perhaps have to sift through lots of other irrelevant comments about it first. :)

I can't see what wrong with a map rather than a massive random list of posts that are not geographically relevant to 99% of the venues I would play at.
I also do not think that it could possibly be that conclusive as the thread is already only 3 pages long but full of this conversation and not any venues with limiters. :p

I am not knocking this idea and I applause the concept but I think there are much more efficient ways of achieving it as it will be most useful.

Well done that man for volunteering for the job and the ongoing upkeep of the list!

[CRAZY K]

Well done that man for volunteering for the job and the ongoing upkeep of the list!

Its a tough job--but Tobys got to do it
:Laugh::Laugh::Laugh::Laugh::Laugh::Laugh::Laugh:: Laugh::Laugh::Laugh::Laugh::Laugh::Laugh::Laugh::L augh::Laugh:

[yourdj]

Well done that man for volunteering for the job and the ongoing upkeep of the list!

I was waiting for that ;)

I am getting one of the guys who is in charge of our area at an HDA meeting next year to discuss how and why they set these limits and to answer a barrage of questions :confused: so that would probably the best place to start.

I do think it will be useful as they have sprung up all over the place and are positioned in silly places.

[WWDJ]

I've added a few to the Google Map so you can see what it would look like

http://goo.gl/maps/2kRa6

If you want Collaborate on this
- Press Edit

then for each venue

- Search for your venue in the maps search bar
- Use the Pin Tool (top left of the map) to add a point on your venue
- Add the venue name in the name field
- Add a description of the Sound limiter in the description field.

once you have added all the venues

- Click Done.

Takes about 2 minutes max per venue, if that.

[yourdj]

I've added a few to the Google Map so you can see what it would look like

http://goo.gl/maps/2kRa6

If you want Collaborate on this
- Press Edit

then for each venue

- Search for your venue in the maps search bar
- Use the Pin Tool (top left of the map) to add a point on your venue
- Add the venue name in the name field
- Add a description of the Sound limiter in the description field.

once you have added all the venues

- Click Done.

Takes about 2 minutes max per venue, if that.

I do like that map I have to say.

Would a locked copy of that was available as a post, if that is at all possible?
I know I can embed maps to my site, but I doubt it would be that way with a forum?

That would be excellent as people can then pinpoint each venue. it would take ages as a voluntary thing, but would be more efficient.

[WWDJ]

Not sure you can embed in a post with the editor available.

[funkymook]

I do like that map I have to say.

Would a locked copy of that was available as a post, if that is at all possible?
I know I can embed maps to my site, but I doubt it would be that way with a forum?

That would be excellent as people can then pinpoint each venue. it would take ages as a voluntary thing, but would be more efficient.

Not sure it's any better than doing a search to be honest. The map doesn't really add value that I can see (though willing to be convinced otherwise) and the list is non-alphabetical, so needs to be scrolled through, and once any database is over a certain size you need a search function anyway.

And if the venue isn't on the map perhaps there's a post about it, so you'd still end up doing a search just in case, and possibly finding other posts about the venue as well.

[WWDJ]

Not sure it's any better than doing a search to be honest. The map doesn't really add value that I can see (though willing to be convinced otherwise) and the list is non-alphabetical, so needs to be scrolled through, and once any database is over a certain size you need a search function anyway.

And if the venue isn't on the map perhaps there's a post about it, so you'd still end up doing a search just in case, and possibly finding other posts about the venue as well.

The idea would be that people (or Toby) would put the venue on the map as a pin.
Then you zoom in to your area on the map to see which venues might give you issues.

It's an alternative way to handle the hundreds of venues that are likely to get listed

The list on the map doesn't serve a huge purpose, it the map itself that is useful?

[yourdj]

Map adds loads of value assuming it gets filled in :p

You just zoom to your area scroll over each marker and get all the information need about local venues close to you.

Come on get posting people ;)

https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=218051336053245293427.0004cdb3cbe37738593d b&msa=0&ll=52.549636,-1.845703&spn=7.52488,19.753418


This guy has listed a few:

http://www.cloudandsunmobiledisco.co.uk/venuesplayed.html

[CRAZY K]

Any one played here guys?

Just got the big heavy threatening letter from the Council advising of 96 decibels and not to tamper with the sound limiter or do a by pass on pain of prosecution.:mad::mad::mad::mad:

Personally I believe I will have to cancel and give the client their deposit back--my Country Show is not excessively loud but my pa /vocals including yee has and customers clapping and yelling/stamping feet are likely to trip the limiter I think.:Censored:

I am not prepared to compromise my show and effectively ruin the clients evening for which they are playing a large sum of money.

I have had too many of those in the past.

According to the paperwork--IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE HIRER AND THE DISCO OPERATOR to ensure noise is kept to a reasonable level--I dont recall signing anything agreeing to that--our last run in with a Council ended with us refusing to sign their unacceptable Contract where they wanted up to accept ALL LIABILITIES and indemnify them in respect of ANYTHING to do with our Rodeo Bull---immediately invalidating our Insurance.:rolleyes:

Anyway I will be going to the hall to test the limiter with my kit urgently and take it from there.

So anyone been there out of interest and any comments /feedback ?

Thanks in advance---

[CRAZY K]

Any one played here guys?

Just got the big heavy threatening letter from the Council advising of 96 decibels and not to tamper with the sound limiter or do a by pass on pain of prosecution.:mad::mad::mad::mad:

Personally I believe I will have to cancel and give the client their deposit back--my Country Show is not excessively loud but my pa /vocals including yee has and customers clapping and yelling/stamping feet are likely to trip the limiter I think.:Censored:

I am not prepared to compromise my show and effectively ruin the clients evening for which they are playing a large sum of money.

I have had too many of those in the past.

According to the paperwork--IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE HIRER AND THE DISCO OPERATOR to ensure noise is kept to a reasonable level--I dont recall signing anything agreeing to that--our last run in with a Council ended with us refusing to sign their unacceptable Contract where they wanted up to accept ALL LIABILITIES and indemnify them in respect of ANYTHING to do with our Rodeo Bull---immediately invalidating our Insurance.:rolleyes:

Anyway I will be going to the hall to test the limiter with my kit urgently and take it from there.

So anyone been there out of interest and any comments /feedback ?

Thanks in advance---

Nobody has played this one then.

Ah well---I have now:rolleyes:

Took my smallest kit there today, no subs--set up in the massive hall and tested the limiter with music and mike.

Surprisingly reasonable because a lot of the sound is absorbed by large curtains and the ceiling tiles.

In summary ok for an event not needing ear bleedingly loud music and reasonable bass--probably most Wedding events--even pushing the limiter into the red did not cut out--so a bit more sympathetic than a lot I have worked with.

The staff did say they have a lot of cut out problems in the smaller room because the sound presumably is not absorbed.

A successful visit combined with some Rodeo Bull business as I wasnt sure if I was going to have to cancel:D

Definitely a workable situation---even if I have to keep the yee has under control:daft::daft::daft:

[welby]

Please add:

Sedgebrook Hall - Northampton - Main Hall.

It is set very low and the indicator lights are usually hidden by the "Tent Style Lining"
and if you trip it you have to wait for the barman to reset it and depending on how busy
it is depends on how long he takes to goto the cupboard to reset it.

I know one of our members is the "local DJ" so interested for his comments.

[CRAZY K]

Please add:

Sedgebrook Hall - Northampton - Main Hall.

It is set very low and the indicator lights are usually hidden by the "Tent Style Lining"
and if you trip it you have to wait for the barman to reset it and depending on how busy
it is depends on how long he takes to goto the cupboard to reset it.

I know one of our members is the "local DJ" so interested for his comments.

Good grief--I thought I had come across the only one of these situations in the UK in Portsmouth--

BUT ON MY DOORSTEP:daft::daft::daft:

Makes note in diary to---

AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE.

[Corabar Entertainment]

Beaufort Suite, Bishops College, Cheshunt, Herts.

Our hearts sank when we arrived to do a kids birthday party in a hall to find it had a limiter (It is a venue we've played in before, but not for some time, plus I emailed the venue in advance, but they neglected to mention the limiter - despite it being one of my standard queries).

Apparently, it is set to 87dB.

However, the microphone is suspended from the ceiling in the middle of the room (above the dance floor), and, as there is a balcony on two sides of the room, the centre is double height. This meant that, although we did hit the red once or twice for a split second when we had the kids shouting loudly, we didn't have any problems whatsoever. Background music didn't even register on the traffic light system, and even tracks with a heavy bass only occasionally went to amber.

Steve is still there now - doing a Christmas party for the adults!