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This seems like the appropriate section to ask about this. I've been hearing a lot gruff about stage volume being an issue. I'm currently jamming in the basement with a drummer, awaiting for others to jump in and partake in the madness. I haven't played out in about 7 years now, so I've kinda been out of the loop. It would be quite a shame (not to mention a waste) to not be able to utilize the full beat down that my gear is able to unleash. Has anybody ever had any problems with the sound guy or listeners in regard to loud stage volumes? If so, what would be the recommended amp volume levels. This sort bitching almost seems like joke as far I'm concerned. But as it remains, I haven't played out with my gear yet, so I really have no idea what I'm in store for.

If you're in Australia, you are more than likely gonna have problems. Pretty much every venue has, by law, a noise level in dab they have to adhere to as part of their live entertainment licensing.

Oh wow...I seriously had no idea venues had noise regulations. I actually live in the US. So I'm not sure those laws pertain anywhere out here. I guess I could start by looking up laws and regulation on the state level where I'm at. If anything it'd be good know.

Yeah dude, if you're out at shows seeing bands, ask the sound guy or venue staff, they'll usually be in the know.
Most likely you guys won't have as many issues with noise restrictions, because you most likely won't be making any retarded laws about it.

It completely depends on the venue and sound guy. On more than one occasion I've only been able to turn up as far as the jump from nothing to something coming out of the amp and I've thrown a shit fit. If u play smaller basement or dive bar shows you should be fine but any place with a legit PA and competent sound guy will have a limit they will put you at....

As well as ask to DI the bass....

really depends on your rig and a lot of other factors. we usually try to stick to venues and sound dudes that are used to and welcoming of loud bands. its usually not a problem. i currently play a 100 watt full stack, though it was two 100 watt half stacks at one point not long ago. our other guitarist also has a 100 watt full stack. occasionally we'll get asked for some small volume adjustments, but it's pretty rare that someone is like "oh my god that's too loud this is a problem." some places are like that though and they suck to play at. fortunately actual dB limits are pretty rare over here.

That's along lines of what I was assuming. I'm currently running a 120volume unit/ full stack. However I did recently have a post MV installed, just for the convienience of having to turn it down. I've never experienced any problems in the past. I now think that part of the perspective that I'm getting from people, is that the 120w can just a overwhelming beast when your standing right near. Along with the alarm of walking up to a two story home and seeing the garage walls pulsate, while the jams are taking place in the basement. Appreciate the kind feedback guys.

Seems to be a consistent thing for me. I know with house shows it's different but I remember going over to Baton Rouge to play a show and we were the 2nd band and we didn't get all the way through a song before the cops came in and shut it down. That's fine and to be expected...

But I've been asked multiple times to turn down in venues. Been asked to turn down with my old sludge band on I think it was St. Charles Ave in New Orleans. asked as in the cops showed up and said it was too loud. we were playing with 4 Ampeg SS150 half stacks. All with various 412 cabs.
Some bar that is now closed in Gautier, MS had the cops called and they showed up while we were playing. we were running two Ampeg SS150 full stacks. 2 412 cabs 2 215 cabs.

The last time was again in New Orleans but at least it was no cops. It was just the soundguy saying I was too loud and that time was probably the smallest setup i've used which was an Ampeg SS150 with a Kustom 215 and a Traynor 412

Come to think of it, I'm pretty aware of noise ordinances. I've had a couple "disturbing the peace" warnings at one of my old jam rooms, but, I guess I always figured that venues would be exempt...evidently not. I suppose it's always gonna be some what of a give or take.

Yea really it's all dependent on how many assholes surround the area. the show in St. Charles it was with Zoroaster and we were louder than them. It was actually the bar across the street that called... across the street meaning 4 lanes of traffic and a large median... So yea it seems best to play at 3/4th vol or just barely above half for the equipment i used in those venues. Sucked.

Venues in the US have a db limit that is laid out by OSHA...or some such organization. Apparently, anything louder than that and you can get shut down/fines etc. If you ever go to shows in big theater type venues, you'll usually see the FOH engineer with a db meter on his desk for this reason.

Really though, unless you play a small place, you should be alright.

misterstomach wrote: we usually try to stick to venues and sound dudes that are used to and welcoming of loud bands.

this, oh my god this. Having a sound dude who understands when it's completely unnecessary to mic stuff rules.

... most clubs mic your shit anyway?

Yea, most clubs do. At least around here. I guess my concern mostly lies around the possibility of setting up somewhere and not being able to push the OR120 enough to get that punch and growl.