How Loud is Too Loud | Drew Brashler at the Churchfront Conference 2024

Summary

This video addresses the importance of maintaining optimal sound levels in church environments, focusing on the balance between volume and clarity for both safety and engagement. It covers the key aspects of SPL (sound pressure level), offering practical advice for setting up sound systems and measuring sound levels effectively. The speaker emphasizes the need for awareness of hearing safety, with tips on achieving clear, immersive sound without causing discomfort. Additionally, resources such as workshops are offered for those seeking more detailed guidance on SPL measurement and church audio setups.

Takeaways

• 😀 SPL (Sound Pressure Level) is crucial in worship services to ensure both impactful and safe audio levels for the congregation.
• 😀 Proper sound mixing is essential to balance clarity, dynamics, and volume to create an engaging worship experience.
• 😀 Room acoustics, such as echo and reverberation, affect how sound is perceived and should be managed for optimal audio quality.
• 😀 Too much stage volume, especially from drums and guitars, can negatively affect the overall sound mix and perceived loudness.
• 😀 Using in-ear monitors for musicians helps manage stage volume and allows sound engineers to have better control over the mix.
• 😀 The dynamics of a service should build gradually to prevent discomfort from sudden loud noises.
• 😀 It's important to ensure the PA system is suitable for the size of the space to avoid distortion and maintain clear sound.
• 😀 Excessive exposure to loud sound can lead to hearing damage, and it’s important to keep SPL within safe limits for both staff and the congregation.
• 😀 WHO, OSHA, and other safety organizations have established guidelines for safe sound exposure limits, such as 85-90 dB over specific periods.
• 😀 Educating the team on SPL measurement and how to properly assess sound levels can help maintain a safe and effective worship environment.

Q & A

Why is it important to evaluate sound levels in a church or venue?

It's important because the sound levels can directly impact the congregation's experience, both in terms of clarity and connection. If the sound is too loud or poorly mixed, it can be uncomfortable or even damaging to hearing. On the other hand, properly managed sound helps to enhance the worship experience and emotional connection.

What causes most complaints about sound levels in church services?

Most complaints stem from the perception that the sound is too loud, not necessarily that it is actually harmful. This perception is often due to tonal imbalance (too many highs or not enough lows) and dynamics (abrupt volume shifts). Additionally, stage volume and room acoustics can contribute to this issue.

What is the difference between 'sounds too loud' and 'is too loud' in the context of a church service?

'Sounds too loud' typically refers to a perception issue, where the mix or dynamics of the service make it feel overwhelming, even if the actual SPL (sound pressure level) is within safe limits. 'Is too loud' refers to actual SPL measurements that exceed safe thresholds for hearing protection, which can cause hearing damage.

How does tonality affect the perception of volume in a church setting?

Tonality affects how loud the mix feels because our ears are more sensitive to high frequencies than to low ones. If there are too many high frequencies or not enough low-end, the sound may seem louder than it actually is, creating discomfort for the listeners.

What role do dynamics play in managing the volume of a church service?

Dynamics refer to the rise and fall of energy throughout a service. If there are abrupt changes in volume, such as suddenly loud moments after silence, it can create discomfort. A well-paced service with gradual volume increases helps to make the experience smoother and more comfortable for the congregation.

What can churches do to minimize loud stage volume?

Churches can minimize loud stage volume by using in-ear monitors, digital modeling amps for guitars, or repositioning loud instruments and amps so that the sound is directed towards the musicians rather than into the room. Communication with musicians, such as asking the drummer to use thinner sticks or play more softly, can also help.

Why is room acoustics a significant factor in sound complaints at church services?

Room acoustics are crucial because they affect how sound behaves within the space. For example, parallel walls can cause reflections and flutter echoes, which can distort the sound. Bass frequencies can also build up in certain areas, such as near the front or back of the room, causing uneven sound distribution and contributing to complaints.

What is SPL, and why is it important in managing sound levels?

SPL stands for sound pressure level, and it measures the volume of sound in decibels (dB). SPL is critical because it quantifies the actual loudness of the sound and helps ensure that the volume levels do not exceed safe thresholds, preventing hearing damage.

What are the safe SPL limits according to different health organizations?

Different organizations have established safe SPL limits. For example, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) recommends a maximum of 90 dB for an 8-hour workday. The WHO (World Health Organization) suggests that 100 dB is a safe limit for 15-minute periods, and NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) recommends 85 dB as the safe threshold for long-term exposure.

What is the LEQ measurement, and how does it relate to SPL in a church service?

LEQ (Equivalent Continuous Sound Level) measures the average SPL over a specific period of time, such as 15 minutes or an hour. This measurement accounts for variations in loudness during the service, giving a more accurate picture of the overall sound exposure. LEQ is used to assess if the average sound level over a period is safe for hearing.