Desirable decibel level at concerts

[rajsanthanam]

I find most of the concerts at established sabhas very loud. I dont know why. Some artists bring their own sound systems with huge boom boxes and blast the rasikas with huge sunami sound waves. As soon as the concert starts you can see the artists signalling the sound manager to up and up the volume. they even show their frustration if the volume doesnt rise to sky. I get head aches in such concerts and stay as far as I can from the stage and bring my own ear covers which lower the noise level.

In this regard I find the concerts at Nageswara Rao poonga better where you can hear the artists real voice a lil better. Also I had the privilage to attend Prabhat concerts at 5 30 am in a private house in Mylapore where the artist sat on the living room floor with out any mikes and sang in original voice. There were only about 15 people but the concert was so enjoyable. Also I liked the living room lit by oil lamps which gave a divine feeling.

[VK RAMAN]

Some artists bring their own sound systems - That is news. How many CM artists carry their own sound system. I like to know out of curiosity.

[Nick H]

It's news t me too.

I find most of the concerts at established sabhas very loud. I dont know why. Some artists bring their own sound systems with huge boom boxes and blast the rasikas with huge sunami sound waves.

Some organisations have their own sound systems, which they use in host halls, and some host halls do not allow them to.

Artists are really not in the business of deafening their audiences. Please read the several threads on this subject, and you will learn a bit about why it happens, who is responsible, and even why, sometimes, the artists do seem to be asking for more volume even though we are being deafened.

[rajsanthanam]

I meant huge speakers. Not the whole sound syatems.

[Nick H]

I still have not encountered any artists owning major speakers or PA systems --- but I know 1% number of artists compared to some fellow rasikas.

I share your enthusiasm for mic-less concerts --- or, at least, I used to, until my hearing ability took another dip, and now I rather appreciate the speakers, I'm afraid. A small-room concert, though, of the kind that you describe, must have been divine.

[vasanthakokilam]

On the positive side, I heard concerts at the Academy, MFAC, YGP and Sivagami Pettachi. The volume levels were OK, OK enough to not notice that as a problem. At YGP, on a couple of occasions there was that annoying feedback but it was quickly rectified.

[mohan]

KJ Yesudas used to take his own sound system to certain auditoriums (eg Mylapore Fine Arts Club).
Some musicians carry their own microphone to their concerts. This is a good idea I think.

The high decibels usually is caused by a few factors like:
- no sound check prior to concert
- poor placed (or adjusted) monitor speakers (or no monitor speakers)
- sound technicians' preference for high decibels

[VK RAMAN]

I believe KJY carries his own sound/recording system. He uses the recordings perhaps for commercial purpose.

[Sundara Rajan]

We have discussed this issue threadbare in the past. I give up ! Regardless of the reasons for the high decibel level, I play it safe by carrying ear plug sponges and use them, if required, to decrease the damage to my sensitive ears. My wife says that, even at my age, I have "snake ears" ( "pAmbu chevi"; apparently she doesn't know that snakes have no ears ! ) whenever I complain about the noises she makes in the kitchen . I prefer to sit closer to the stage and have visual as well as aural pleasure. Otherwise I could be content with my music system at home.

[VK RAMAN]

If we visit senior citizens houses, we will know who keeps the speakers at high volume. This issue is not confined to any one gender. These seniors refuse to get hearing aid ignoring their hearing loss.

[Nick H]

Whilst there is a grain of truth in that, you might also like to observe some houses where the young are watching tv, listening to music, etc.

At least the elders have an excuse!

[rajsanthanam]

I noticed that when I visited my relatives houses. The TV was blaring so loud, I left earlier than my wish. May be a tactic to get guests out early?

[Nick H]

A long time ago someone told me, "Indian TVs have only two volume settings: off and loud."

At the time, I thought they were joking