What noise level(db) would a rehearsing band be at do you reckon?

[boglej2]

*Hope this is in the right forum, kind of an odd one*

I'm doing some research, couldn't find a similar thread here or any more info on Google(the infinite resource...) so thought i'd post aone myself.

A rehearsing band i.e. acoustic drums(not miked), bass amp, guitar amp or two, and a moderate pa(around 400 watts say) just for vocals, what noise level(db) would this generate?

Anybody with a rough idea even would be great to hear from,

As always thanks,

Boglej2

[walker rosewood]

That's gonna depend on a lot of things like the construction/materials/layout of the room, where the volume knobs are set, how hard the drummer hits, etc.

I'd estimate 100db to 120db. If you're doing research you should grab a db meter and head to some rehearsals.

[Vinny D]

If the drummer uses anything other then brushes you are easily going to be over 100db.
I would guess somewhere around 110 - 115 for a average rock band.
It could easily be more then that if people are having volume wars!

[salcott]

My ideal rehearsal rig for a two guitar/bass/drums: GK 400RB or modern equivalent driving 410 or 115; two Fender Deluxe or equivalent powerwise; unmiked drums played w/ reasonable musicality, ie, non-arena volume. If bashing is all he knows, get a better drummer. PA to suit.

[boglej2]

Thanks for your replies, the reason why i'm asking is not research for buying an amp, i'm looking to setup a rehearsal space in my local town and was told to check out noise pollution restrictions.

[butchblack]

Originally Posted by boglej2

Thanks for your replies, the reason why I'm asking is not research for buying an amp, I'm looking to setup a rehearsal space in my local town and was told to check out noise pollution restrictions.

In that case they're probably more concerned with the sound level outside of the rehearsal space. So some soundproofing, a tight fitting door and few/no windows will help in keeping noise bleed down.

[cchorney]

Originally Posted by salcott

unmiked drums played w/ reasonable musicality, ie, non-arena volume. If bashing is all he knows, get a better drummer.

That's the key of it - the acoustic drums drive the volume process. If you have electronic drums, then I would go a little quieter. The bar owners like to be able to hear orders over the music and the patrons like to be able to communicate with each other, so that gets up repeat business. Your mileage may vary and your style may not support this (we do "bar rock").

[pgolliher]

Hi, just wanted to mention that there is a great DB meter app for the iphone. The one I use is called S P L by studio six digital, around $8. There are others available, but the acoustic engineers tested this for another musician that I work with and they said it was "wickedly accurate". It is fun to play with, especially with our 5 month old twins.

[MNAirHead]

practice.. 80db... anything else is counterproductive.

[TimmyP]

I've measured peaks of 110 from an unamplified snare in a not-too-lively room at a distance of 30'. It made my neck muscles flinch every time he hit it. Then the rest of the band came in.