The right level of sound for a public address system can depend on several factors, including the size and shape of the space, the number of people in the audience, and the acoustics of the room. However, a good general rule of thumb is to aim for a sound level that is both clear and intelligible, without being too loud or too soft.
THE RIGHT LEVEL OF SOUND
In general, it is recommended to aim for a sound level of around 70-80 decibels (dB) for public address systems in smaller spaces, such as classrooms or conference rooms. This level should be sufficient to ensure that everyone in the audience can hear and understand the message being delivered, without causing discomfort or hearing damage.
For larger spaces, such as stadiums or outdoor events, the sound level will need to be higher in order to reach everyone in the audience. However, it is still important to ensure that the sound level is not too loud, as this can cause hearing damage and discomfort for those in the audience.
In factories, oil rigs and other extremely high noise environments machinery areas are typically associated with machine noises above 85dB, and the Health and Safety compliances mandate the staff exposed to such noise to wear ear protection. Sound systems designed for such areas need to be complemented with beacons to convey important messages such as a gas leak or fire.
EVENLY DISTRIBUTED SOUND
It is also important to ensure that the sound is distributed evenly throughout the space, without being too loud in some areas and too soft in others. This can be achieved by using multiple speakers and adjusting the volume levels as needed. Ultimately, the right level of sound for a public address system will depend on the specific needs of the facility, the events they need to cover and the audience. Acoustechno provides insight into different sound systems!
CONSULT AN EXPERT
If you are unsure, it may be helpful to consult Vivo Asia Engineering & Trading Pte Ltd who can help you find the right settings for your specific system and event. Vivo Asia uses state of the art software tools to simulate the speaker system's sound overlapped with background noise and it can help determine if there is sufficient SNR (signal to noise ration) for a sound system to produce clear intelligible sound without being too harsh on the audience's ears.