Originally Posted by crossroadsnyc

Ok, so I have a question for you decibel level experts ...

In another thread (about the attenuation of a 5w amp), I had an exchange with a fellow NY'er regarding the difference between live volume tone v. condo/apt. level tone. It essentially centered around there being a considerable difference between the volumes at which you play live, against the volumes at which you need to play while at home. Obviously in a home situation you need to keep the volume down considerably when living in a condo like I do.

Now, in my explanation in that thread, I described two very different living situations ... my recent past one v. my new one. In the recent past one I was in a situation for a number of years where I could play at a somewhat considerable volume since my neighbors were musicians themselves, or simply did not mind. In my current one, my neighbors (from what I've been warned) are not as understanding (basically my new building is full of snobs who like to cause problems).

In the current situation, I'm very mindful of keeping my volume low ... but it got me wondering "what is permissible by law depending on the time of day?", so that I can play as loud as legally possible and have a legal recourse to refute any claims of "you need to turn it down, etc." ...

So my question is this: Lets take my VM 2266 head and 425a cabinet as an example. Does anyone know, based on where I set the volume knob on the amp (talking master volume of course), what the decibel levels coming out would equal?

For example, if I have the volume set to 1, what is the decibel level? How do I (short of getting a decibel reader) gauge (roughly speaking of course) the decibel levels based on the level of volume at which I'm playing at home?

I'd like to turn it up while at home, but I want to make sure I have legal recourse to fall back on in the event that someone challenges me on it. I have a sneaking suspicion that I'm legally allowed to go louder than I have been the past few months, so I want to make sure I'm maximizing my home environment enjoyment when I'm not at a practice, gig, etc.

I'm sure some of you know this technical stuff ... mind helping out a fellow forum member who's trying to be a considerate (legally) neighbor?

Also, yes, I know roughly what the db level I'm allowed would be ... just want to figure out how to gauge when I'm roughly at that point.

Thanks for your help!