Question on volume/decibel levels

crossroadsnyc · 10-13-2009, 12:20 PM

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!

3rett · 10-13-2009, 01:45 PM

I usually don't reply if I don't have a complete answer; but I got to say. I'm with you on this one. I think I go overboard on courtesy and would also like to know what is legal.

As far as how many db's '1' would get you............ I think that is very circumstantial. There are so many factors like gain and EQ settings along with the efficiency of the particular speakers you're using. I think a db meter would be the only way to know for sure......

Great question. I think I'm gonna research some on this.........

3rett

Frankie · 10-13-2009, 02:00 PM

You would need a decibel meter. There are so many factors that effect DB ratings and so many differences even in between the same model amps that it'd be basically impossible to guess that. Even tile vs. carpet, block vs. wood walls, and the direction the cabinet is facing would affect the DB rating really.

crossroadsnyc · 10-13-2009, 03:58 PM

Yeah, I guess what I'm looking for is a reference point w/out having to actually purchase a meter for just this single purpose. I just don't have an interest in it other than from curiosity on how far I can legally push it.

Basically the question could have been more direct if I had mentioned the amp/cab (which I did) and just said all of the settings at noon w/eq and preamp volumes, and just straight into the amp. So like at what point in turning the volume up, will I hit approximately 70db, for example? Would that be 1? 2? 3?

I've don't a lot of searching around for this but I really couldn't find comparisons. I found comparisons for a number of instruments such as piano, various horns & other stringed instruments, drums, singing, etc., but nothing on a guitar ... even acoustic. I did find something on a chart that listed a "Fender amplifier turned up to ten" like a few feet away from you (but nothing for going lower than that).

Anyway, yes kind of vague but hoped someone might know a way as a general way to gauge it in a ballpark. I guess I could just buy a meter for it but I just hate having crap laying around and would hate to just toss it out for one use haha.

Frankie · 10-13-2009, 04:08 PM

There's really no way to tell, like I said. Decibels are going to be read outside if the cops come anyway (ask me how I know), so even having your windows open or closed is going to make a significant difference. Knowing what's coming out of the speakers from 6 inches away isn't going to really help you.

MartyStrat54 · 10-13-2009, 05:35 PM

Get a meter and have a friend take it to one of the complaining neighbors. Then you could start playing and when the neighbor said, "That's loud enough," you could go back and say, "It was 65dB down at the neighbors and it is 81dB in here.

Hey it sounded like a good idea. The main point is how do you know what the neighbor will tolerate from day to day? One day you might get to play loud and the next day your neighbor has a sick kid and he doesn't even want to hear your amp. That is why, except for a few years, I refused to live in an apartment. It limits what you can do.

crossroadsnyc · 10-13-2009, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartyStrat54

Get a meter and have a friend take it to one of the complaining neighbors. Then you could start playing and when the neighbor said, "That's loud enough," you could go back and say, "It was 65dB down at the neighbors and it is 81dB in here.

Hey it sounded like a good idea. The main point is how do you know what the neighbor will tolerate from day to day? One day you might get to play loud and the next day your neighbor has a sick kid and he doesn't even want to hear your amp. That is why, except for a few years, I refused to live in an apartment. It limits what you can do.

I'm not really interested in what they are willing to tolerate, so much as what I'm legally allowed and at what point I'm reaching that. Some people are going to complain regardless (which I've been told about some of the folks in this building), so I guess I'm looking for a legal angle to defend my own rights and enjoyment if it were to ever become an issue. Like I said, I'm very mindful here, but yesterday's exchange just got me thinking about how much I could push it from a legal perspective. Yes, I know purchasing a meter is the best way ... mentioned that in my initial question ... but I just figured someone at some point has done something along the lines some general measurement guidelines. Even something as simple as finding decibel ratings for an acoustic guitar (no mike of course) is proving difficult to find. Like I can find it for nearly everything other than a guitar.

Haven't received any complaints so all is good ... just want to see how far I can go ... you know?

Thanks for the replies, guys. Might have to just break down and buy one. Probably find something like that at Radio Shack, right?

*edit* ... yes, a house would be nice, but no such luck here in the city ... it's either an apartment, condo, or the park bench.

javier pintos · 10-15-2009, 12:04 PM

ok last night i did some measures with a more or less generic db meter with a dbA setting

DSL100 settings: Green channel gain 10, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treb 6, Pres 6, no tone shift, no deep, guitar LP studio, A Chord, 4x12 celestion G12H30 (anniversary)/V30, meter at more or less 1 meter away from the cab

vol. Just above 0 but i could not hear my picking - 86 db
Vol. 0.5 - 92 dbA
Vol 1 - 92.4 dbA
Vol 1.5 - 92.7 dbA

Sony Tv 24" dimed on a National Geo program at my regular listening position 82.4 dbA

Mi younger one screams at 92 dbA when fighting his older brother

I have to take another sample just to make sure since i just found out someadjustment i did not do on the meter, but anyway, anything from 1 on my volume was louder than my TV and i´ll try to find out what to do, i have tomorrow off from the offcie so i hope to get some better readings

Frankie · 10-15-2009, 12:20 PM

I just realized I can download a dB meter application for my phone. I'll do some tests too!

javier pintos · 10-15-2009, 12:23 PM

cool can we agree on what to test with?, i think a simple chord would be a more standard way to test since we will be testing with a more or less equivalent sound rather that playing a song

as well as the distance from the cab i suggest 1 meter

Frankie · 10-16-2009, 11:38 AM

Everybody's results are gonna be different anyway, it doesn't actually matter how we test it.

Grandturk · 10-16-2009, 11:54 AM

I was at the Them Crooked Vultures show last night and they maxed out the decibel meter on my iPhone at 113dB. I want to try this on my Boogie tonight when I get home.

crossroadsnyc · 10-16-2009, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frankie

I just realized I can download a dB meter application for my phone. I'll do some tests too!

Frankie, good call w/the iphone application! I looked at the decibel applications available, and there are a number of them you can choose from. Which one did you go with?

Grandturk · 10-16-2009, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crossroadsnyc

Frankie, good call w/the iphone application! I looked at the decibel applications available, and there are a number of them you can choose from. Which one did you go with?

I bought the SPl app... its 6.99. FRom the reviews, the .99 and 1.99 meters are junk.

javier pintos · 10-16-2009, 02:09 PM

ok i recalibrated my meter and here are my results with the same settings, but tone shift engaged

vol=.5 89dbA i stop hearing the strings and just hear the speakers reproduction
vol 1 99.7 dbA
vol 2 101.6 dbA
vol 5 102 dbA
vol 8 103 dbA

i had to stop there cause my ashtray fell of and had to clean up jajaj, has some feedback on vol 8 while going for the remainings of my ashtray and it went up 103

javier pintos · 10-16-2009, 02:19 PM

just hot 113 on vol 9!!!

there´s something with my meter that need to be caibrated everytime it goes above 100

Grandturk · 10-16-2009, 11:46 PM

I quickly did my little Kerry King MG and my Boogie.

The KK MG topped out at about 96dB all the way up (it didn't get much louder after about 1/2 way).

My Mk II Boogie did 107dB on 1 - I didn't want to turn it up past that in my apartment.

All measurements were about 15' from the combos.

Bret138 · 10-17-2009, 01:11 AM

while on the subject of decibel levels i was wondering...if you take the speaker efficiency rating and just do the math would you find out approx. what the decibel level you're amp would produce?

Greenbacks for example i believe are 97dB at 1 watt...so doubling the power increases dB by three i've been told (maybe i'm wrong?) so 2 watts would produce 100 dB
4 watts - 103dB
8 watts - 106dB
16 watts - 109dB
32 watts - 112dB
64 watts - 115dB
128 watts - 118dB
(wattage isn't really evenly matched with normal amp wattages but you get the point)

maybe i'm way off on this i don't know. the thought just crossed my mind and wondered if maybe anyone could tell me...

...or maybe ive just been holding my hits too long

Papus · 10-18-2009, 12:34 AM

In Australia noise complaints are measured from the property line.
I don't know about high-density living such as apartments.
In most locations you can make as much noise as you like between daylight hours, typically 8am to 8pm.
The police may inform you of a daytime noise complaint, but it's usually just them following procedure - they leave you alone unless the noise continues past the curfew or becomes a regular issue with you, your neighbours and the police.
After curfew the rules are quite specific: as low as 40dB at the property line.
Compare this to about 35dB in a quiet library, for example.
In effect this means the noise must be absolutely inaudible in your neighbour's house.
I suggest you obtain a dB meter and have a friend meter the noise in an adjoining room to your amp, assuming you share walls with neighbour's.
All you need to do is establish the volume at which your amp is audible in an adjoining room at the maximum SPL permissible by law.
When your neighbour complains you can invite them to witness as your friend meters the noise in their apartment, thus demonstrating that they have no legal grounds to support a noise complaint.

ProfChaos · 10-18-2009, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frankie

You would need a decibel meter. There are so many factors that effect DB ratings and so many differences even in between the same model amps that it'd be basically impossible to guess that. Even tile vs. carpet, block vs. wood walls, and the direction the cabinet is facing would affect the DB rating really.

Frankie makes a good point: The variables are going to include things in the physical environment around the Marshall, the direction in which the cabinet is pointing, the time of day because of outside noise cross-talk, etc. Given those considerations, wouldn't the ideal situation be to use a dB meter from inside your closest neighbor's condo right at sound curfew? You could flail away and have a friend measure the dB-level, or vice-versa. My condo is very well-insulated, so I can rarely hear the neighbors. At first, I was overly cautious with the settings of my Marshall, until my immediate neighbor told me that he has a honking-loud stereo that I only hear when he is really drunk and cranks it up.

Still, I told my immediate neighbor that if the Marshall is overwhelming, he should just knock on the door, and I will make the necessary adjustments. ...Thank God for my PowerBrake.

cheers,

custom53 · 10-18-2009, 09:45 AM

Quote:

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!

It sounds like anything you do other than play unplugged is going to piss off your neighbors. Been there...

crossroadsnyc · 10-18-2009, 02:03 PM

Funny thing, but I decided to look into the city laws as well as the condo board rules (not sure why I didn't think of this one before as I was given them when I bought the place). Turns out that it's been an issue in this building before, and the condo board has actually taken the side of musicians by installing a rule that permits me to play up to an hour a day at basically the volume of my choice (w/in reason), and at other times I just have to keep it down to a volume which would be no louder than normal talking conversation outside of my hallway door. The only thing they prohibit is the use of drums or an electric bass. I have a sneaking suspicion the person who "warned me" is likely one of the complainers who is just trying to influence by ahead of time so I'd avoid the situation all together to avoid any conflict. Anyway, I did some volume tests to make sure I'm alright for the other 23 hours of the day and have worked it out just fine. Still, I'm interested in the decibel level so I think I'm going to go ahead and purchase one of those iphone applications and play around w/it a bit.

Have to say I'm envious of those of you living in a house w/some quiet space!

Thanks for all of your input, guys ... much appreciated.

10-13-2009, 12:20 PM	#1 (permalink)
crossroadsnyc Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NYC Posts: 312	Question on volume/decibel levels 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!

10-13-2009, 01:45 PM	#2 (permalink)
3rett Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 20	Re: Question on volume/decibel levels I usually don't reply if I don't have a complete answer; but I got to say. I'm with you on this one. I think I go overboard on courtesy and would also like to know what is legal. As far as how many db's '1' would get you............ I think that is very circumstantial. There are so many factors like gain and EQ settings along with the efficiency of the particular speakers you're using. I think a db meter would be the only way to know for sure...... Great question. I think I'm gonna research some on this......... 3rett

10-13-2009, 02:00 PM	#3 (permalink)
Frankie Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 362	Re: Question on volume/decibel levels You would need a decibel meter. There are so many factors that effect DB ratings and so many differences even in between the same model amps that it'd be basically impossible to guess that. Even tile vs. carpet, block vs. wood walls, and the direction the cabinet is facing would affect the DB rating really. __________________ w w w . c o w b o y m a f i a . n e t Myspace.com \| YouTube \| Facebook

10-13-2009, 03:58 PM	#4 (permalink)
crossroadsnyc Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NYC Posts: 312	Re: Question on volume/decibel levels Yeah, I guess what I'm looking for is a reference point w/out having to actually purchase a meter for just this single purpose. I just don't have an interest in it other than from curiosity on how far I can legally push it. Basically the question could have been more direct if I had mentioned the amp/cab (which I did) and just said all of the settings at noon w/eq and preamp volumes, and just straight into the amp. So like at what point in turning the volume up, will I hit approximately 70db, for example? Would that be 1? 2? 3? I've don't a lot of searching around for this but I really couldn't find comparisons. I found comparisons for a number of instruments such as piano, various horns & other stringed instruments, drums, singing, etc., but nothing on a guitar ... even acoustic. I did find something on a chart that listed a "Fender amplifier turned up to ten" like a few feet away from you (but nothing for going lower than that). Anyway, yes kind of vague but hoped someone might know a way as a general way to gauge it in a ballpark. I guess I could just buy a meter for it but I just hate having crap laying around and would hate to just toss it out for one use haha.

10-13-2009, 04:08 PM	#5 (permalink)
Frankie Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 362	Re: Question on volume/decibel levels There's really no way to tell, like I said. Decibels are going to be read outside if the cops come anyway (ask me how I know), so even having your windows open or closed is going to make a significant difference. Knowing what's coming out of the speakers from 6 inches away isn't going to really help you. __________________ w w w . c o w b o y m a f i a . n e t Myspace.com \| YouTube \| Facebook

10-13-2009, 05:35 PM	#6 (permalink)
MartyStrat54 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Formerly Phoenix, now north of KC Posts: 2,583	Re: Question on volume/decibel levels Get a meter and have a friend take it to one of the complaining neighbors. Then you could start playing and when the neighbor said, "That's loud enough," you could go back and say, "It was 65dB down at the neighbors and it is 81dB in here. Hey it sounded like a good idea. The main point is how do you know what the neighbor will tolerate from day to day? One day you might get to play loud and the next day your neighbor has a sick kid and he doesn't even want to hear your amp. That is why, except for a few years, I refused to live in an apartment. It limits what you can do. __________________ MARTY 2009 Gibson Explorer-Hell Raising Machine 1989 Fender Strat Plus USA 2008 Fender Tele USA 2004 Schecter Elite w/DiMarzio's TSL100 with custom 4x12 cab. TSL122 with Man 'O War Speakers. TSL602 #1 with JBL D123 Speakers and 602 #2 with Altec 417 Speakers. "Oh so sweet my friends." DSL401 #1 with Red Fang Speaker and 401 #2 with JBL D123 Speaker. Tubes: Let's just say they are NOS that kick ass.

10-15-2009, 12:04 PM	#8 (permalink)
javier pintos Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Mexico Posts: 323	Re: Question on volume/decibel levels ok last night i did some measures with a more or less generic db meter with a dbA setting DSL100 settings: Green channel gain 10, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treb 6, Pres 6, no tone shift, no deep, guitar LP studio, A Chord, 4x12 celestion G12H30 (anniversary)/V30, meter at more or less 1 meter away from the cab vol. Just above 0 but i could not hear my picking - 86 db Vol. 0.5 - 92 dbA Vol 1 - 92.4 dbA Vol 1.5 - 92.7 dbA Sony Tv 24" dimed on a National Geo program at my regular listening position 82.4 dbA Mi younger one screams at 92 dbA when fighting his older brother I have to take another sample just to make sure since i just found out someadjustment i did not do on the meter, but anyway, anything from 1 on my volume was louder than my TV and i´ll try to find out what to do, i have tomorrow off from the offcie so i hope to get some better readings

10-15-2009, 12:20 PM	#9 (permalink)
Frankie Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 362	Re: Question on volume/decibel levels I just realized I can download a dB meter application for my phone. I'll do some tests too! __________________ w w w . c o w b o y m a f i a . n e t Myspace.com \| YouTube \| Facebook

10-15-2009, 12:23 PM	#10 (permalink)
javier pintos Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Mexico Posts: 323	Re: Question on volume/decibel levels cool can we agree on what to test with?, i think a simple chord would be a more standard way to test since we will be testing with a more or less equivalent sound rather that playing a song as well as the distance from the cab i suggest 1 meter

10-16-2009, 11:38 AM	#11 (permalink)
Frankie Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 362	Re: Question on volume/decibel levels Everybody's results are gonna be different anyway, it doesn't actually matter how we test it. __________________ w w w . c o w b o y m a f i a . n e t Myspace.com \| YouTube \| Facebook

10-16-2009, 11:54 AM	#12 (permalink)
Grandturk Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NYC Posts: 110	Re: Question on volume/decibel levels I was at the Them Crooked Vultures show last night and they maxed out the decibel meter on my iPhone at 113dB. I want to try this on my Boogie tonight when I get home.

10-16-2009, 02:09 PM	#15 (permalink)
javier pintos Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Mexico Posts: 323	Re: Question on volume/decibel levels ok i recalibrated my meter and here are my results with the same settings, but tone shift engaged vol=.5 89dbA i stop hearing the strings and just hear the speakers reproduction vol 1 99.7 dbA vol 2 101.6 dbA vol 5 102 dbA vol 8 103 dbA i had to stop there cause my ashtray fell of and had to clean up jajaj, has some feedback on vol 8 while going for the remainings of my ashtray and it went up 103

10-16-2009, 02:19 PM	#16 (permalink)
javier pintos Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Mexico Posts: 323	Re: Question on volume/decibel levels just hot 113 on vol 9!!! there´s something with my meter that need to be caibrated everytime it goes above 100

10-16-2009, 11:46 PM	#17 (permalink)
Grandturk Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NYC Posts: 110	Re: Question on volume/decibel levels I quickly did my little Kerry King MG and my Boogie. The KK MG topped out at about 96dB all the way up (it didn't get much louder after about 1/2 way). My Mk II Boogie did 107dB on 1 - I didn't want to turn it up past that in my apartment. All measurements were about 15' from the combos.

10-17-2009, 01:11 AM	#18 (permalink)
Bret138 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Harlem Posts: 31	Re: Question on volume/decibel levels while on the subject of decibel levels i was wondering...if you take the speaker efficiency rating and just do the math would you find out approx. what the decibel level you're amp would produce? Greenbacks for example i believe are 97dB at 1 watt...so doubling the power increases dB by three i've been told (maybe i'm wrong?) so 2 watts would produce 100 dB 4 watts - 103dB 8 watts - 106dB 16 watts - 109dB 32 watts - 112dB 64 watts - 115dB 128 watts - 118dB (wattage isn't really evenly matched with normal amp wattages but you get the point) maybe i'm way off on this i don't know. the thought just crossed my mind and wondered if maybe anyone could tell me... ...or maybe ive just been holding my hits too long __________________ '88 Marshall JMP 1987 Fender Hot Rod DeVille 410 Valve Jr.

10-18-2009, 12:34 AM	#19 (permalink)
Papus Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 5	Re: Question on volume/decibel levels In Australia noise complaints are measured from the property line. I don't know about high-density living such as apartments. In most locations you can make as much noise as you like between daylight hours, typically 8am to 8pm. The police may inform you of a daytime noise complaint, but it's usually just them following procedure - they leave you alone unless the noise continues past the curfew or becomes a regular issue with you, your neighbours and the police. After curfew the rules are quite specific: as low as 40dB at the property line. Compare this to about 35dB in a quiet library, for example. In effect this means the noise must be absolutely inaudible in your neighbour's house. I suggest you obtain a dB meter and have a friend meter the noise in an adjoining room to your amp, assuming you share walls with neighbour's. All you need to do is establish the volume at which your amp is audible in an adjoining room at the maximum SPL permissible by law. When your neighbour complains you can invite them to witness as your friend meters the noise in their apartment, thus demonstrating that they have no legal grounds to support a noise complaint.

10-18-2009, 02:03 PM	#22 (permalink)
crossroadsnyc Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NYC Posts: 312	Re: Question on volume/decibel levels Funny thing, but I decided to look into the city laws as well as the condo board rules (not sure why I didn't think of this one before as I was given them when I bought the place). Turns out that it's been an issue in this building before, and the condo board has actually taken the side of musicians by installing a rule that permits me to play up to an hour a day at basically the volume of my choice (w/in reason), and at other times I just have to keep it down to a volume which would be no louder than normal talking conversation outside of my hallway door. The only thing they prohibit is the use of drums or an electric bass. I have a sneaking suspicion the person who "warned me" is likely one of the complainers who is just trying to influence by ahead of time so I'd avoid the situation all together to avoid any conflict. Anyway, I did some volume tests to make sure I'm alright for the other 23 hours of the day and have worked it out just fine. Still, I'm interested in the decibel level so I think I'm going to go ahead and purchase one of those iphone applications and play around w/it a bit. Have to say I'm envious of those of you living in a house w/some quiet space! Thanks for all of your input, guys ... much appreciated.

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