The Loudness Wars - Why the Volume at Events Needs to Come Down
When Events Are Too Loud, Connection Breaks Down
Did you know there is a standard measurement unit for loudness? Not volume, but loudness.
It’s called LUFS which stands for “Loudness Units (relative to) Full Scale”. You’ll see why this is relevant shortly.
The need for this standard came from a bad habit that started nearly 100 years ago - a phenomenon was born and began to take hold in the world of music.
That phenomenon grew to become known as “The Loudness Wars”, and it started as early as the 1940s.
Music producers/engineers began to ‘master’ their final mixes of songs/albums to be louder than their competitors, so that when you heard their song on the radio - it sounded more important/better.
But humans aren’t always good at recognizing when we’ve gone too far and need to dial it back (literally).
The Loudness Wars peaked in the 2000s and in the 2010s some sound engineers had begun to fight back and raise awareness of the issue.
Now in the 2020s, thankfully music streaming services have each implemented an enforced limit on LUFS on their platforms, so no matter how loud a song was mixed, it won’t play back to your headphones/speakers louder than a certain level.
The Loudness Wars may be ‘over’ on the radio, but unfortunately they ‘bled over’ into public spaces and are still making serious waves there.
NOISE NUISANCE
I get it - humans like music. Silent spaces can feel awkward, boring, maybe even sterile. But there is a balance to be found.
I’ve been a musician for over 20 years and I’m a bit nerdy about it. I know a thing or two about audio production, sound design, and acoustics.
This was ultimately the genesis for me to develop the SOLACE Model (TM).
The first letter of SOLACE is S for Sound, but that is only one piece of what SOLACE is designed to address and to make better.
Volume levels are consistently a top complaint of people (especially introverts) at public events. So far, 85% of respondents to my sensory survey have reported sound as their #1 issue at events.
I recently began to take sound volume (dB) measurements at events, and where there is music playing at networking/social events - the volume has tended to land between 70-80dB as a baseline.
As you can see by this graphic, that is right on the borderline of where volume begins to be harmful.
You’re not going to blow out your eardrum at 90dB, but long-term exposure does have a harmful impact.
THE NETWORKING IS NOT WORKING
I hear it consistently from people - they hate having to yell to have a conversation, ESPECIALLY at an event that is meant for connecting/networking.
Here’s another little factoid for you - it’s called the Lombard Effect.
For (approx) every 50 people you add to a space (all talking), it raises the volume of the space by 4-6dB.
So if the baseline of the space (with music) is getting to upwards of 80dB and you add 100+ people, you’re adding another 10-15 dB which pushes you up to peaks of 95dB. That’s roughly equivalent to trying to have a conversation with a blender running right next to you.
How are people supposed to connect in that environment? Not to mention a 2+ hour event like that is going to leave your ears ringing, your body tense, and your blood pressure elevated. (And then you might have to hop on the subway to go home - the subway is 80-100dB as well).
Cities are loud in many places, but it doesn’t have to be loud in every space.
THE LUFS DON’T LIE
Last week I facilitated a sensory break space at an event.
I set up sound meters around the venue - both in the main area and in the break space. I wanted people to be able to see the difference.
The main space was in that 70-80dB range (it was a very large room with high ceilings which helped).
The sensory break room was 30-40dB when empty, and 40-60dB with some people in it.
You don’t need to be a math whiz to understand that 40dB is half as much as 80dB.
Even if you add some soft (low volume) music to the quiet space, the volume might creep up 10dB with peaks hitting 75. That’s not going to raise your blood pressure - it’s more likely to LOWER it.
Meanwhile in the main room:
I know a lot of people don’t have a concept of volume in dB and aren’t used to thinking about it. You don’t even have to memorize the volume milestones chart, just knowing that 85dB and up is ‘danger zone’ gets you started.
BALANCE THE VOLUME: BOOST THE CQ (Connection Quotient)
One of the attendees from the event those samples were taken at had this to say:
“I’ve been noticing how much noise and cross-talking affect my ability to process information and become very overwhelming to me. I appreciate you thinking and creating these spaces to take a break from all the commotion. Even if we just need a break to catch our breath.”
This is another aspect of it. Even if you are capable of raising your voice to talk over loud music, you’re going to be wearing down energy and concentration wise. You won’t be able to think as clearly or remember things as well.
Another guest said:
“The break room was a great idea to add to any event!”
They are right, and I intend to make sensory break spaces a more common thing.
The easiest way to balance things out better is to turn down the music a bit. I’m not saying turn it completely off, but turning it down by even 10dB at baseline will keep those peaks out of the danger zone. And people won’t have to yell as much.
Of course there are other solutions as well - some simple and free, some that are more impactful but require some investment.
I’m happy to lead you towards less overwhelming events via a consultation!
The SOLACE Model (TM) addresses issues that no other complete system does that I’m aware of, and it does so with the aid of data, not just opinion or preference.
I of course do factor in the survey data I’m collecting as well. That data is people directly telling me what ruins their event experience, and I bring the solutions of how to make it better.
If you’re ready to crank up the Connection Quotient for your events, let’s talk. The SOLACE Model (TM) can help you get there.
Lacey Artemis (she/they) is a neurodivergent speaker, consultant, and media producer. She is the founder of Neuromix Consulting which provides sensory accessibility and neuro-inclusion consulting, as well as anti-burnout play workshops. You can find out more at www.neuromixconstulting.com.
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