“We are the ones who more deeply understand the physics and effects of sound levels in any given environment and it becomes encumbent upon us to take this understanding, in a usable and practical form, to those who are technically ignorant and cause them to understand before they, through their ignorance and judicial pressure, pass laws, regulations, and make policy that will severly bind our industry.”

I might agree with you, if there was some sort of professional standards that we adhered to, some level of education that was required, some certification, but alas, there isn't. Any idiot can go to Guitar Center with a Gold card, and walk out as a sound company. This idiot knows NOTHING of the physics involved, knows NOTHING of safety issues, knows NOTHING of the anatomy and physiology of the ear and hearing, never HEARD of Fletcher or Munson, and knows NOTHING of electrical safety.

ALL this idiot knows is that he can afford enough cabinets and amps to get really loud, and that's cool, right? Let's face it. People in our industry are generally looked down upon by professionals in other fields. Ever see a sound tech talking to an electrician about his system? Watch the electrician's face closely, you'll see smirking...

“To a certain degree, we still hold our "fate" in our hands.”

Eloquently said, Ross, and I agree. The big problem lies in what action we can take. Our industry is currently structured VERY loosely. If I publish a policy for my company that restricts our maximum SPL output to a given number (what number, what weighting, measured where, over what period of time, with what allowable crest factor? Think about it...), I'l bet dollars to donuts that Captain Peavey, or the aforementioned Idiot will get a LOT more work. I can hear it now... "Yeah, Dave and his guys are all afraid of a little volume. Don't worry, I'll get you guys loud..."

In sum, I agree that something has to be done, but I just don't know what. Any ideas?

Dave Lowum


Posted by Ross A. Schott on November 24, 1999

“You can bet that the big boys have their attorneys studying up on that. A local (Chicago) news station ran an "expose" on hearing loss in today's youth.”

Dave, that's precisely the type of covert agendizing that occurs to any regulatory target.

“I think the hardest part about the campaign that you are envisioning is simply the sheer cost of it. We, as an industry, can't afford a lobbying group or PAC, nor can we afford the air time required to put our message out there.”

Dave, I might be somewhat idealistic here however, I do believe that it would be highly probable that we could enlist the aid of a great majority of others involved in the ALL of the varying aspects of sound, installation contractors, theatres, churches, civic venues, recording engineers, musicians, and I do believe our rather extensive customer base could also be willing suppoters of the cause. Organizations like H.E.A.R. would be excellent and beneficial partners. Besides, political realities teach us that numbers are not so important as coverage, continuity, and congressional hearings.

“Finally, it would be difficult to argue that there is ANY tangible benefit derived from our industry, from the viewpoint of the general public.”

Point well taken. However, the focus here is not to justify current excessive levels. The focus is to 1) Minimize the impact of any future regulation ( it WILL come). 2)Make certain that any future regulation is based on rational standards (... it measures 100db 5' in front of the speaker, I'm going to have to shut you down).

“This is really the crux of the problem. Most of us have had the pleasure of educating the local electrical inspector on NEC codes”

Again Dave, great point. Legislators and regulators however are like ants in that once one goes in a certain direction and finds a relatively inocuous response or a favorable response THEY ALL tend to follow. By having an organized body politic, SR companies and interests would already be in a position armed with information that would thwart the aims of ignorance and pre-empt the intentions of know-nothing do-gooders.

“I got a citation (noise pollution) a few years back, while doing sound in a venue that was having problems with the neighbors.”

It's unfortunately the same story in my area. Again, where there is no standard, arrogance and ignorance rule.

We are the ones who more deeply understand the physics and effects of sound levels in any given environment.

“I might agree with you, if there was some sort of professional standards that we adhered to.”

AES and Syn-Aud-Con are great examples of how this dilemna can start to be rectified. Obviously, there is a long road ahead but you never get there until you get going.

In the end quality always wins out. Captain Peavey and his Lost Planet Soundmen will always be like flies on ... and those of us who can and do provide quality and professionalism always win out.

Just this year, I decided I would raise my rates, as I have some new investments, and very much to my surprise I have gained MORE work, more corporate clients, and obviously a fatter wallet (actually,less anemic).

I lost a couple of club gigs that paid very little to Capt. Peavey and his Lost Planet Soundmen. I was amazed at the club owners wanting me back, but I held my prices. Sometimes, I guess it's the customer’s perception of value that really matters.

Ross