NOISE CONTROL OVERVIEW:- (See Products Below) - A
sound limiter, also known as environmental noise control systems, is now a requirement in many areas of the UK for the granting or renewal of an entertainment licence. Many local authorities are insisting on the installation of an electronic
sound limiter in pubs, clubs, bars, halls, restaurants, health clubs and other entertainment venues as a solution to the growing number of complaints regarding noise pollution.
This information is to give a general overview of the problems and, hopefully, solutions to the more common noise control applications in entertainment situations. Full technical information is available. The information is not intended to be an answer to all problems as some situations require specialised solutions.
Legislation is in place to control noise and falls generally into 2 categories, briefly:-
1: HEALTH & SAFETY AT WORK. In EU countries the law protecting people at work from high sound levels is based on the 1986 EU Council Directive 86/188. Each country has translated this directive into its own law. In the UK this is done by the noise at work regulations (1989). This law is based on the concept of a daily noise exposure. Loud sounds for a short period or not so loud sounds for a longer period can both give the same exposure. Entertainment venues are places of work and the rules apply here just as in factories.
2: NOISE NUISANCE. This falls under the environmental banner of noise pollution. Local authorities are empowered to control the noise levels in their locality sufficient to prevent noise nuisance; to impose any reasonable requirements by the issue of a noise nuisance notice served under section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and to enforce compliance through the courts.
Music and entertainment sound is all considered to be "NOISE".
Many local authorities are now insisting on noise control measures in entertainment venues before entertainment licence renewal is granted. There are currently several products, (SEE PRODUCTS BELOW), which were developed purely to address the problems in these areas of concern.
New legislation means that In addition to their existing powers to serve noise abatement notices and review premises licenses, as from 1 October 2006 local authorities will be able to issue fixed penalty notices in the region of £500 to the person in charge of the premises at the time of any complaint. This could be the license holder, manager or any other employee.
The Sound and Light Company specialise in the
supply and / or installation of sound limiters, our technical department can
advise you on the appropriate unit for your venue. If required we can
carry out the installation for you please contact
our sales department for a quotation.
We offer free technical support and installation advice. Call us on 0870 345 0352.
Check out our full range of
sound limiters and accessories - Click Here.
Wholesalers & Installers - If purchasing more than one unit
ask for details of our quantity discounts.
There are basically Two types of Sound Limiter:
1. Electronic Sound Level Attenuation System
A unit which is connected between the mixer or sound source, a karaoke
machine or CD player for example, and the main power amplifier. The unit
continually monitors the sound level and reduces the volume if a preset limit is
exceeded. This type of noise control system is only suitable if the sound
system or at least the power amplifier is permanently installed in the venue.
An example of this type of unit is the AVC below.
FORMULA SOUND AVC 2
The Formula Sound AVC performs as an intelligent volume control and in operation is very simple. If the average operating level is kept below the internally set threshold, the AVC has no effect. If the average programme level exceeds the threshold the unit will reduce its output level. The level is reduced in discreet steps indicated by the led. bar graph meter on the front panel of the unit. The action of the AVC is to fade between these steps and is almost undetectable in use. The more one tries to increase the volume, the more the AVC will decrease it so that the system will barely change in perceived level. If driven to maximum attenuation, the output level will be reduced by more than the increase in input level. The mixer or pre amp will probably be clipping, but the system will actually be at a lower than normal level. A clip indicator is provided to show when the input stage of the limiter is being over driven. Reducing the input level will gently release the attenuation provided by the AVC.
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AVC |
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£559.00 GBP Inc. VAT
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DRAWMER SPL2120
The Drawmer SPL2120 front panel features an integral security lock to ensure that
adjustments to maximum volume levels are implemented by key holders only. In
‘unlocked’ mode two front panel pre-sets are exposed and available for
adjustment. The first calibrates the 16 segment Left/Right bargraphs to the
incoming audio and dictates the point at which ‘protection’ processing
commences. The second sets the absolute volume level to which the sound
system is allowed to perform. If the SP2120 receives increased signal
levels, the transparent ‘protection’ circuitry is activated which maintains
the specified system volume level without degradation in sound quality.
Step 1: Insert key to ‘unlock’ front panel and adjust VU meter pre-set until
the peaks of the incoming audio illuminate the red endstop 0dB LEDs.
Step 2: Adjust max output level pre-set until sound system volume reaches
the maximum permitted SPL as specified by the installer, client or
environmental Health Officer and remove key.
Installed in only a few minutes this unit completely eliminates the
possibility of ‘unauthorised’ volume levels. No sound quality loss even
during heavy protection processing. Housed in a 1U 19" rack mounting case.
Isolation transformer output option. |
SPL2120 |
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£339.00 GBP including VAT
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2. Electronic Sound Monitoring and Mains Power
Switching Unit
A sound limiter which monitors levels using a built in or external microphone.
If a preset sound pressure level, usually set by the local environmental health
officer, is exceeded for a certain period of time the mains power is
disconnected from the sound source. This type of sound limiter can be used
in most situations but is the only viable solution when bands or mobile DJs use
their own equipment. If you own or manage a pub, bar, village hall or
other establishment where live music is played you can safeguard your licence
and avoid the possibility of large fines by ensuring that musicians plug their
equipment into a power socket controlled by a device of this type. This
type of sound limiter will usually need to be fitted by a professional installer
as mains voltage connections are involved.
SLC supply and install several different models
of sanction limiter, some are shown below.
SLC
SL2000 -
OUR BEST SELLING SOUND LIMITER!
Successfully installed in 1000s of venues, this unit has been designed by installers to overcome the drawbacks of other products. The main control unit can be fitted at a convenient location out of sight. The remote indicator and remote sound pickup microphone are connected using low voltage cable for ease of installation. Simple to fit and
operate, the SL2000 sound limiter offers the same features as more
expensive systems and is local authority approved. With fully
automatic operation, a 30 Amp contactor (30A switching
capability) along with fire alarm interface already built in, the SL2000 offers straightforward installation and adjustment at a low price.
Download SL2000 Instruction Manual
SLC Price £399.00 Inc.VAT |
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SL2000 - £399.00 |
NEW PRODUCT - ADASTRA SOUND LIMITER
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ADASTRA SOUND LIMITER - NEW
SOUND LIMITER COMPLETE WITH LARGE REMOTE DISPLAY. The main control unit can be fitted at a convenient location out of sight. The large remote indicator and remote sound pickup microphone are connected using low voltage cable for ease of installation. Simple to fit and
operate, the Adastra Sound limiter offers the same features as more
expensive systems and is local authority approved. With fully
automatic operation, a 30 Amp contactor (30A switching
capability) along with fire alarm interface already built in, the Adastra Sound Limiter offers straightforward installation and adjustment.
SLC Price £529.00 Inc.VAT |
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ADASTRA Sound Limiter £529.00 |
Formula Sound - Sentry
The Sentry works in conjunction with a relay or
contactor (available separately £118.38 GBP including VAT) and usually controls mains power. But the Sentry is not limited to
this function; any function that can be controlled by a relay or switch can
be controlled by the Sentry.
The Sentry has connectors provided to interface with a range of equipment,
plus internally selectable options to make the system as versatile as
possible. Although its main application is to control mains power outlets in
entertainment venues it is not restricted to this application. Basically any
function that can be controlled by a relay or switch can be controlled by
the Sentry. These may include disconnecting loudspeakers, switching passive
attenuators to reduce system volume or acting as the trigger into an active
attenuator system. It is microphone driven and has its own microphone built
in to minimise tampering.
The Sentry also incorporates the facility to operate at two different sound
level thresholds which may be selected manually, by a remote key switch or
similar, or automatically by a time switch (switches not supplied). This
allows a venue to operate at different levels at different periods of the
day. e.g. when near offices or shops. An integral timer is available as a
cost option.SLC PRICE £549.00 inc.VAT - UK List £675.63inc VAT |
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Formula Sound - Sentry - £549.00 |
Castle GA904 Electronic Orange
The Castletech Electronic Orange Noise Controller is connected to the main power supply for the amplification equipment, the Electronic Orange flashes a warning when pre set sound levels are exceeded. If the operator doesn't turn down the sound within a pre-set time, an automatic cut off activates. The music never has to stop, because a warning light flashes if the limit is exceeded, and only when this is ignored does the power supply cut off to prevent further abuse.
£660.00
GBP including VAT
Download GA904 Instruction Manual |
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GA904 - £660.00 |
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