Clean Dance SPL Guidelines

Sound Pressure Levels

SPL

Clean Dance SPL Guidelines

A good Clean Dance DJ understands SPL and will do the following:

During Setup

Arrange the speakers to direct the highest SPL to the middle of the dance floor. This will have lower SPL on the perimeter where the wall flowers and chaperones can talk.
Set the SPL in the middle of the dance floor to average 87 dB with short peaks up to 104 dB (this assumes 3-4 hr dance/party)
EQ the Room for warm balanced sound. Flat line if using RTA with white noise generator, coloring the sound with base, and mid highs, keeping Highs flat.
Do not allow tables or chairs between speakers and dance floor.

During the Activity

Start at a soft 85 dB and gradually work up to 90 db
Check the SPL every hour or so. Bodies absorb sound and the system may need to be turned up. As equipment warms up and becomes more efficient and it may need to be turned down.
Don't allow patrons to stand in front of the speakers. In order to project the sound needed on a dance floor, the first 1-2 meters of the speakers' throw are the most dangerous to hearing. For example, you could measure 135 dB weighted at the speaker and only 85 dB weighted on the dance floor.
Most fast dances should be played at a comfortable loud volume (but not to exceed OSHA standard)
Some fast dances and ALL slow songs should be played at a volume that allows conversation between the dancers. Usually 80-85 dB.
Immediately check out all "too loud" complaints. Make sure you know where they were when they determined the music was too loud and if it was a particular song or all music. Be aware that the EQ and Sound Pressure Level is different on the dance floor than at the DJ table. Be aware that volume levels vary on media. Some CD's recorded "hotter" than others, therefore the levels may be just right until a Hot recorded song is played, know to turn down for that song. Watch your meters!

Most of the time DJ's will do this by ear. The majority of DJ's are not equipped or technically inclined to balance and set the SPL in a room properly. And there are so many factors in balancing a room. For DJ's, the time to do it right does not make economical sense for a one shot, low revenue, gig.

If your DJs are not meeting your needs, we may have a CleanDance DJ in your area that could meet your needs or with training we may be able to accept your DJ as a Clean Dance DJ. Additionally you may consider going in house with our library, equipment recommendations for local purchase (or buy from us), and training for your staff.

Art by Ron Bell Studios