Noise Limiter Devices - Environmental Noise Control Systems

Proprietors of premises where live or recorded music is provided have a duty to ensure they do not cause a nuisance to local residents through excessive volume, and are liable to receive complaints about noise pollution and an investigation by Environmental Health & Licensing if they don't control the volume of their entertainment.

One method of ensuring the sound does not reach excessive levels is the installation of a 'sound limiter' device, which is sometimes called an environmental noise control system. Such devices monitor noise levels within premises and cut the power supply to the equipment if the preset sound level is exceeded.

Although there is no legal requirement to install a noise limiter they are a reasonably inexpensive piece of equipment, which can help prevent complaints as part of a sound control plan and also protect the health of your staff by helping to ensure that the levels do not exceed those set by the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.

Most devices have visual displays to offer warnings if the preset volume level is about to be exceeded, many also have a locking mechanism so only authorised staff can gain access to the units and adjust the preset levels.

There are two main types of device which can be installed:

• Sanction Noise Limiter, otherwise known as an Electronic Sound Monitoring and Mains Power Switching Unit.
  
  This type of equipment can be used in most situations, and is the only suitable choice when live bands or DJs bring their own equipment to your premises. You must ensure that entertainers plug their equipment into a power supply controlled by your noise limiter.These devices monitor the sound levels within a venue using a microphone. This device is set to a pre-determined level and should this be exceeded for a period of time (normally 10 seconds), the mains power is disconnected. After a short time the power is restored which prompts you to reduce the volume.
  
  A qualified electrician will need to install this equipment. There is a range of equipment available and prices vary from approximately £400-£1000.
  
  
• Automatic Volume Control, otherwise known as Electronic Sound Level Attenuation System
  
  These devices are suitable to use between a recorded sound source system, which is permanently in place at your premises, e.g. a CD player or karaoke machine and the main power amplifier.
  
  The unit is set to a pre-determined level and it then continually monitors the sound. If the output of the sound source exceeds the preset level, the device automatically limits the volume by, in most cases, compressing the signal rather than cutting the power supply. The advantage of this is no break in the music, just a distortion in sound quality. Prices for this sort of equipment average around £500, plus the cost of installation.