HomeBrowse ShopSearchFAQAbout UsContact Us

 

Online Shop

Advice Centre

Watts and volume. How do they relate to one another?

Although technically (all things being equal) if you double the number of Watts you double the sound pressure level (SPL), our ears don't necessarily perceive the volume as twice as loud. The reasons for this are quite complicated.

As a general rule, doubling the number of Watts increases perceived volume by around 30%

 

The number of watts that you will need depends on a number of factors including your style of music, the size of the venue and the number of people in the audience (bodies absorb sound!).

Additionally, you should not have your PA system turned up to its full capacity because any peaks in the music may cause distortion. As a general rule we would allow the following as a start point:

Type of use Watts per audience member
Meetings 0.5 to 1
Acoustic Acts 2 to 3
Duos 2 to 3
Medium bands 3 to 4
Large Bands 5

 If you're in a band, create your own custom package and save money

If you're in a band, try our exclusive What PA? Custom PA Package designer to design a PA System that's perfect for your needs. If you're a venue, please use the simpler Interactive Guide on the How Many Watts page.

 

Send us your comments


If you have any comments on this section or would like to add something to it, please email us!

 

© The Barns Music Group 2010  Content cannot be reproduced without permission

Website by Item Consulting