I've worn many hats when it comes to facilitating a sonic experience w/ a sound system.
One of my favorite hats is a KJ (Karaoke Jockey). It's different than a DJ in the sense that I'm facilitating a karaoke experience versus a song-request experience. Another hat is a DJ (Disc Jockey) -this is your standard "wedding-music-guy". I make a few announcements, play the role of emcee, and play music for the rest of the experience. I've also played many shows! What do they all have in common? They all require a PA System!
Here's the deal... If a PA system is involved, the person operating it needs to know the boundaries. It's difficult to run sound well. However, it's easy to sabotage a live experience (NOTE: treat your sound ops well -and pay them accordingly). Here's how to clear out the room: Turn the volume up... uP... Up ...and UP! That's it! If sound pressure levels (volume) are too high in any setting, I guarantee you that people will leave. I've experienced it myself -in bars, wedding receptions, karaoke venues, churches, and other traditional and non-traditional music venues. Yet another reason to not rip off your sound tech -they can (and will) sabotage your show if you treat them badly!
If the two paragraphs above were TLDR... I'll abbreviate it for you:
How To Clear A Room: Bands, DJs, and KJs... TURN THE VOLUME WAY UP!
Have you ever been stuck in a car w/ somebody who just bought a souped up sub-woofer rig and refused to play anything lower than full blast? Was that a pleasant experience being trapped in a car with them? If the answer is "no"... then you've experienced it yourself!
If you are the main operator of a sound system in any venue, it's your responsibility to make sure the audience doesn't feel trapped. A good "loud", but still conservative, level resides right around 85dB to 90dB. This'll be a dramatic difference for most music venues -in a really good way. Keep in mind that consistent sound over 90dB for an extended period of time puts people in danger of hearing loss. Remember, the people at your shows are your fans -we don't want to hurt them!
There are some great SPL (Sound Pressure Level) apps available for your phone.
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/decibel-10-db-sound-meter-spl-noise-level-fft/id448155923?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kr.sira.sound&hl=en
ProTip: If your music isn't any good w/o being ear-splittingly loud... perhaps it's time to reconsider the quality of the music you are playing. Great music sounds awesome at a conservative level and AMAZING when it's really loud. Remember, anybody can buy a loud sound system. If dB levels is all you're banking on -it's very easy to replicate. *Slow Clap* #DontBeThatGuy
Have you ever found yourself trapped in a venue that was too loud? I'd like to hear about it!
Until next time,
-T.