> So maybe the real solution is for people to start trying to figure out why the norm for concerts is to have the volume painfully loud. > The musicians gradua

> So maybe the real solution is for people to start trying to figure out why the norm for concerts is to have the volume painfully loud. > The musicians gradually get tired, and turn up the volume so they don't have to play as hard. Then they get excited and start playing harder. Then they get tired, and turn up the volume. I think you answered it yourself. Also, from someone who played in a local band for a while (And a not-quite-so-local band thereafter), people who actually know how to use a PA are few and far between. I think most of the time people are lazy and just set the master volume to something that cuts over the chit-chat, then they just don't bother to go back and readjust that when things are quieter/louder. Seriously folks. If you're performing live, or you bring people in live, make sure at least one of you hires a dedicated, trained PA technician. It's the difference between a mediocre band and a great band (One where you can hear all of the performers), and also helps a lot with ear safety. The performers and the attendees will thank you for it.