Would it be possible to

[dcowboys311]

Do you wear them? Because if you do, that's a contradiction to your statement implying lower decibles = no fun. By that logic, wearing ear plugs = no fun since it blocks out some of the noise.

Conversely, if you don't wear ear plugs, you won't be enjoying any metal concerts after awhile if you lose your hearing. Which is also at the opposite end of the fun spectrum. No fun if you can't hear because you refused to protect your hearing.

It's no contradiction. Higher decibels = actually FEELING the music more. I can make the choice to wear earplugs. I can't wear a full body suit to make myself vibrate. Additionally, I can choose how far in I place my earplugs and change the volume level on my own. Lower decibels at the show means the choice is made for you.

 

[Kaosaur]

Higher decibels = actually FEELING the music more. I can make the choice to wear earplugs. I can't wear a full body suit to make myself vibrate.

http://www.magicfingers.com/


Eh...I've made the most well-reasoned argument for sensible mixing that I care to. There's the obvious science and common sense approach, but nobody cares. Surgeon General warnings don't help on cigarette packages either.
The volume/mixing issue is yet another reason that more often than not I choose to stay home with the CD...Though I'm having to get much more choosy. Nowadays the only thing that gets me out is either being top-notch performers (I'm talking about like Vai, King's X, X Japan. Hardly any bands actually put on a show anymore.) or scarcity (like for example if Textures came over here and did a tour...). -- or to see some friends.

Wagner, Lizst, Holst, Rachmaninov & Scriabin (for example) are "Certifiably Brutal As Fuck" and don't need to be at 115 dB to be enjoyed. Keep in mind that sustained listening causes hearing loss at around 90-95dB.


And by the way, I have (low frequency) hearing damage.

 

[Pellaz]

When I saw Trans-Siberian Orchestra last November, the volume was just right. Loud enough that it could be heard throughout the venue (10,000 seat stadium) but not so loud that you had to wear ear plugs to keep your eardrums from hurting!

The same was true a few years ago when TSO played Gwinnett Arena. The audio level was PERFECT -- loud enough to be heard clearly, but after the first song I took out my earplugs and listened to the rest of the show in awe and wonder.