Re: Pseudo-intellectual bully with a sound level meter
You should thank him for offering to pay to have you and your crew equipped with high quality custom molded earplug by Westone with Etymotics filers which cost in excess of $180, as that is the only level of ear protection that will guarantee safe operation at 85 decibels over an 8 to 10 hour long festival. Also give him the name of the local audiologist who will be happy to make said custom molds for each an every member of the audience, especially since he has volunteered to head up the grant writing committee to fun the community's new custom molded ear plugs.
Inform him that he does not need to worry about your speakers producing a 140 db pop or squeal or "mishap", because the City is not paying for premium level PA speakers and that the bargain basement speakers that you will be bringing will crack their magnets, tear the speaker cones, and catch on fire long before they ever produce any sound that is even close to 140db.
But also thank him for suggesting that people not be allowed to sit, stand, or walk close to your speakers, as you are just a small time operation and can't afford to replace said speakers if one of the audience members decides to climb on, or knock over the speaker. Suggest, in fact, that all audience members be kept at least 25 feet away from all speakers and sound equipment, including the FOH mix position, except for attractive young ladies, whom you will supply with ear plugs at your own expense.
Also, be sure to ask him to serve as the liaison between you and your sound crew and the musicians on stage, so that he will personally be given the authority to turn down all on stage amplifiers. Also, be sure to tell him that he will have to provide his own decibel meter for this event, as yours will be in use monitoring the levels at FOH. He will need at least a Galaxy CM-160 decibel meter, as anything less expensive will not provide accurate readings at higher sound pressure levels, such as on stage.
Also be sure to thank him for the suggestion of keeping children away from the festival, as they should be at home studying or doing chores rather than out in public where they might impede the fun having ability of the adults of the community.
