Sound Limiters & Noise Limiters

Sound limiters keep amplified music within a level set for the room. They are commonly fitted in pubs, function rooms, hotels, wedding venues and village halls, often because the venue or licensing authority has asked for one. Requirements vary, so check with the venue or licensing authority what kind of limiter and setup they expect before choosing.

All the units here are Formula Sound, and they take two approaches. Cut-off limiters disconnect the music system’s mains when the set level is exceeded. The Sentry MK2 073 is sold excluding a contactor, so pair it with the 071 contactor 32A with interface, while the Sentry Lite 152 comes with a 32A contactor. The 074P push button and 074K key switch remote reset boxes let power be restored from a convenient spot, with the key switch version keeping the reset in staff hands.

Automatic volume controls turn the system down instead of cutting it, so the music carries on at a lower level. The AVC2 is a stereo 1U limiter, the AVC2D is a 3-mode digital 1U unit, and the AVC4 handles 2x stereo in 1U. The 075R is a remote display for the AVC2 and AVC4. Alongside these sits the Guardian CX4 MK3, a 1U fire alarm priority interface for the sound system.

Bands and DJs generally find a volume control easier to work with than a hard cut-off, but the choice is often set by the venue’s conditions. Our Noise Limiters in UK Venues guide explains how they work and how to play within them, and the Commercial & Install Audio section covers the rest of a fixed venue system.

Sound Limiters FAQs

What is the difference between a cut-off limiter and an automatic volume control? A cut-off limiter such as the Formula Sound Sentry disconnects the music system’s mains when the set level is exceeded, while an automatic volume control such as the AVC2 turns the level down and lets the music carry on.

Do I need the 071 contactor with the Sentry MK2? The Sentry MK2 073 is sold excluding a contactor, so it is normally paired with the 071 contactor 32A with interface. The Sentry Lite 152 already includes a 32A contactor.

Which type of limiter does my venue need? That depends on the conditions set for the venue, so check the requirements with the venue or the licensing authority before buying.