First things first--get some facts. Buy a dB meter from radio shack (they're cheap) and turn your perception into a number. Mix it the way you have been during a rehearsal, then take the meter and check a bunch of places in the sanctuary. There is a two-fold purpose for this: 1) Get an overall level in dBs, and 2) Determine if there are "hot spots" in the sanctuary that are louder than others.

In general, dBs are not a great way to measure perceived loudness, but it's a place to start. It is certainly useful for targeting trouble spots in your sanctuary.

If you find some hot spots, figure out if the people complaining are sitting in those spots. That will help you sort through some things in your mind. Here's a chart for giggles.

As far as dB levels, keep in mind that OSHA mandates a peak level of 85 dBs for working environments. This is not a realistic number for worship. If you are peaking out at 80-85 dBs, and people are still complaining about the volume, then you need to look to your mix. High frequencies carry more power than low frequencies. In other words, 85 dBs of treble fatigue the ears more quickly than 85 dBs of bass. Try knocking off some of the highs, and see what happens. Now, what will probably happen, is people will complain that they can't hear the vocals and the band is too loud, lol. Seriously, church sound tech is the worst position in the history of volunteerism.

Note that the chart states a "loud" rock concert peaks out at 115 dBs, which is WAY louder than you are running it, I promise you, but a lot of that is low end, so it doesn't effect the human ear as much. Studies have shown that music below 90 dBs as far less likely to engage the listener emotionally than music that is louder than 90 dBs.

Ultimately, remember that volume is in the ear of the listener, and tastes vary greatly. No church will ever be completely satisfied with the sound in their church. Ultimately, as a sound tech, it's great that you take into account the desires of the congregation, but ultimately, it's the Senior pastor and worship leader that you need to be thinking about. They are the ones ultimately responsible to the congregation for the sound, not you. YOU are responsible for making sure things are the way they want them. So, it's great to take the initiative in this, but make sure to involve them, and make very sure that what happens is what they want.

Blessings,
Tony

P.S, here's another article for you: http://www.prosoundweb.com/article/sometimes_its_h...