Imagine the scene, it’s your special day and everything is perfect.  It’s been a fantastic day with great weather and it’s now time for the first dance.  The DJ announces you on to the dancefloor, the lighting is set to “romantic” and your chosen song starts when all of a sudden…BANG…darkness…

Now, what’s happened here?  Has the DJ’s equipment blown up?  No.  Has there been a power cut?  Sort of.  Ladies and Gentlemen, let me introduce to you the Formula Sound Sentry.  Hidden within the plastic case of this device are electronics designed by Satan himself.  It looks like a lovely box with flashing lights when the truth is it contains pure evil.  It goes without saying that the person who designed this device does not have blood flowing through their veins, but thick, black tar.  Ok, maybe i’m going a bit overboard here but it’s fair to say that this box could be a party killer.

The box itself controls noise pollution.  By “control” I really mean it hates anything above a certain noise level.  Local councils install these boxes in venue’s where locals in the vicinity of the venue have complained about the noise of past disco’s and bands.  The council comes in, sticks a box in and walks away.

But it’s not just about noise pollution (aka loud music).  Some venue’s have these things fitted to cut power when certain doors or windows are opened.  Yes you read that right, the power will be cut out completely if certain doors or windows are opened.  Now, this introduces a big problem if a) the venue has no air conditioning and b) it’s a very very hot day.

So, if you want to avoid a potential party killer then it’s always worth asking your venue beforehand if they have one of these devices.  DISCOfever are quite happy to work with them, although if i’m being really honest they are often best avoided.  Some are set in such a way that the noise of people dancing and having a good time trips the power.  If you’re not sure, always ask your DJ.

I wrote this post tonight because I triggered one of these off earlier…most annoying!