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OPERATION OF SOUND EQUIPMENT 637
supply a reliable guide to auditorium sound volume. It serves merely to assure that the sound equipment is operating and for the receipt of sound cues.
(15) In all except a very few theatres the only practical system of volume control under all conditions is by means of an "observer," and a bell and buzzer located preferably on the front projection room wall, between the motion picture projectors.
This bell or buzzer is controlled by a bell button located in some inconspicuous place in the rear of the auditorium, not too near an entrance. On the back of one of the aisle seats in the rear row is usually the best location.
This bell is for use by the observer, who by a prearranged signal code is enabled to advise the projectionist as to sound level.
Provided the right person is selected for the observer, and further provided he attend solely and continuously to that duty, the results will be very greatly improved and the cost of the observer unquestionably will be much more than covered by retention of patronage and new patronage attracted by excellence of the entertainment.
(16) This is, however, something that unfortunately cannot be directly checked. It is a matter upon which the manager must use common sense and his reasoning powers. His showmanship must be his guide.
(17) No person other than one having normal hearing power can serve acceptably as observer. His hearing must be in no degree defective; also it must not be abnormally keen. He should have some sense of dramatic action and be musically inclined. These last named qualities are of very great value in the efficient control of sound volume. (18) He must not stay in one place, but pass occasionally from one part of the auditorium to another, including the balcony, and keep close watch on sound conditions in all parts of the theatre. He must be a man who has some appreciation of the importance of his position and of the value of excellence in monitoring.
(19) Many factors tend to make volume changes imperatively necessary if optimum results are to be attained.