diff --git a/src/multiplayer_connect.cpp b/src/multiplayer_connect.cpp
index b55e2f6e9494..a657d60b4fd5 100644
--- a/src/multiplayer_connect.cpp
+++ b/src/multiplayer_connect.cpp
@@ -560,7 +560,9 @@ void connect::process_network_data(const config& data,
 	update_playerlist_state(result.second); //result.second is the silent flag
 	if (!was_able_to_start && engine_.can_start_game()) {
 		DBG_MP << "play party full sound" << std::endl;
-		sound::play_UI_sound(game_config::sounds::party_full_bell);
+		if(preferences::UI_sound_on()) {
+			sound::play_bell(game_config::sounds::party_full_bell); //this is play_bell instead of play_UI_sound to economize on sound channels. UI only has two sounds, and turn bell has a dedicated channel.
+		}
 		desktop::notifications::send(_("Wesnoth"), _ ("Ready to start!"), desktop::notifications::OTHER);
 	}
 }