Abstract
When applied appropriately, the A-weighted decibel provides a reasonable single figure approximation of the loudness of many types of time varying and frequency complex environmental noises (e.g. transportation, commercial and industrial sources). However, this can underestimate the impact of sounds with substantial low frequency content such as the “bass” and “sub-bass” content of “modern popular music” played at outdoor concerts and music festivals. The low frequency content is necessary for effective entertainment because, for example, it contributes to the sensation of loudness and provides the intangible, but vital impetus to dance/move rhythmically i.e. the “groove”. However, excessive low frequency “bass thump” beyond the event can provoke adverse community responses.
The existing guidance on low frequency noise from concerts is limited in the range of frequencies covered and the advice provided is ambiguous, meaning it can be applied inconsistently. Vanguardia (and others) have for some time been recommending that the C-weighted Music Noise Levels (MNLs) are also considered as these can be more reactive to the low frequency content than A-weighted levels.
This talk will include analysis of data where C-weighted MNLs are linked to community response and examines how these can be used to provide a cap on the low frequency impacts offsite, whilst permitting sufficient low frequency content and flexibility for the sound engineers, so that the sound quality and the entertainment are not disproportionately affected, and the social and cultural value of the event is preserved. The talk concludes with recommendations of guideline C-weighted MNLs both in terms of the differential in relation to equivalent A-weighted values and the overall absolute noise level.
The talk will be followed by a short Q&A session.
Speaker bio
Dani Fiumicelli was an EHO for 16 years and has been a consultant since 2022 working for both private and public sector clients. He has extensive experience across a wide range of environmental acoustics project types including transport infrastructure, recreation, leisure and sports, residential development, renewable energy, entertainment venues and 100s of outdoor concerts and music festivals. He has appeared as an expert witness at planning inquiries, DCO and court hearings, and licensing appeals.
Details
As usual, we will be heading to the pub after the talk to catch up and continue the conversation. It would be great to see as many people in person as possible.
Those planning to attend in person MUST register for security access. The link to register for in person attendance can be found below:
https://www.cpdtag.com/app.php?event=F51DDE10189C10CBBE81FCD5633E461
Please arrive at 5.45pm for prompt 6pm start. The nearest Tube stations are Aldgate East and Aldgate.
Those joining online do not need to register. Please join with the following Zoom link.
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