C. Noise and immission control

C1. Introduction and overview

The need for a noise permit depends both on the scope of the event (i.e. how much noise is actually produced and when does it occur) and on the location (to what extent and distance are places in need of protection). 

Whether or not you need to submit an application should be clarified with the competent authority, the environment and nature conservation office of the respective district. This section serves as an initial assessment.

What events do we distinguish here?

1. Subject to application

As soon as you plan an event which, for example, is equipped with a music system and you want to play amplified music or other contributions. If, in your opinion, you are also planning other sources of noise for the event, you may also be required to submit an application. For example, a large gathering of people singing or performing (choir, theatre group, etc.), or a motorised soapbox race.

2. Conditionally subject to application

There are many cases that lie in the grey area. Here you should always seek consultation with the relevant authorities and describe your plans in detail. This includes small concerts without electronic amplification but with e.g. percussion or acoustic guitars, wind instruments, etc. If noise is expected, e.g. from a theatre performance, this also classifies within the noise sources that need to be coordinated. As soon as an event expects a larger number of visitors, it may also be subject to an application obligation. 

3. Not subject to application

Permit-exempt events include, for example, readings with fewer than 50 visitors, puppet shows or smaller theatre or performance events with few visitors and no major noise source. 

As soon as, according to this assessment, an application obligation exists or a vote makes it necessary, you can submit an application according to this procedure.

Where do I have to apply for the respective exemption?

For the district of Treptow Köpenick, here you can speak directly to the relevant authorities. To submit an application in Treptow Köpenick, follow this Link. 

All other districts can be placed with the help of a wizard on the page of the Senate Department for the Environment, Mobility, Consumer and Climate Protection. To do this, go to the website. At each step, the assistant will ask you about certain parameters of your event that you have to edit or fill in. Once you have completed the input, you can submit the online form digitally or print it out as a PDF and send it by post to the competent authority. When you enter your location, the competent authority is automatically selected. 

For further references and information follow this Link.

Are there forms provided for this purpose?

No, you can submit your application to the relevant office via the assistant.

What should your application contain, or what requirements are necessary?

The most important thing is your event concept, which contains all the necessary parameters in written form. These are, among others: 

1. Type of event, e.g. music, reading, theatre, etc.
2. How many visitors do you expect?
3. The date of the planned event and the time it is to take place?
4. On which area should the event take place (see site plan)?
5. To what extent and with what power will a planned music system be used?
6. What other disturbing noise sources are planned?

What attachments do I need for the application?

An important part of your application is the site plan, showing where your stage and the audience are located, for example. The radiation directions of your music system should also be marked for a noise pollution assessment. In addition, the distance to the nearest residential area and its position can be drawn on the site plan. 

How does the procedure work?

On the basis of the submitted documents, the Environmental Protection Agency uses a standardised procedure to estimate how much noise will be produced at the relevant locations in the vicinity of the event. This is used to make a fixed classification. There are different thresholds for the different classes in terms of time, frequency, etc. The approval requires that the event remains within these parameters.

C2. Detailed consideration of exemption approval LImSchG

Public outdoor events may only take place after a permit has been issued by the responsible Regulatory Office (Ordnungsamt). If the sound systems are part of the event, the organiser will in the best case receive a permit in the form of an Immission Control Order, which serves to protect residents, holiday makers or nature reserves from noise immissions. 

The Immission Guide Values (IRW) for dance and concert events differ in different assessment times in different areas. The maximum permissible IRW are specified by the Immission Protection Order. 

If the calculated rating level Lr is always lower than the specified IRW, we can speak of successful sound management. This can be achieved by (time-controlled) limiters or by measuring personnel on site. For smaller regular events with few stages, the installation of time-controlled limiters is recommended. The basis for this is a sound calculation to ensure compliance with the IRW at all times. The rating level is subject to surcharges if necessary. The limiters are set to the loudest possible case, i.e. when all stages are playing at full volume. 

For larger events with several stages, it is advisable to have measuring personnel on site so that the stages are not subject to the restrictions of a limiter. The on-site measuring staff checks compliance with the IRW by taking measurements and, in the event of excess, communicates with the organisers to reduce the relevant emission. Since the rating level is averaged over the entire event time, the permissible levels can be staggered over the day and thus, for example, a higher permissible level for the main act can be realised. 

With better-designed sound reinforcement technology, it is possible to provide the area to be covered with sound at a higher volume while maintaining the same noise immission. For live events, A-weighted sound pressure levels of at least 85 dB (A) to approx. 100 dB (A) measured on the audience area as equivalent continuous sound level LAeq - are required. 

Public outdoor events require a licence according to § 11 of the Berlin State Immission Control Act if they are expected to cause disturbing noise for third parties. Anyone wishing to play or perform music in public in Germany must apply to GEMA for a licence (). 

Application procedure

The respective district offices are responsible for the application procedure with the City of Berlin for street festivals and open airs. Valid insurance cover (at least liability insurance) is a prerequisite. The application documents should be received in full nine weeks before the event. 

All other required documents can be found in the application procedure section. Further documents may be required in individual cases.

C3. Technical Fundamentals of Noise and Immission Protection

Measured variables

Sound immission control usually involves the measurement of sound pressures. 

Unit: decibel dB (one tenth of a Bel)

Decibel is a logarithmic measure of level

dBSPL (SPL = Sound Pressure Level) oriented to the human hearing threshold

Weighting filter

The human auditory system does not function linearly. Lower frequencies, for example, are perceived more quietly at the same sound pressure level than frequencies in the range of 2 - 5 kHz, where the auditory system is most sensitive. Figure 2 Curves of equal loudness levels according to ISO 266:2003 Figure 2 illustrates this fact.

The resulting sound pressure level is the sum of all audible frequencies. Frequencies can be treated and evaluated separately by means of weighting filters. The A-weighting is adapted to the human hearing sensation and gives more weight to frequencies to which the human ear is more sensitive. This filter corresponds to the curves of equal volume levels at approx. 20 - 40 phon

If an A-weighted decibel value is used, this is indicated by a bracketed A after the unit. (Ex. 96 dB(A)) The same applies to the C-weighted level (e.g. 110 dB(C)).

The C-weighting evaluates all frequencies equally above 100Hz up to 4Hz. Above and below that, the rating of the frequencies drops by 15 dB per decade. This corresponds to the curves of equal volume levels at approx. 80-90 phon.

Measured values

LAF A-weighted momentary level

The indexing gives information about the weighting evaluation filter (in this case A-weighting), the F stands for the fast evaluation method.

LAFmax A-weighted maximum level

This value corresponds to the maximum level over the measurement period. 

LAeq A-weighted equivalent continuous sound level

The so-called A-weighted average level corresponds to the averaged sound pressure level over time and allows much more relevant conclusions than an evaluation of the momentary sound pressure level. 

LAFT A-weighted maximum cycle level

The cycle maximum level takes the loudest measured value in a cycle, usually five seconds (also often identified by a small 5 in the index), as the measured value. Thus, this measured value contains the impulsiveness of the signal. 

LAFTeq A-weighted cycle maximum average level

Averaging of the cycle maximum levels over the measurement period. 

As can be seen in Figure 4, measured values of the same sound field have different characteristics. Weighting periods are given by day, night and quiet time periods. For the sake of clarity, only A-weighted levels are presented in this section. There is an analogy to C-weighted levels, indicated by the index "C". 

Immission Guide Value (IRW)

Permissible immission guide values (IRW) result either from the TA Lärm (Technical Instructions on Noise) due to the location of the place of immission according to the Building Use Ordinance (Baunutzungsverordnung), or from special ancillary provisions of the permit granted according to §11 LImschG in conjunction with the Ordinance on Event Noise (VeranstLärmVo). Immission guide values are given as rating levels and are not purely measured values!

Rating level Lr

The rating level Lr: 

• is defined in the TA Lärm including the surcharges
• is a measure of the average noise pollution during the day or the loudest hour of the night
• is averaged over the daytime period (16 hours) or over one hour at night
• is not a measured value, but a calculated value!
• is calculated from A-weighted levels

The calculation is based on the (measured) average level LAeq and the following surcharges: 

• Surcharge KI for impulsive noise
• Surcharge KT for sound or information content (e.g. easily understandable language)
• Surcharge KR for times of day with increased sensitivity (so-called rest periods)

Surcharge KT

Surcharge KT for sound and information content.

If one or more tones are audibly prominent in a noise during certain partial times Tj or if the noise contains information, the surcharge for tone and information content KT for these partial times is 3 or 6 dB depending on the conspicuousness. 

If no voice announcements are made, this surcharge is usually not relevant for events.

Surcharge KR

Surcharge KR for times of day with increased sensitivity. 

For the following times in areas according to TA Lärm number 6.1 d) to f) (cf. Figure 7 ), the increased disturbance effect of noise must be taken into account by means of a surcharge when determining the rating level

on weekdays: 06.00 - 07.00 h 20.00- 22.00 h 

on Sundays and public holidays: 06.00 - 09.00 13.00 - 15.00 and 20.00 - 22.00. 

The surcharge is 6 dB within the quiet periods.

Impulse surcharge KI

Impulse surcharge: KI = LAFTeq - LAeq 

Example: KI = 65.1 dB - 60.7 dB = 4.4 dB 

If KI is greater than 4 dB, an external noise (e.g. passing car) can be assumed. Therefore, the KI is limited to 4 dB. 

Discount due to preload

If several installations of different operators in the immediate vicinity affect the IO, this is referred to as a pre-load. This can lead to a reduction of up to Kv = 6 dB. This reduction is often applied in inner-city areas for celebration miles (e.g. RAW site Revaler Straße).

Bundling / directional characteristic

Physical phenomenon of sound: 

• The higher the frequency of a sound, the more directional it is. This means that the sound is more concentrated along the orthogonal axis of the loudspeaker.
• At low frequencies, the phenomenon of diffraction occurs. The bass bends around objects and spreads out from the speaker almost equally in all directions (omnidirectionally).

Directional pattern: 

• Term to describe the degree of bundling.
• Subwoofers have an omnidirectional directivity without special precautions. Cardioid systems and bass arrays increase the directivity in the bass range. A loudspeaker in phase opposition to the main loudspeaker leads to a rear cancellation; a rear level reduction of approx. 10-15 dB in the frequency range 40-100 Hz can be realised.
• Line arrays are suitable for increasing the directivity in the hi-mid range.

Sound technology

A distinction is made between active loudspeakers (integrated amplifier, requires power connection) and passive loudspeakers (separate amplifier controls the latter). For correct frequency reproduction, it is physically necessary to reproduce the frequencies on suitable loudspeaker drivers. For this purpose, the signal is separated by crossovers and reproduced by the appropriate driver. The crossover frequencies can differ depending on the system. Many systems combine mids and highs in one module, others, especially smaller loudspeakers, reproduce all frequencies through one chassis (full-range loudspeaker). For larger sound reinforcement systems, however, the frequencies are separated. The bass boxes are placed on the floor, if necessary, additional bass boxes are hung on towers. The so-called tops, which are usually built into a module, are used for midrange and treble reproduction. These are positioned above ear level. Several modules can be combined to form so-called arrays.

Line arrays

• The more modules are used, the more directional the sound field is over the entire frequency spectrum. This means that the sound level on the dance floor is comparatively louder with the same immission values.
• Longer line arrays with many elements are used to increase directivity, although the additional acoustic power that can be achieved with them is not needed.
• With more modules, the potential performance increases, which is why a limitation may have to be implemented.
• Disadvantage: More modules are more expensive to purchase/rent.
• Disadvantage: In the radiation direction, arrays carry the sound power further than simple non-array systems. I.e. IO’s further away in the direction of radiation may be more affected.

Cardioid Basses and Bass Arrays

• Cardioid systems and bass arrays are used to increase directivity in the low-frequency range. In cardioid arrangements, a rear-radiating loudspeaker in phase opposition to the main loudspeaker is used; a rear level reduction of approx. 10-15 dB can be achieved in the frequency range 40-100 Hz.
• Bass arrays consist of a generally horizontal stringing together of individual bass boxes or groups to form a "string of pearls". This leads to a strong bundling in the horizontal plane. Often the cardiod basses described above are used for this purpose, thus achieving a combination of rear cancellation and front bundling. The maximum distance of the individual sources in this arrangement must not exceed the ½ wavelength (λ lambda) of the upper cut-off frequency. Example: upper cut-off frequency 100 Hz, wavelength λ at 100 Hz = 3.43 m /2 = 1.71 m

C4. Relevant regulations

The following information has been compiled exclusively for the federal state of Berlin. For example, different regulations apply in the state of Brandenburg.

Relevant regulations at a glance

• Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG)
• TA Lärm / DIN 45680
• Berlin State Immission Control Act (LImSchG Bln)
• Implementing regulation for the LImSchG Bln (AV LImSchG) for outdoor events
• Event Noise Ordinance - VeranstLärmVo from 2015
• Recreational Noise Guideline Berlin (LAI)
• DIN 15905- 5 "...Measures to avoid a hearing hazard to the audience..."

For Berlin, the LImSchG Bln, the AV LImSchG Bln and, for outdoor events, the Veranstaltungslärm-Verordnung (Event Noise Ordinance) generally apply.

DIN 15905-5 "...Hearing hazard to the audience..."

DIN 15905 - 5, Ausgabe: 2007 - 11 Event technology - Sound technology - Part 5: Measures to avoid hearing hazards to the audience caused by high sound emissions from electroacoustic sound reinforcement equipment

• DIN 15905-5 does not have the character of a law - standards are applied "voluntarily" - unless a law refers to a standard
• DIN 15905-5 serves to protect the public and to provide legal protection for the organiser (right to compensation)
• Assessment takes place at the most heavily loaded location (usually directly in front of the loudspeakers)
• Measurement at a substitute measurement location (usually at FOH), determination of correction factors (separately for A-weighted and C-weighted measurement) necessary before measurement - preferably already before soundcheck
• Guide value as assessment level LAeq = 99 dB, averaging over 30 or 120 minutes
• Guide value for LCpeak = 135 dB ◊ this value must not be exceeded at any time
• Organisers are obliged to provide information in the event of high noise levels and should offer hearing protection

TA Lärm

Sixth General Administrative Regulation on the Federal Immission Control Act (Technical Instructions on Protection against Noise - TA Lärm) of 28 August 1998, last amended by BMUB announcement of 1 June 2017. 

The TA Lärm is an administrative regulation that governs the implementation of the BImSchG and the LImSchG. Intension: Protection of the general public and the neighbourhood against harmful environmental effects caused by noise as well as precautionary measures against harmful environmental effects caused by noise. 

For the purposes of these Technical Instructions, harmful effects on the environment are noise immissions which, due to their nature, extent or duration, are likely to cause hazards, significant disadvantages or significant nuisances for the general public or the neighbourhood. 

It applies to installations that are subject to the requirements of Part Two of the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG) as installations requiring a permit or installations not requiring a permit, with the exception of the following installations: 

a) Sports facilities that are subject to the Sports Facilities Noise Protection Ordinance (18. BImSchV), 

b) other recreational facilities not requiring a permit as well as open-air restaurants.

The TA Lärm specifies the regulatory instruments of the BImSchG, in particular the requirements for the granting of permits and for subsequent instructions. 

The situation under building planning law (area classification according to BauNVo or development plan) is decisive for the level of protection guaranteed for an area by TA Lärm. 

The measurement is carried out for outdoor transmissions 0.5 m in front of the open window of the place of immission, if according to DIN 45680 "Measurement and assessment of low-frequency noise emissions in the neighbourhood" (s. ch. 4.5.3) measurements inside the buildings are necessary. 

TA Lärm usually refers to installations and thus only in exceptional cases to events in the case of so-called "rare events".

Berlin State Immission Control Act (LImSchG Bln)

The LImSchG Bln was published on 5.12.2005 and "applies to the construction, operation, modification, decommissioning and removal of installations not requiring a permit within the meaning of Section 22 of the Federal Immission Control Act, as well as to the conduct of persons, insofar as this may cause harmful effects on the environment". 

The implementing regulations of the LImSchG Bln were last published on 06.12.2015. 

However, the implementation of permits for events is regulated by the Ordinance on Event Noise (VeranstLärmVo).

§ 3 Protection of the night's rest

From 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m. it is prohibited to make noise that may disturb someone's night's rest. 

§ 5 Sound reproduction equipment and musical instruments

Sound reproduction equipment and musical instruments may not be used at a volume that causes significant disturbance to anyone. Further restrictions according to § 3 and 4 (note: protection of night-time rest and Sundays and public holidays) shall take precedence. 

§ 7 Public outdoor events

(1) Public outdoor events require a permit in accordance with § 11 if they are expected to cause disturbing noise for third parties. 

§ 11 Approval of outdoor public events

The competent authority may, upon application, grant a revocable permit for public outdoor events and for public motor sport events outside installations in accordance with the Federal Immission Control Act if this is reasonable in the individual case, taking into account the need to protect the neighbourhood. As a rule, a public need exists if the project is based on historical, cultural or sporting circumstances or is otherwise of special significance. Permits shall be granted with ancillary provisions to protect the general public and the neighbourhood from harmful effects on the environment. To the extent that a permit is granted, the provisions of sections 3 to 5 shall not apply. 

Event Noise Ordinance (VeranstLärmVo)

Ordinance on Protection against Noise Immissions from Outdoor Events (Veranstaltungslärm-Verordnung - VeranstLärmVo) of 30 September 2015. 

The VeranstLärmVo Berlin distinguishes in § 3 between four different types of events: 

• Non-disruptive event
• Little disruptive event
• Disruptive event
• Disruptive event with outstanding significance

Events within the meaning of this Ordinance do not include gatherings under the Assembly Act, sporting events or private celebrations. 

§ 4 Recorded noise immissions

"The assessment of the reasonableness of the noise immissions caused by an event shall include all noises caused by or attributable to the event operation and arising on the event premises. This includes in particular the sound system, noise from the audience, rehearsals, sound checks and set-up and dismantling as well as traffic noise. Traffic noise caused by the traffic volume attributable to the event, including the noise caused by the public entering and leaving the event, on public traffic areas outside the event site shall be considered separately from the sound of other installations. [...]" 

§ 7 Postponement of the night time

"(1) The beginning of the night time may be postponed [...] if this is necessary for the realisation of the event. The assessment period during daytime shall be taken into account with 16 hours. An eight-hour night's rest must be guaranteed in the area affected by the event. 

(2) In the case of non-disruptive events and low-impact events, a postponement of the beginning of the night time until 11 p.m. is permissible before Sundays and public holidays. The end of the morning and the beginning of the evening daytime with increased sensitivity shall remain unchanged by this regulation. 

(3) In the case of disruptive events, a postponement of the start of the nighttime is permissible on all weekdays until 11 pm. In the case of disruptive events of outstanding importance, the start of the nighttime may be postponed beyond 11 p.m. in exceptional cases." 

§ 8 Consideration of low-frequency noise

“The bass range has a high disturbing effect, but is not sufficiently taken into account with the measured value in dB(A).” Considerable nuisance caused by low-frequency noise in accordance with DIN 45680, March 1997 edition, does not fundamentally prevent the approval of an event in the case of disturbing events during daytime, provided that the immissions of such noise are reduced to a minimum by reasonable technical or organisational measures in accordance with the state of the art. 

“The extent and duration of the impact of low-frequency immissions shall be given special consideration when approving the event. Significant nuisances caused by low-frequency noise are not permissible during night time." Low-frequency noise is assessed according to DIN 45680 if the measured difference between LCeq and LAeq is > 20 dB; these measurements must always be carried out inside buildings. However, measurements with residents inside are not practical. 

From commentary of the "Parliamentary Bill on the Ordinance on the Protection against Noise Immissions from Outdoor Events - Veranstaltungslärm-Verordnung - VeranstLärmVO":

"If, during an event, several random measurements show that the following maximum levels LATerzFmax are reached or exceeded several times, there is an indication of a significant nuisance due to low-frequency noise immissions".

Note: there are proposals by the Senate Department for the Environment, Transport and Climate Protection for significantly lower third octave maximum levels, but these do not yet have the character of guidelines. 

§ 9 Reasonableness of non-disruptive events

Subject to § 5 Paragraph 3, events are not disturbing if they do not exceed the following immission guide values.

Individual short-term noise peaks shall not exceed the immission guide values pursuant to paragraph 1 by more than 30 dB(A) during daytime and by more than 20 dB(A) during nighttime. 

(3) By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, an event may exceptionally not be disturbing even if the immission guide values specified therein are exceeded. In individual cases, however, an event may also be less disturbing (§ 10) or disturbing (§ 11) even if the assessment level is lower. In particular, acoustic aspects must be taken into account, such as the masking of the event noise by extraneous noise (LAF95) or a particular disturbance potential of the event noise. 

(4) In order to assess whether noise may emanate from an event which may lead to the immission guide values pursuant to sub-section 1 or sub-section 2 being exceeded, the extent to which noise immissions are to be expected shall be taken into account if no intervention by the authorities, e.g. in the form of requirements, takes place. 

(5) The permissible number of event days is not limited for non-disruptive events.

§ 10 Reasonableness of low-disturbance events

(1) Subject to § 5(3), events shall be deemed to cause little disturbance if they do not exceed the following immission guide values: 

In industrial areas, the immission guide values pursuant to Article 9(1) and (2) applicable to industrial areas may not be exceeded. In these areas, subsections (3) and (4) shall not apply. 

(2) Individual short-term noise peaks shall not exceed the immission guide values pursuant to paragraph 1 by more than 25 dB(A) during daytime and by more than 15 dB(A) during nighttime. 

(3) Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2), an event may, in individual cases, be deemed to be of low disturbance even if the immission guide values specified therein are exceeded. In individual cases, however, an event may be disturbing (§ 11) even if the assessment level is lower. In particular, acoustic aspects must be taken into account, such as the masking of the event noise by extraneous noise (LAF95) or a particular disturbance potential of the event noise. 

(4) Low-impact events shall not be approved for more than 60 days per year and place of immission. The event days of low-impact events approved pursuant to § 2, sentence 2 shall also be counted towards this limit. The event days of disruptive events shall not be counted. 

Deviations from sentence 1 may be made in individual cases. A deviation beyond 60 days is permissible in particular if certain venues with special significance or special acceptance are affected or if the type of event justifies this. The deviation shall be limited to the absolutely necessary minimum. 

(5) Low-impact events shall end no later than 11 p.m. on weekdays and no later than midnight on Sundays and public holidays. 

§ 9 Reasonableness of disruptive events

(1) Notwithstanding § 9(3) and § 10(3), events shall be deemed to be disruptive if they cause the immission guide values specified in § 10(1) to be exceeded or if they exhibit a particular disruptive potential within the meaning of § 5(3). The following immission guide values may not be exceeded by disruptive events.

In industrial areas, the immission guide values pursuant to Article 9(1) and (2) relevant for industrial areas may not be exceeded. In commercial areas, the immission guide values pursuant to § 10(1) and (2) applicable to commercial areas may not be exceeded. 

(2) Individual short-term noise peaks shall not exceed the immission guide values pursuant to paragraph 1 by more than 20 dB(A) during daytime and by more than 10 dB(A) during nighttime. 

(3) During daytime, the restrictions of paragraph 1 may be deviated from in individual cases if the event is of special importance or enjoys special acceptance by the general public or the neighbourhood and, due to the location, it is only possible to ensure a minimum supply level at the furthest spectator position if the restrictions of paragraph 1 are deviated from. In such cases, an immission value of up to 75 dB(A) is permissible. Individual short-term noise peaks may not exceed this immission value by more than 15 dB(A). 

(4) No surcharge pursuant to § 6 (3) shall be levied for disruptive events. 

(5) Disruptive events shall be permitted on up to 18 days per calendar year and place of immission. The event days of disruptive events that are permitted in accordance with § 2 sentence 2 shall also be counted towards this limit. The events shall be spread over a longer period of time. Events shall not take place on more than two consecutive weekends. 

(6) Disturbing events shall end before 11 p.m. at the latest on weekdays and before midnight at the latest on Sundays and public holidays. 

§ 12 Disruptive events of outstanding importance

(1) The provisions of § 11 may be waived in the case of disruptive events of outstanding political, cultural, social, historical or sporting significance for the state of Berlin, for a district or for the community. This may be the case, for example, for state visits, events organised by the constitutional bodies of the Federal Government or the State of Berlin or by international organisations, events held on the occasion of special political or historical events, events accompanying international or national sporting events of outstanding importance, the appearance of internationally renowned artists or personalities or events with a long tradition. In this case, the significance of the event must stand out from other events in a special way. 

(2) Deviations pursuant to sub-section 1, sentence 1, in relation to the respective places of immission shall in principle only be permissible in very rare cases. 

(3) For noise immissions from disturbing events of outstanding importance, the permissible immission value and the limitation of the individual short-term noise peaks shall be determined by the authority at its due discretion, taking into account the importance of the event and the interests of the neighbourhood worthy of protection in individual cases. 

C5. Application examples Events

1. "non-disturbing" in mixed area, 8h, Sundays

Framework conditions: 

• Outdoor event, “not disruptive”
• Assessment according to VeranstLärmVo / TA Lärm
• Immission point is located in the mixed area (MI)
• Event time Sundays 14:00 - 22:00 hrs

Calculation example for the max. permissible immission level (measured value): 

• IRW by day = 60 dB
• Application time 8 hours (14:00 to 22:00)
• Surcharge KR = 0dB Place of immission is in a mixed area
• Surcharge KT = 0dB (music-only event)
• Surcharge KI = already included in the measured value LAFTeq

In this example, a volume gain of 3 dB can be achieved due to the shortened exposure time. 

2. "non-disturbing" in the mixed area, 2h, Saturdays

Framework conditions: 

• Outdoor event, “not disruptive”
• Assessment according to VeranstLärmVo /TA Lärm
• Immission point is located in the mixed area (MI)
• Event time Saturdays 20:00 - 22:00, no sound checks

Calculation example for the max. permissible immission level (measured value): 

• IRW by day = 60 dB
• Application time 2 hours (20:00 to 22:00)
• Surcharge KR = 0dB Partial time within rest period 0 hours
• Surcharge KT = 0dB (music-only event)
• Surcharge KI = already included in the measured value LAFTeq

Insert image

Figure 9: TA Lärm Example 2 

In this example, a volume gain of 9 dB can be achieved due to the very short exposure time. 

3. "non-disturbing" in general residential area, 12h, Sundays

Framework conditions: 

• Outdoor event, “not disruptive”
• Assessment according to VeranstLärmVo / TA Lärm
• The place of immission is located in a general residential area (WA)
• Event time Sundays 10:00 - 22:00 hrs

Calculation example for the max. permissible immission level (measured value): 

• IRW by day = 55 dB
• Partial hours outside rest period 8 hours (10:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 20:00)
• Surcharge KR = 6dB Partial hours within rest period 4 hours (13:00-15:00 and 20:00 to 22:00)
• Surcharge KT = 0dB (music-only event)
• Surcharge KI = already included in the measured value LAFTeq

Due to the exposure time during quiet periods, the system must be set at a correspondingly lower level. 

The duration of the event and the playing times have a decisive influence on the maximum permissible immission level.

4. "low disturbance" in the industrial area, 10h, Sundays

Framework conditions: 

• Outdoor event, "little disturbance”
• Assessment according to VeranstLärmVo/ TA Lärm
• Immission site is located in the industrial area (GE)
• Event time Sundays 12:00 - 22:00 hrs

Calculation example for the max. permissible immission level (measured value): 

• IRW by day = 70 dB
• No rest periods
• Surcharge KT = 0dB (music-only event)
• Surcharge KI = already included in the measured value LAFTeq

In analogy to previous examples, a 2 dB higher averaged assessment can be achieved during the day. 

C6. Noise reduction measures

Increasing according to the effort of the precaution: 

1. Reasonable playing times
2. Optimised stage locations
3. Optimised sound reinforcement such as arrays, bass arrays, cardioid basses, etc.
4. Noise reduction management a. Accompanying measurements at the immission points with communication and control chain b. Monitoring measurements at the FOH (Front of House)
5. Leveling with limiter, also time- and frequency-dependent

Alignment of speakers and stage

The alignment and placement of stages and loudspeakers should be oriented to the relevant place of immission. The sound propagation can be partially reduced by sound barriers, but this only works for higher frequencies due to the diffraction effect in the bass range (sound screens must have at least twice the extension of the wavelength of the frequency to be attenuated, e.g.: min. height of sound screen for 100 Hz: 3.4*2=6.4m). The radiation direction of the stage should be aligned in the opposite direction of the relevant point of immission, or selected by an acoustician's analysis in such a way that relatively low immissions are realised at all IO’s at the highest possible levels on the audience area. For the bundling of sound in the bass range, it is advisable to use special wiring and subwoofer set-ups. To achieve the desired effect of cardioid subwoofer arrays, they must be planned correctly and set up on site.

Leveling with limiter

By means of a limiter, the system is limited to the maximum permissible level in order to comply with the specified IRW at all times. Since these differ between day and night, time-controlled limiters can be used for this purpose. The levelling can be carried out by accredited measuring points. Accordingly, the system is sealed and thus protected against manipulation. Each levelling is individually dependent on the residential development and the system used. 

Therefore, a simple, generally valid handling through presets is not possible. 

• Useful for smaller events that do not have large level fluctuations
• Day/night level possible through time-controlled limiter
• However, changing weather influences cannot be taken into account
• Relatively low effort = cost-effective
• Not possible with digital signal routing

Procedure

• Measurement of the levels at the highest possible system level o on the public area (reference measurement location) o at the relevant immission point
• Calculation of the maximum permissible emission levels
• Leveling the system to the maximum permissible level
• If necessary, programming of a time-controlled level reduction for the after-period
• Sealing of all operating elements relevant for possible level increases (level control, digital interfaces, etc.)

Accompanying measurement

• Useful for larger events with distant immission points
• Changing weather influences are fully taken into account
• Greater dynamics possible for live concerts
• Allocation over the time of day enables higher levels, e.g. for the "top act"
• High logistical and personnel effort = cost-intensive

Level meters

According to DIN EN 61672-1:2014-07, measuring instruments are classified into two accuracy classes 

• Class 1 measuring devices with an accuracy of +/- 1.9 dB
• Class 2 meters with a maximum error of +/-2.2 dB

Measuring instruments for levelling must be able to measure at least the following values: 

• A-weighted average level LAeq
• C-weighted average level LCeq
• A-weighted cycle maximum average level LAFTeq
• A-weighted maximum level LAFmax
• Cheapest model with these requirements: NTI XL2 with class 2 preamplifier/microphone with corresponding software version.
• Measuring devices "from the DIY store" do not comply with DIN EN 61672-1 and can usually only measure the moisture level and cannot store any values.

Note: Announced measuring points according to §29b BImschG must measure with calibrated devices of Class 1. 

C7. Examples of suitable sound installations

In principle, each event must be assessed individually. Both the location of the IO’s and their area classification and the maximum permissible IRW that can be approved as a result, as well as the size of the sound field and how many people are to be exposed to sound, must already be taken into account in the preliminary planning. 

First of all, there is the fundamental question of what kind of event it is. Dance events generally place the highest demands on directional sound reinforcement, especially when the distances to the relevant immission points are short. 

Further problems can be caused by loud instruments on stage (drums, bass, guitar amplifiers etc.) or the use of stage monitors. Stage monitors cannot be levelled! 

In cases where the stage itself is to be regarded as a relevant sound source and the distance to the next resident is small, the stage itself must be shielded. Sound-absorbing tarpaulins in combination with molleton are suitable for this purpose. 

For inner-city events, a maximum permissible measured value in front of the stage is often approved by the public order office (e.g. LAeq=85 dB at 10 metres, measured centrally in front of the loudspeakers). By presenting a conclusive noise reduction concept, it may be possible to get the office to agree to measurements at the place of immission. 

Here are a few typical examples of frequently used sound reinforcement concepts:

Street party - 5m to residential area

Event classification: disruptive

System: L/R Sound 4 x line array e.g. d&b Y12 or T10 - each side 1 - 2 x d&b B4 15" cardioid subwoofer each side.

Square party - 40 m to residential area

Event classification: little disturbance

System: L/R Sound 6 x line array e.g. d&b Y12 - each side radiation in opposite direction to IO 3 x d&b B4 15" cardioid subwoofers each side.

Park - 200m to residential area

Event classification: little disturbing 

System: L/R Sound 1 x Loud SM12H TOP - each side 1 x Loud VH118 Card. Bass - each side 1 x Loud VHMicro Fills - each side.