And that’s definitely true - ask us about it. Festivals happen in every shape and size around the globe: from beach events in Singapore taking place alongside nature reserves and luxury resorts, to classic open air shows in the heart of major cities, all the way to one of the world’s most notorious heavy metal festivals set in a small German village.
But no matter where these outdoor events and concerts take place, most share one common requirement: they need to meet defined regulations. And this process begins long before the first trucks enter the site.
Today, organizing outdoor events often requires a detailed statement predicting how sound may impact the surrounding area. Both stage placement and sound system design influence how audio behaves beyond the audience zone. As a result, the potential noise impact has become a significant consideration throughout both the planning phase and the execution of an event.
To support this process, d&b developed NoizCalc, a software tool that predicts potential noise impact within a 3D terrain model. A major driver behind NoizCalc was the introduction of broadband directivity control within the d&b SL-Series and the need to make the advantages of cardioid d&b systems visible and predictable. Developed in collaboration with SoundPLAN, one of the leading experts in professional environmental noise simulation, NoizCalc combines industry‑grade accuracy with a user‑friendly interface and straightforward operation.
NoizCalc imports system data directly from ArrayCalc project files, including loudspeaker types, positions, orientations, electronical settings and ArrayProcessing, as well as all relevant acoustical data. Using this information, it calculates how sound propagates across real terrain, through various atmospheric conditions, and around buildings, forests, and other environmental features. To deliver accurate results, NoizCalc uses complex summation methods, ensuring precise modeling of how multiple sound sources interact in real-world environments.
NoizCalc integrates:
- Topographical data from Google Maps and OpenStreetMap
- Building structures, ground types, and vegetation
- Meteorological parameters, when relevant
- Internationally recognized standards such as ISO 9613‑2, CNOSSOS‑EU, and Nord2000
The result is a precise, data‑driven prediction of environmental SPL distributions. Well before the event begins.
Sometimes, these predictions become instrumental in the execution of an event. Take the 2024 Massive Attack show in Bristol, where it was mandatory to demonstrate a reduction of offsite sound emissions. As Southby’s system tech Dan Leaver summed it up:
“d&b’s assistance with NoizCalc enabled us to provide Aria Acoustics (responsible for off-site noise monitoring) with accurate predictions of levels both on-site and off, which meant there were no surprises for us once on site. The system and the show were a great success, exceeding the expectations of all the stakeholders.”
It’s important to remember: NoizCalc is not a troubleshooting tool. It is a forward planning instrument enabling proactive control, supporting the permitting process, and giving organizers confidence that their event design aligns with the required standards.
For years, real-world comparisons have validated the accuracy of its predictions. As events continue to evolve, regulatory expectations will only rise. With NoizCalc, organizers are equipped to meet them.
Learn more: NoizCalc
By Florian Hahn, Product Manager Application Software at d&b audiotechnik