Amsterdam Sets Strict Decibel Limit For Outdoor Events

Dutch capital’s city council introduced a limit of 85dB for large-scale outdoor events held in residential areas.  

Saskia Bosch – Pinkpop 2015

“City council further states that three sound-intensive days per year are acceptable to residents,” technomoves.net reports.

Individual exceptions are in place for the most popular spots for music events, such as the Dam, the Museum Square, Martin Luther Kingpark, the Olympic Stadium area or the Gasperplaas, according to at5.nl.

85dB is considered very low among live music professionals, seeing that the current benchmark for festivals and concerts lies around 100dB.

DJ and sound engineer Wim Franke wrote a Facebook post, saying, “I think at least 98dB is needed to get a nice atmosphere. (When it comes to events where band/DJ and audience are meant to go together).”

According to IndustrialNoiseControl.com, 84 dB is equivalent to the sound of a diesel truck traveling 40 mph at 50 feet away.