Measuring music noise from venues and events

When and where we measure music noise

EPA measures music noise across an average of 15 minutes. Music noise is measured:

in a residential area, or other place where people live or sleep including a hospital, tourist accommodation or hotel
at places where children learn, such as schools and child care centres
at tourist accommodation, campgrounds and caravan parks in rural areas, other than when a music event is held outdoors.

Find out more about measuring noise, see the Technical guide: Measuring and analysing industry noise and music noise (publication 1997).

Noise measurements to assess compliance: indoor entertainment venues

The Noise Protocol explains how to measure noise from an indoor entertainment venue. It covers the time periods (day/evening or night) to which noise limits apply.

For the day and evening period, the Noise Protocol measures music noise in decibels as an A-weighted sound pressure level, dB(A). This measure represents the sensitivity of human hearing to how loud a sound is. It applies across a range of frequencies (20Hz to 20,000Hz).

For the night period, the Noise Protocol measures music noise in each octave band from 63Hz to 4000Hz. It measures the music noise in decibels as a linear sound pressure level, dB(Z). This type of measurement is sensitive to the more intrusive musical frequencies, including low frequency bass sounds.

Noise measurements to assess compliance: outdoor entertainment venues

The Noise Protocol sets out how to measure music noise from an outdoor entertainment venue. It measures music noise in decibels as an A-weighted sound pressure level, dB(A).