One of the biggest issues of live outdoor venues is that the sound they create during events spread throughout and beyond their premises. Without appropriate soundproof methods, the sounds they make can be too loud, these can disturb nearby communities, such as villages or establishments.
Wind, ambient noise from nearby traffic, and natural elements like birds and insects can all contribute to the acoustic landscape. These factors make it difficult to create a controlled sound environment, leading to potential distractions during live performances.
These can be a cause of dispute sometimes, so it has become imperative for event organisers and venue owners to secure the necessary permits before hosting a live activity as a means of precaution.
In Singapore, with NEA’s requirements for noise control, soundproofing the outdoor venues comes as a solution for businesses to avoid disputes when organising outdoor events, especially under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite these efforts, however, it still remains a fact that it can be quite a challenge to control the way sound travels in live outdoor venues.
The question now lies: is it possible to soundproof live outdoor venues? The answer is not an absolute yes. We may not totally control how sound travels, but it can be mitigated using an outdoor noise barrier.
Outdoor noise barriers are temporary noise control systems that allow event managers to maximise the volume of live gatherings, such as music and sporting activities without causing distress to the neighbouring communities. These installations help keep the sound produced in the event within its premises, and likewise improve the quality of acoustics during live events.
Noise barriers are useful in making outdoor events more memorable and enjoyable because:
1. They help the event comply with the community and legal standards set by the government for outdoor gatherings.
Conducting an event in an open ground means that there will be commotion: people coming over, music played on loudspeakers, entertainers performing live, and even audiences going wild. These risks have to be kept to a minimum, so governments set compliance standards and impose penalties on those who fail to follow them.
Live events held in open ground have to meet certain standards, and one of these is they have to make sure that they don’t disturb the surrounding homes and establishments whose normalcy can be disrupted.
Noise barriers help event organisers comply with acoustic standards, especially in terms of volume, reverberation, and the distance reached by the sound. These barriers are made of layers of materials that absorb and/or reflect the noise and prevent it from travelling beyond the event’s premises.
2. They improve the quality of sound during the event.
Since most noise barriers reflect the sound that hits their surface, the sound waves bounce back to the premises of the event and not away from it. This makes the acoustics sound and feels fuller and more complete, giving audiences a great experience during the event.
People who go to live events in outdoor venues look forward not just to watching performances, but to hearing them play as well. They may enjoy the eye candy because of the amazing visuals, but these may fall short of their standards if the sound produced is of low quality.
3. Noise barriers prevent uninvited sounds from entering the venue.
Perhaps the biggest let-down in any outdoor live event is when sounds from outside the premises get in the way of the festivities. This is especially common in venues situated near highways and roads, or in the middle of a commercial centre.
4. Noise barriers improve the clarity of sound during outdoor events.
Blocking external noises such as traffic, construction, or nearby activities, these barriers ensure that the primary audio—whether it’s music, speeches, or performances—can be heard clearly by all attendees. This reduction of background noise not only enhances the overall sound quality but also allows for better emotional engagement. When the audience can focus on the event’s audio without distractions, they are more likely to immerse themselves in the experience, creating lasting memories associated with the event.
5. The presence of noise barriers contributes to a more comfortable and enjoyable environment for guests.
With reduced external distractions, attendees can converse freely, network, and engage with the event more fully without the strain of competing sounds. This comfort encourages a social atmosphere, allowing participants to connect and fully enjoy the ambience of the event. As a result, the overall satisfaction levels increase, and guests leave with positive associations and memories of the occasion. A pleasant sound environment not only enhances the enjoyment of the event but also contributes to its success, making it more memorable for everyone involved.
The installation of noise barriers serves a dual purpose: they preserve the sound quality of the event while effectively blocking out disruptive noise from the outside. This not only protects the integrity of the event’s audio experience but also significantly enhances the atmosphere for attendees. Minimising external noise interference, participants can fully engage with the event, leading to a more enjoyable and immersive experience. Ultimately, this improvement in sound quality contributes to a memorable event that leaves a lasting positive impression on everyone involved.