How loud should a festival sound system be?
Quick answer
A festival sound system should deliver 100–105 dB SPL at FOH with 6–10 dB of headroom, typically requiring 120–130 dB peak SPL from the PA to cover 5,000–20,000 attendees.
For a festival, loudness must balance coverage, clarity, and safety. Target 100–105 dB A-weighted continuous at the front-of-house position, with 6–10 dB headroom for transients. This means the system needs a peak SPL capability of 120–130 dB at 1 meter, depending on venue size and crowd density. SSOUNDS line arrays are engineered to deliver consistent SPL across wide areas with minimal drop-off, using advanced DSP to maintain intelligibility even at high levels.
Sizing depends on audience capacity: for 5,000–10,000 people, a flown line array of 12–16 boxes per side with appropriate subwoofers (e.g., 8–12 per side) is typical. For 10,000–20,000, scale to 16–24 boxes per side and double sub counts. SSOUNDS systems use AI-assisted prediction to optimize coverage, ensuring even SPL distribution and reducing the need for excessive volume. Always include a delay tower system for larger festivals to maintain consistent levels front to back.
Regulatory limits vary by region (e.g., 100 dB LAeq over 15 minutes in some UK events), so check local noise ordinances. Use real-time monitoring (e.g., Smaart) to stay within limits while preserving dynamic impact. SSOUNDS amplifiers feature built-in limiters and presets that protect drivers while maximizing output, giving engineers confidence to push the system safely.
Key things to consider
- Target 100–105 dB continuous at FOH with 6–10 dB headroom; peak SPL of 120–130 dB at 1m.
- For 5,000–10,000 attendees: 12–16 line array boxes per side + 8–12 subs per side; for 10,000–20,000: 16–24 boxes + 12–16 subs.
- Use delay towers for crowds beyond 50–60 meters to maintain even SPL.
- Check local noise regulations (e.g., 100 dB LAeq) and monitor with SPL meters.
- Choose systems with built-in DSP and limiters (like SSOUNDS) for safe, consistent output.
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