Sound Registration
All camps with amplified sound (100 watts or larger) must register with the event during theme camp registration. Upon arrival at the event, please check in with the Sound Lead (reachable via radio by Ranger or other event volunteers), who will provide additional information regarding your camp’s specific placement. Note: Amplified sound (100 watts or larger) is not permitted in open camping areas.
Amplified Sound Limits
Sound levels may not exceed 100 dB at 10 meters from the source at any time. During specified hours, you will be asked to reduce sound levels down to 80 dB at 10 meters from the source. Additionally, quiet hours will be enforced throughout the event. Please refer to the regulations below for specific sound hours.
Amplified Sound Regulations
- Sound Limit: Sound may not exceed 100 dB at 10 meters form source at any time.
- Quiet Hours: During quiet hours, smaller personal (e.g, Bluetooth-style speakers) may be used within tents, but large sound systems must be turned off during the following hours:
- Friday & Saturday: All amplified sound must be turned off from 1:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
- Thursday & Sunday: All amplified sound must be turned off from 11:00 PM to 9:00 AM.
- Sound Monitoring: Sound levels will be measured using a handheld decibel meter. The Sound Squad (identified by yellow SideBurn shirts) recommends you use a calibrated sound-monitoring app to help manage your levels and avoid infractions. The measurements recorded by the Sound Squad will be considered official and documented.
Sound & Open Camping
This year, SideBurn will offer two open camping sections:
- one that is located closer to the “party” area where the sound camps are located,
- and another further away for those who prefer a quieter camping experience.
Important: Amplified sound (100 watts or larger) is not permitted in any open camping area.
Camps Leads, DJs, & 2 Strikes
- Camp Leads: We recommend designating someone with authority over the DJs and sound at all times while music is playing. If possible, please notify the Sound Squad of this person’s name so they know who to contact for any concerns or issues during the event.
- DJs: All camps are responsible for ensuring their DJs adhere to sound requests from any member of the Sound Squad. If the DJs are approached (in the event a camp lead cannot be located immediately) and fail to respond to the warning, this will count as a strike against the camp.
- 2 Strikes: If your camp receives a second strike, your sound will be shut off for the remainder of the night. There will be no second chance in this case.
Sound Squad & Sound Leads
The Sound Squad will be actively monitoring and working with sound camps throughout the event. Failure to comply with their requests will be grounds for removal. If the police arrive due to noise complaints, they may be directed toward camps violating sound policies. To help ensure the safety and success of SideBurn, please comply with all sound restrictions when they are in effect.
Sound Leads will visit each camp during setup to assist with speaker placement (ensuring proper alignment) and sound level tuning. Sound Leads will also indicate the point from which your sound will be measured. The goal is to optimize your music’s sound using the equipment you have, so you can create that euphoric feeling we’re all craving without relying on excessive volume.
If you have any questions, please reach out to the Sound Team at sound@sideburn.ca.
Sound policy is subject to change on-site as needed. Check in at HQ for any changes.
