Festivals and concerts are all about the music, the crowd and the atmosphere, and the volume near the stage is often far louder than you need to enjoy them. Wearing the right earplugs at live events is one of the best habits for enjoying the music. Read on to find out how loud festivals actually get and how to enjoy every set at a lower volume without missing a beat.
How Loud Are Festivals and Concerts?
Most countries do not set a single legal limit on audience noise exposure at live events. Industry guidelines typically recommend that general levels do not exceed around 100 to 107 dB. Event organisers work with local authorities, usually following an industry code of practice in which recommended noise levels are based on factors like how often an event takes place and whether it is in an urban or rural area.
So what are the actual sound levels at live music events?
- The volume at a typical indoor concert is usually somewhere between 90 and 120 dB.
- At outdoor events like festivals, it averages 90 to 100 dB.
- Rock bands are sometimes as loud as 125 dB.
What Is a Decibel?
The decibel (dB) is a unit used to measure sound intensity. The lowest perceptible volume that humans can hear is 0 dB. At 100 dB, sound feels uncomfortably loud, and at around 120 dB, it reaches the pain threshold.
One of the most important things to understand about decibels is that the scale is logarithmic, not linear. On a linear scale, values increase by equal steps. On a logarithmic scale, they increase exponentially. As a rough guide, an increase of around 10 dB is generally perceived as approximately twice as loud though the relationship between sound intensity and perceived loudness varies by frequency and individual.
How Loud Is It Near the Speakers?
Standing next to the speakers, even for a short time, means exposure to extremely high noise levels. The noise level at an average festival is around 100 dB. The level of attenuation you need depends not only on how loud the music is, but also on how long you are exposed to it.
What Attenuation Should Your Earplugs Have for a Music Event?
To enjoy the concert or festival at a lower volume, look for earplugs with an SNR rating of 18 to 25 dB. That range is designed to bring the average festival volume down to a more comfortable level so you can enjoy the music all day, provided the earplugs are correctly fitted and worn consistently throughout.
Not all earplugs are equal. Foam earplugs are designed to block sound broadly rather than filter it, which can make music sound muffled and unnatural. Alpine's filter based music earplugs are designed to reduce volume more evenly across the frequency spectrum, based on precision acoustic engineering, so the music still sounds like music, just at a lower volume.
Alpine Tune is Alpine's most advanced music earplug, with high-fidelity filters that provide an even reduction across all frequencies at 19 dB SNR. Alpine PartyPlug Pro attenuates by 21 dB SNR and uses a premium Hi-Fi filter engineered to maintain clarity across both low and high frequencies. Alpine PartyPlug attenuates by 19 dB SNR, offering reliable protection at a more straightforward price point. For a tailored fit, custom festival earplugs offer a choice of 22, 23, or 24 dB attenuation. Protection depends on proper fit and seal for all options.
Can You Still Get the Full Sound Experience With Earplugs In?
Yes. Alpine PartyPlug filter earplugs use acoustic filters that reduce volume while preserving the character of the music. You will still be able to have a normal conversation with friends, the acoustic filter design reduces overall volume levels without distorting the sound around you.
Should I Wear Earplugs to Music Festivals?
Yes, and it is a simpler habit to build than most people expect. At the average festival, the music plays at around 100 dB from the very first songs of the opening set. Wearing earplugs is not about turning the experience down. It is about enjoying it at a comfortable volume, from the first song to the last.
Enjoying the Festival From Start to Finish
1. Stay Away From the Speakers
Avoid standing directly next to the speakers. Sound levels near the front of house stacks can easily exceed 110 dB. Moving a short distance back makes a meaningful difference.
2. Wear the Right Earplugs
Filter based earplugs reduce the volume to a more comfortable level while keeping music quality intact. Look for earplugs with 18 to 25 dB attenuation and a secure fit, protection depends on proper fit and seal, so choosing the right tip size matters as much as the filter itself.
3. Give Your Ears a Break
Step away from the music for 15 to 30 minutes every hour, even if it is just a short time in a quieter zone: the bar, the food area, the campsite. Think of it as looking after the most important piece of equipment you brought to the festival.
4. Getting Ready for Your Festival, Before and After
In the days before a big festival, try to keep your listening volumes lower. After the event, take it easy and avoid loud music or loud environments for a day or two.
Need Help Choosing the Right Earplugs for Festivals, Raves, and Concerts?
Whether you are heading to a multi day festival, a club night, or a rave, the right earplugs make it possible to stay longer and enjoy the music at a lower volume. Alpine festival earplugs are made from soft, silicone-free material, a meaningful difference from the one size fits all foam plugs handed out at the gate.
Explore Alpine's festival and concert earplugs, including Tune, PartyPlug, PartyPlug Pro, and custom options, all backed by a 100 day satisfaction guarantee. Not sure which is right for you? Read our guide on how to choose the right party earplug, or take our online quiz to quickly find the right pair for you.
