Afrikaburn Sound Policy

Check 1, 2 – Sound, and Sound Out of Place Policy

To be read with:
Mutant Vehicle Sound Policy
Event Rules
Event Disclaimer
Guiding Principles

The spirit of this policy
This policy exists in the spirit that everyone shares responsibility for the sound experience at AfrikaBurn.

Large sound gifters must do their part to reduce Sound Out Of Place (SOOP). Participants are encouraged to prepare with earplugs and thoughtful camp choices. Our goal is to co-create a sound environment that’s mostly enjoyable, sometimes quiet, and always intentional.

The sonic landscape
We know that loud can be fun, and for some, louder is better. But:

Bass is omnidirectional – it travels far and is hard to contain.
Smaller rigs can still produce enormous sound (often comparable to big Funktion-One setups).
Therefore: all amplified sound in Tankwa Town must be used with care and sensitivity.
🎧 Sometimes less is more, and for some, noise annoys.

This policy outlines:
Decibel limits (for safe partying and healthy ears)
Where sound is welcome and where it’s not
When it’s time to turn it up — and when it’s time to turn it down

Generators
Generators may only be used during designated hours.
Exception: Silent or baffled generators that are inaudible to neighbours may remain on.
The Theme Camp Team will assist in determining compliance.

The hard and fast rules

Decibel Limits

Max 95dB inside camps or on dancefloors.
Applies to all amplified sound — including Theme Camps, Mutant Vehicles and Artworks with sound components.
🔎 Sound Wranglers will roam with decibel readers to monitor compliance.

Sound Zones & Timing

Louder Zone (Binnekring Road from 10ish and then up 12ish)

Speaker Direction: Face outward to the open desert.
Amplified Sound:: No limits except for Quiet Hours
Quiet Hours: 7am–11am, Mon–Thurs No generators or amplified music
Weekend Quiet Hours: 7am–11am, Fri–Sun Play at half volume
Downtempo recommended (to reduce sleep deprivation & support mental health)

⛺ Includes Mutant Vehicles & Artworks within 150m of Binnekring Road

Loud Zone (Binnekring + A Roads)

Speaker Direction: Face outward to the Binnekring.
Amplified Sound:: No amplified music after 2am
Quiet Hours: 7am–11am, Mon–Thurs No generators or amplified music
Weekend Quiet Hours: 7am–11am, Fri–Sun Play at half volume
Downtempo recommended (to reduce sleep deprivation & support mental health)

⛺ Includes Mutant Vehicles & Artworks within 150m of Binnekring Road
⏰ Night Limit: No amplified music after 2am

Exceptions during Quiet Hours:
Morning gifting camps (food/drink only – no dancefloors)
Radio Free Tankwa (from 9am, at half volume, speakers facing Binnekring)
DPW Kitchen (half volume, inward-facing speakers)

Open Camping

You may play music if neighbours are enjoying it too.
Always check in with those nearby — play nice and stop if asked.
No amplified music or generators: Midnight–11am every day
Acoustic music during this time is allowed only with neighbour approval.

Quieter Camping Areas

Located behind dunes at: 3ish/4ish and 9ish/10ish
No amplified sound
No generators
Clearly signposted and shown on the map.
⚠️ Participants who don’t respect this will be politely asked to relocate.

All Other Zones

Quiet Hours (Mon–Thurs): 7am–11am
No amplified sound except for:
Registered gifting camps (no dancefloors)
Radio Free Tankwa (from 9am, half volume)
DPW Kitchen (half volume, inward-facing)

Mutant Vehicles & Artworks

On the Binnekring

Large rigs must ALWAYS face away from the city.
No rigs within 150m of Binnekring Road after midnight.

Mutant Vehicles

Will receive maps indicating appropriate play zones.
Use smaller sound systems — they’re loud enough.
Turn sound off when returning to camp or entering the city.
Be respectful to Theme Camps and Artworks. Switch off if asked.

Sunday Night Shut Off

The event officially ends at midnight on Sunday.
Begin turning down at 10pm
Hard cut-off at midnight: No amplified sound after this time.

Silent Burns

One hour of silence requested before a Silent Burn.
During a Silent Burn: all amplified sound is off.
Participants are asked to remain quiet.
Silent Burns are scheduled at the discretion of the artist, and may shift due to weather.

Consultation and Communication

Before the Event

Open consultation held on 28 March, with follow-ups on 16 & 18 April 2024.
All sound gifters must attend one of these sessions.
This policy will be shared to support informed and sound (😉) decision-making.

At the Event

A policy overview will be included in the WTF? Guide and Tankwa Town Map.
Every Artwork/Theme Camp/Mutant Vehicle must appoint a Sound Officer.
Responsible for resolving sound issues
Point of contact for Sound Wranglers

Sound Wranglers:
Are here to help, not police.
Will assist with setup (available from Friday at Arteria)
Can be called for via Theme Camp Desk

🎧 It’s up to you to:
Speak to your neighbours
Coordinate sound schedules
Reduce volume when crowds are smaller
Remember: This is not a competition

Gifting Sound: Specific Requirements

Theme Camps

Camps will be curated to reduce sound bleed
Must comply with direction, volume, and placement guidance
Speakers must:
Face away from residential areas
Be inward-facing and downward-directed
Consider nearby artworks and camps
Raise your bass bins using pallets, truss, scaffolding, etc.

Artworks

Must submit a sound plan (if using amplified sound) before build starts
Speakers should face away from the city
Raise your bass bins

Mutant Vehicles

Use provided map for play zones
Must not face speakers towards the city
Sound must be off before re-entering the city
Use lower power systems that still create a party vibe

Monitoring & Enforcement

Dust Rangers: Monitor timing of sound shutoffs
Sound Wranglers: Monitor decibel levels & speaker orientation
Site Managers: Handle disputes

Thank You!

Thank you for your participation, your volume awareness, and your creative sound gifts.
Play wonderfully — and have lots of fun! — The Mighty Frequency (TMF)