Freezer Burn After Hours Sound Policy

Revised: Apr 2023


Purpose of the After hours Sound Policy

The goal of this policy is to enable some stages to operate early in the morning for a sunrise set (allowing a set to be played after the regular shutdown time of 5am). These are valid Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. No after hours on opening Thursday or the following Monday Morning. 

After hours sound permits are awarded at the discretion of the Sound Marshal and the Producers. They are a privilege, not a right. Sound stages not abiding by the Amplified Sound Policy or requiring frequent adjustments by the sound marshals will not be eligible. However, they do offer an opportunity to extend entertainment beyond the regular stage hours for those who wish to do so. They are awarded on a night-by-night basis, and will need to be approved each night they are requested. 

Amplified sound at Freezer Burn is only to be operated within specified times. The current event setup allows for 2 separate zones. 

Upstairs Regular Stage hours

  • Daily - 11:00 am to 10:00 pm at a medium level. 
  • After 10:00 pm only acoustic and personal area sound is permitted. 

Downstairs Regular Stage hours

  • Thursday: 5:00 pm to 2:00 am
  • Friday: 10:00 am to 5:00 am
  • Saturday: 10:00 am to 5:00 am
  • Sunday 10:00 am to 2:00 am 


Definitions

Sound Pressure Limit (SPL)

Numerical level developed from onsite testing. A specific SPL will be in effect for the entire event; it is ultimately determined by the Chief sound marshal(s) and Freezer Burn Production team. Each sound stage will have a set max limit that if exceeded may result in a suspension of their Sound Permit.

Sound Sponsor 

The official registrant of a sound system and the individual ultimately responsible for its use. 

Bass Bins/Subwoofers

Speakers designed to reproduce lower frequency sound (bass). They are traditionally placed on the ground below the main/top speakers. They feature speaker drivers from 12-20+” and do not produce any high frequency sound (treble). We classify any speaker that primarily produces sound from ~30Hz up to 200Hz as a subwoofer. 

Mains/Tops

Speakers designed to reproduce middle and high frequency sound (treble). They are traditionally placed at ear height, above subwoofers, facing the crowd area. They feature drivers from 6-15”, a tweeter from 1-2”, and do not produce a significant amount of low frequency sound (bass). We classify any speaker that primarily produces sound from ~200 Hz to 20k Hz as a main speaker. 

Stage Monitors

Stage monitors are classified separately from Mains/Tops in order to distinguish their intended usage. Stage monitors are a smaller set of Mains/Tops that directly face the performer instead of the crowd area. They are traditionally set at a lower volume than the main crowd-facing sound system and usually do not feature a subwoofer. They are essential for the performer to hear themselves, and we understand their required usage in an after-hours situation. 


Stage Requirements 

Any stages playing music outside of regular hours must agree and follow these conditions. 

Any issues with volume will result in the AH sound permit being revoked and the stage shut down until regular stage hours start up. 

  • No bass bins/subs running AT ALL
  • Only one main/top on per side (for a total of 2) 
  • Stage monitors should be significantly reduced, and no stage subs allowed. 
  • Volume at 5-10% or lower. We don't want to hear anything at 50m away
  • We will set all volume levels on Thursday for the sound check. 
  • Adjustments may be needed but we can work together to make it work.


Permit Application Process

Before sound cutoff (2AM or 5AM), have your sound stage sponsor contact the sound marshal and producer on duty. They will meet with you and discuss the possibility for an after hours sound permit. You will be required to demonstrate how you will limit the sound output as described in the stage requirements above. At the discretion of the producers and the sound marshal, you will be granted an after hours permit. You will sign the permit, along with a secondary contact. One of you will be required to be at the sound stage for the duration of the after hours permit. When sound cutoff hits, you will reduce your sound to the levels discussed and can carry on with your stage’s performances. 

If for any reason a producer or sound marshal is required to visit your stage, the permit will be nullified and the sound stage must cease operation immediately. Do NOT exceed your approved limits. If your permit is revoked, you must remain shut down until regular stage hours start up again.


If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Sound Marshal team.