SoundPLAN and its Australian distribution partner, Marshall Day Acoustics, will present new open-air noise prediction capabilities alongside advanced industrial and psychoacoustic noise assessment tools at INTER-NOISE 2026. Meet the team at Stands 18 and 19 at the Adelaide Convention Centre, Australia, from 9-12 August.

Efficient open-air event noise prediction

 For concerts, festivals, and other outdoor events, reliable environmental noise prediction depends on a detailed description of the sound system, the site geometry, propagation conditions, and the interaction between different sound sources.

SoundPLAN software supports these workflows with tools for modelling complex sound system configurations and assessing their impact on the surrounding environment.

A central element of this workflow is the new System Design Exchange (SDE) format, developed by d&b audiotechnik, L-Acoustics, and SoundPLAN. SDE improves the exchange of relevant sound system data between system design software and environmental noise prediction software.

Both SoundPLANnoise and the newest edition to the software range, SoundPLANessential+, support SDE workflows. Capabilities include the import of detailed loudspeaker and system data, and the consideration of phase-related effects during the noise propagation calculation.

This reduces the need for manual reconstruction of loudspeaker systems and enables more consistent, traceable, and realistic modelling of complex sound system configurations. These features help acoustic consultants, event organisers, authorities, environmental engineers, and sound system designers evaluate open-air event noise more transparently during the planning process.

 For advanced open-air event modelling, SoundPLANnoise additionally supports the consideration of semi-transparent structures such as temporary walls, barriers, or tent constructions.

 SoundPLANessential+

First unveiled in late 2025, SoundPLANessential+ is designed for efficient, professional noise modelling and is particularly suited for applications such as noise predictions and evaluations of complex industrial sites and open-air events.

With the direct import of georeferenced data from OpenStreetMap (OSM), users can accelerate project setup and reduce manual preparation work. SoundPLANessential+ is a streamlined solution for users who need efficient project setup, transparent calculations, and practical tools for industrial noise assessments.

SoundPLANessential+ also supports System Design Exchange (SDE) workflows, making it possible to transfer relevant sound system data into environmental noise prediction projects for open-air event applications.

SoundPLANnoise 9.2: New Version, Faster Workflows

 Visitors can also learn more about SoundPLANnoise 9.2, the upcoming version of SoundPLAN’s established software for indoor and outdoor noise analysis.

SoundPLANnoise 9.2 introduces a revised user interface designed to support faster and more flexible workflows, particularly in the areas of data import and data processing. The revised calculation module is intended to make calculation setup more efficient and easier to trace.

Further developments include improvements in environmental noise modelling, noise quota management, and room acoustics. These enhancements are designed to help consultants manage complex projects more efficiently while maintaining transparent and standards-based calculation procedures.

 Assessing how noise is perceived

 In addition to conventional sound pressure level calculations and regulatory assessment workflows, SoundPLAN will present tools that support a more detailed assessment of how noise is perceived.

Psychoacoustic indicators such as Loudness, Sharpness, and Tonal characteristics can help consultants and planners describe the perceptual quality of sound more comprehensively.

These indicators can provide additional insight for urban development, industrial noise studies, infrastructure projects, and other applications where the character of noise is relevant for communication with clients, authorities, and affected communities.

INTER-NOISE 2026 is the 55th International Congress & Exhibition of Noise Control Engineering. This year’s theme is ‘From the Outback to the Ocean.’ Find out more at www.internoise2026.org