Black Rock City is a noisy place, no question about it. Music, laughter, questionable performance art, chanting, shouting, singing and drumming are all part of the experience. Yet, while the drone of raves in the night is something we can all adapt to, the relentless brrrrraaaaaaaaappp of a noisy generator is quite another. Bring the quietest generator you can afford, and the smallest that will meet your actual needs.
Larger generators are more difficult to transport, use more fuel and create more pollution.
Don't run your generator late at night or early in the morning. Place the generator as far from other camps as possible. Cover your generator with a sound shield or baffle. Do NOT bury it to shield the noise. No matter how well it is filled afterwards, the hole leaves a tremendous gouge in the playa.