Acoustics is a field of science that studies sound. It involves understanding how sound is created, how it travels, and how it eventually dies. In this article, we'll explain acoustics in a way that's easy to understand and provide practical tips for improving the sound in your space.
What is Acoustics?
Acoustics is the study of sound. It involves understanding how sound is created, how it travels, and how it eventually dies. Sound can be thought of as little, invisible vibrating waves that travel all around us. These waves can be measured and studied based on their physical properties.
How Acoustics Can Improve Your Space
Modern technology has allowed us to take the field of acoustics and apply it to real-world applications. By understanding the properties of sound waves and the materials that interact with them, we can improve the acoustics of a space.
NRC Rating
A Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) is a rating of how much sound a material can absorb. Measured on a 0 to 1 scale, materials with a 0.0 grade will absorb no sound while materials with a 1.0 grade will absorb all of the sounds they come in contact with. To determine a material’s NRC rating, tests are done at a range of pitches. The final NRC rating is an average of these different pitch ratings.
Using Materials with a High NRC Rating
To improve the acoustics of a space, materials with a high NRC rating can be used. However, it's important to strategically place these materials throughout the space. Placing acoustic material with a high NRC rating everywhere would be expensive and may not look aesthetically pleasing.
Understanding How Sound Travels Around a Room
The sounds we hear are a combination of direct and reflected waves. Direct sound waves come unobstructed from the source to the receiver while reflected sound waves bounce off other objects before reaching the receiver.
Reducing Reflected Sound Waves
To reduce reflected sound waves, acoustic wall tiles and acoustic ceiling baffles can be used. These products are designed with soft, porous materials with a high NRC rating. In the case of ceiling baffles, the sound that is reflected back is reflected into another baffle that’ll further reduce the wave’s strength.
Reducing Direct Sound Waves
Direct sound waves are often the largest offender when it comes to excessive loudness in a space. To reduce direct sounds, a form of division can be used. From room dividers to desk dividers, there are plenty of options and styles available to fit your environment. It's important to ensure that any divider has acoustic panels 3′ to 7′ off the ground, as voices are often the source of excessive loudness.
Combining Solutions for Best Results
For best results, it's recommended to design against both reflected sound waves and direct sound waves. This typically looks like a combination of acoustic dividers and acoustic ceiling baffles.
By understanding the properties of sound waves and the materials that interact with them, it's possible to improve the acoustics of a space. Using materials with a high NRC rating, strategically placing acoustic material, and designing against both reflected sound waves and direct sound waves are all effective ways to turn down the volume in your space.
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