Every acoustical consultation is unique, and should be treated as such. Applying a blanket solution on to acoustical problems rarely results in a happy ending. However, the approach should be methodical and systematic, allowing a clear set of principles to guide a cost-effective solution that is likely to yield an acceptable acoustical design. Effective acoustic consulting applies heuristics that save our clients time and money, and ultimately lands them with a solution that meets their expectations.
When deciding on a consultant, ensure they are certified with one of the major Acoustical certifying bodies in the US, and that they have experience in at least the areas mentioned below. If you find solution providers focused in Sound Masking, then you’ll receive a Sound Masking answer, even if the problem doesn’t require it. By finding a diverse acoustical solutions provider, you’ll ensure a good chance of finding the most cost-effective solution for your noise issue.
When approaching any new problem, the following areas should be considered:
Acoustic Consulting Breakdown
Below are broadly considered the primary areas of acoustic consulting. There are a wide range of acoustical issues that arise as projects are designed. These may range from reverb issues in large conference rooms and speaking venues, to sound transmission issues for large music venues and movie theaters. Many projects may rely on the experiences and expertise of architects and contractors with years of meeting sound code and local ordinances. However, other projects may require the specialized engineering background of an acoustical consultant.
When to Hire an Acoustic Consultant
Acoustic Consulting for Absorption
A – Absorption: This applies to areas with large volumes and parallel, hard surfaces. There are a number of products that can resolve unwanted echo and reverberation, including fiberglass panels and recycled cotton panels, baffles, and clouds. Furthermore, there are numerous perforated products that specialize in low-frequency absorption. Ultimately, absorption is most needed in large spaces such as gyms, auditoriums, and large classrooms. (See our Acoustical Calculator to understand how much absorption your space may need). Absorption requires a soft, plush material to capture the sound waves and turn them into heat.
While there are common rules of thumb to use acoustic panels in restaurants and other reverberant spaces, acoustic consultants may use formulas, such as Sabins Formula and Eyring Calculation, to determine the exact number of panels and square footage of treatment needed. While the analysis may cost some money up front, the amount saved on unneeded acoustic treatment may more than offset that cost.
Acoustic Consulting for Sound-Blocking (“Soundproofing”)
B – Blocking: Includes soundproofing for transmission from one area to another, including noise passing through floors and walls to adjacent dwellings. To block unwanted sound, it is important to add mass to the barriers, as well as vibrational decouplers for structure-borne noise. We most often use sound-blocking techniques for hotels, multi-family housing, and mixed-use commercial-residential developments.
For instance, Acoustic Consultants specialize in reading acoustical lab tests, to determine the STC of individual partitions, and frequency-specific performance, if needed. Contractors often look at the UL number to determine STC performance – however, this value can change based on stud spacing and sizing, which are not necessarily reflected in the UL design .
When the primary concern is sound transfer from adjacent spaces, then consulting with an expert on soundproofing methods may be ideal.
Acoustic Consulting for Cover (Sound Masking for Speech Privacy)
C – Cover: Also known as sound masking, this solution is ideal for open offices when a uniform background ambient noise allows further focus, privacy, and productivity. It can also be beneficial for doctor’s offices or military applications when privacy is a baseline requirement.
Sound Masking is most often needed to meet medical privacy requirements (HIPPA), and for speech privacy around financial and legal services offices. Acoustic consulting is often needed to help plan the layout of a sound masking system, since adequate coverage needed throughout the space, and sufficient volume is needed, dependent on the partition schedule.
Likewise, distance between sound masking speakers is dependent on plenum depth and other factors throughout the space. Poor sound masking design can result in negative effects – therefore, using acoustic consulting services during design can prevent unwanted performance issues.
Specialized Acoustic Consulting – Unique Projects
C – Consulting: Our team of experts combines 25 years of soundproofing and acoustical consulting experience to bring a blended knowledge-base. While many consultants focus on expert witness testimony, environmental noise surveys, and long-term studies, we focus our expertise on serving the commercial and residential markets in construction, architecture, and development.
For instance, special applications may include Industrial Projects, such as Power Plants and Airport, Exterior Noise Control, and Specialized Building Uses like Studios, Theaters, Music Venues.
Acoustic Consulting in a Nutshell
Acoustical Consultants should have the skills, expertise, and equipment to clearly frame the problem and then provide an insightful solution. Our team at Commercial Acoustics is well-versed in each of these areas and is dedicated to providing a cost-effective solution to your concerns. When choosing your acoustic consulting firm, remember to review their relevant past experience and individual expertise.
See our Acoustical Case Studies for recent soundproofing and acoustical projects.
My uncle is thinking of opening a music cafe with live shows. We can figure out all of the leveling and stage equipment just fine, but building a facility with good acoustics is a little advanced for us. We’ll definitely apply the C for consulting that you mentioned and hire someone to help us have a great sounding venue.
Hi Ken, I can’t wait to hear how your uncle’s music cafe goes! Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions.