Author Archives: Emily Silverman

Understanding & Determining STC Ratings

Basic Overview of STC Ratings Acoustical consultants are able to provide developers with valuable information regarding a structure’s noise reduction abilities, but have you ever wondered what rating systems they use or how those systems work? Keep reading for a basic run-down on the workings of the currently used STC system for the next time one […]

Lecture Hall Sound Treatment

lecture hall in need of sound absorption

Lecture halls are a staple on almost every college campus. These multi-functional rooms are used regularly as classrooms but often play host to additional events such as guest speakers and presentations. When this happens, Acoustical Sound Treatment can be a major issue, and needs to be addressed during project design. Though lecture hall uses may […]

Open Plan Offices vs. Closed Plan Offices

closed office plan with acoustic treatment for speech privacy

Though there are many distractions in the workplace, one of the most commonly noted is noise. Excessive background noise from coworkers typing, chatting, or talking on the phone can distract others from their work, making them less productive. To combat this issue, many offices have begun to consider speech privacy, and have looked for ways […]

Understanding Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Excessive noise levels in the workplace have put millions of employees at risk of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), making it one of the top occupational illnesses in the United States. Employers can protect their employees from sound-related hazards by following all noise-regulation laws and installing proper soundproofing to minimize noise at the source. To measure […]

Resolve Noise Complaints Easily with Apt. App

Commercial Acoustics partners with Apt. App to work on soundproofing solutions

A growing number of people are finding that apartment communities are the ideal fit for their lifestyles. While there are innumerable benefits to apartment-style living, there are also some major drawbacks. Most notably, noise. Dealing with noisy neighbors becomes a much greater struggle when living in such close proximity. With nothing but a thin wall […]

Acoustic Sound Panels in Naples Flatbread

commercial acoustics absorption panels naples flatbread

Restaurant Acoustic Treatment with Large Commercial Acoustic Panels Naples Flatbread, a modern restaurant serving up artisanal flatbreads, recently discovered they were suffering from a sound problem. In addition to their restaurant services, the trendy location is equipped with a stage and offers live music to guests as they dine. Nearly all restaurants experience some type […]

Isolating Vibrating Machinery

Commercial Acoustics Isolating Vibrating Machinery

From factories to schools to offices, nearly all buildings contain some type of mechanical equipment. While necessary to keep operations running smoothly, mechanical equipment tends to generate a lot of excess noise. These types of machines vibrate as they operate, creating a type of noise that can be both heard and felt by building occupants. […]

Understanding Speech Privacy

soundproofing and sound masking for open offices

What is Speech Privacy? Speech Privacy can be defined as the inability of an outside listener to understand a conversation between two or more separate individuals. Effective speech privacy is an essential aspect of any office as it allows employees to: Conduct confidential conversations without being overheard Ignore distracting conversations Understand in-person and phone conversations […]

Guidelines for Worship Center Sound Treatment

acoustic panels

Sound treatment is critical in faith and worship centers, as these locations tend to rely heavily on both speech and music. The centers must be properly outfitted with acoustical equipment to increase speech intelligibility while simultaneously enhancing the quality of musical components. The equal importance of music and speech quality creates a challenge for architects […]

Auditorium Acoustics: 8 Factors to Consider when Designing for Sound

auditorium acoustics

Have you ever attended a lecture or a play in an auditorium and barely been able to make out what the speaker was saying? Chances are the problem was poor acoustics. Next time you design, build, or review an auditorium, make sure to consider these 8 key factors that affect the acoustic performance and environment in […]