Category Archives: Sound Advice

Acoustic Treatment for Wedding Venues

Why Wedding Venue Acoustics Matter At a wedding, every word matters. Whether it’s the vows, a heartfelt speech, or a song that brings everyone to the dance floor, sound defines the atmosphere. Yet, many wedding venues—especially those with high ceilings, hardwood floors, and open layouts—struggle with poor acoustics. Despite how much is invested in the […]

Design for Noise Criteria

Understanding Noise Criteria (NC) Noise Criteria, or NC, refers to the background noise level caused by HVAC systems, air movement, and other mechanical sources within a space. These levels are a key part of acoustic design — too high, and speech clarity or listening comfort suffers; too low, and spaces can feel unnaturally quiet, revealing […]

STC 50 Wall Construction: How to Meet Code in Modular Projects

STC 50 Wall Construction How to Meet Code in Modular Projects

Why STC 50 Matters in Wall Construction STC 50 is the industry benchmark for acoustic privacy in multi-family, hospitality, and mixed-use projects. Meeting this rating ensures compliance and long-term occupant comfort. While it’s the code minimum, many developments aim for STC 55 or higher to provide superior acoustic separation and tenant satisfaction. Proper STC 50 […]

Acoustic Testing Equipment & Hardware

The Role of Acoustic Testing Equipment in Modern Consulting Accurate acoustic design begins with precise measurement—and that depends on the quality of the testing hardware behind it. Professional consultants rely on specialized acoustic testing equipment and hardware to quantify how sound behaves within walls, across floors, and throughout open spaces. From calibrated SPL meters to […]

Understanding the Acoustic Properties of Sound

Why the Acoustic Properties of Sound Matter Before you can control sound, you have to understand it. The acoustic properties of sound explain how noise behaves, moves, and interacts with the materials around us. Whether you’re designing a recording studio, a classroom, or a multi-family building, understanding these properties helps you predict how sound will […]

Acoustic Treatment for Courthouses

Why Courtroom Acoustics Matter Clear communication is the foundation of justice. Inside a courtroom, every statement, testimony, and ruling must be heard and understood without distortion. Yet, many courthouses suffer from poor acoustics—high ceilings, hard surfaces, and open layouts that reflect and amplify sound instead of controlling it. Courtrooms rely on speech more than any […]

Hiring an Acoustic Specialist: What It Costs & When It’s Worth It

Why Acoustic Consultants & Specialists Matter Every project has unique sound challenges — some are subtle, others are impossible to ignore. While many architects and contractors rely on general design experience for sound control, complex or high-value projects often demand expert precision. That’s where an acoustic specialist comes in. From reviewing design plans to performing […]

Pink Noise vs White Noise: Why Pink Wins for Sound Masking

Understanding the Basics When people talk about sound masking, they often refer to it as “white noise.” But in practice, the balanced, comfortable sound used in most professional systems is pink noise. Pink noise distributes sound energy more naturally across frequencies, making it softer and easier on the ear. It’s the acoustic foundation behind modern […]

How to Achieve an STC Rating of 50+

Why STC 50 Matters in Modern Construction Every building has a sound story—how noise moves, echoes, and fades within its walls. For architects and contractors, controlling that story means understanding how to meet and exceed STC 50, the benchmark for acoustic comfort and code compliance. Hitting this target ensures walls not only meet regulatory standards […]