3 Mistakes An Acoustical Engineer Can Help You Avoid

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Sound is an essential part of daily life. Noise and sound surround people constantly. Acoustical engineers specialize in controlling the movement of sound waves in order to create a desirable effect within a given space.

You may not see the value of an acoustical engineer if you are working on a small construction project. The fact of the matter is that having an acoustical engineer on board from the very beginning can help you avoid some costly mistakes throughout the construction process.

1. Overlooking Small Gaps

The acoustical design of a space must be evaluated as a comprehensive unit. Even the smallest gap in acoustic materials could compromise sound quality significantly.

Think of gaps in acoustic materials as being like the gap beneath your bedroom door. You can shut the door to muffle outside sounds, but these outside noises are never completely eliminated.

An acoustical engineer can help you avoid the mistake of including gaps in your construction design. The result will be better sound quality over the life of the building.

2. Using the Wrong Foam

Foam panels are frequently used to line a space within which acoustics must be controlled. Many different types of foam are available on the market today, and it can be challenging for the average person to determine which foam product will work best within a given space.

Acoustical engineers have the knowledge and training required to evaluate both your acoustic goals and your space to determine which foam will best meet your needs.

A good acoustic foam will feature a series of small pores that help reduce unwanted sound reflection. The density and diameter of these pores vary, and only an acoustic engineer can identify the combination that will work best within your space.

3. Failing to Set a Target Acoustical Environment

You must give careful thought and consideration to the type of acoustical environment you want to create in your space before you begin construction. Setting a target acoustical environment helps inform your decisions when it comes to the installation of acoustic foam and other accessories.

Engineers who specialize in acoustics can be a great help when you are setting your target acoustical environment.

Your acoustic engineer can help you consider reverberation time, noise reduction, frequency response, and sound isolation in relation to your target environment. Evaluating these essential acoustic elements will help you create a space that has the right acoustical effect.

For more information, contact a local acoustical engineering consulting service.


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