Science Behind Acoustics

September 5, 2023

How do you decide between the various acoustic options?

We have a number of acoustic vendors on display in our collaborative showroom: the Southwest Experience Center. From Snowsound to Fraush to CRI Acoustics, there are plenty of solutions to adequately sound mask or absorb unwanted office noise.  

Today, acoustics are a staple in most corporate environments, whether it be ceiling-suspended acoustics, acoustic lighting, or wall paneling. But how do you decide between the thousands of options available to you?  

Decisions like these are easier to make once you understand the science behind sound absorption:

Acoustic materials utilize advanced scientific principles to enhance sound control and improve an acoustic environment. These are most commonly seen in the form of specialized materials designed to absorb sound waves and reduce unwanted noise.

Specifically, acoustic materials work by employing two primary mechanisms: absorption and diffusion. Absorption involves the conversion of sound energy into heat energy. When sound waves pass through the acoustic material, they penetrate it and cause the material to vibrate. This vibration dissipates the sound energy as heat, resulting in reduced sound reflections and reverberations.

Diffusion, on the other hand, involves scattering sound waves in multiple directions. Acoustic materials with textured or irregular surfaces help break up sound waves, preventing them from bouncing in a focused manner and reducing the intensity of reflected sound.

Acoustic materials are each designed with precision and attention to detail. They utilize high-quality materials that are specifically engineered to maximize sound absorption and diffusion properties. These materials are strategically placed to target areas where unwanted noise is prevalent, such as conference rooms, offices, or meeting spaces. By reducing echo, reverberation, and background noise, acoustic materials create a more acoustically balanced and comfortable environment.

Different Products under Sound Absorption:

Acoustic Panels: These panels are made from sound-absorbing materials, such as foam or fabric, and are used to reduce sound reflections and reverberations. They are effective in controlling echoes and improving speech clarity in spaces like conference rooms, theaters, or recording studios.

Suspended Acoustics: These suspended materials are installed on the ceiling to absorb sound reflections and reduce the reverberation time in a room. They are often used in large spaces, such as auditoriums or gymnasiums, to improve speech intelligibility and create a more balanced acoustic environment.

Acoustic Lighting: These versatile elements are expertly installed to suspend from the ceiling, providing an overhead lighting effect, or to be mounted from the wall to provide additional lighting. They simultaneously serve as decorative elements that elevate the ambiance.

By implementing sound absorption techniques, your organization can effectively manage background noise, improve speech privacy, and create more pleasant and productive environments.  

We’d be happy to show you the examples spelled out above in person. We have each available on display at the Southwest Experience Center. Register to tour today.