Learning center / Acoustics fundamentals
Acoustics fundamentals
NRC, RT60, the Sabine formula and the other ideas behind every acoustic decision. 14 guides.
Guides
What is NRC?Noise Reduction Coefficient explained, with typical values for common materials. · 2 minNRC vs SAAThe Sound Absorption Average and why some specs use it. · 2 minWhat is RT60 (reverberation time)?How reverberation is measured and what values feel right. · 2 minThe Sabine formula, step by stepHow to estimate reverberation time and the absorption a room needs. · 2 minAbsorption vs soundproofingWhy acoustic panels do not soundproof, and what does. · 2 minHow thickness changes what a panel absorbsWhy low frequencies need deeper panels. · 2 minThe air gap trickHow mounting panels off the surface improves bass absorption. · 2 minFlutter echo explainedWhat causes the buzzing echo between parallel walls and how to stop it. · 2 minFirst reflection pointsFinding and treating the reflections that reach listeners first. · 2 minBass traps and cornersWhy corners matter for low frequencies and what to put there. · 2 minDiffusion vs absorptionWhen to scatter sound instead of absorbing it. · 2 minMounting types and lab ratings (ASTM E795)What Type A and Type E-400 mounting mean on a spec sheet. · 2 minFire ratings for acoustic productsASTM E84 classes, and what to ask for. · 2 minSpeech intelligibility and STIMeasuring how clearly speech comes across in a room. · 2 min