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Echohush - Room Acoustics with Style
1st February 2010

The increasing use of acoustic panelling to control reverberation problems has seen a significant increase in the variety of products available. While many designers are focussed mainly on the “look” or aesthetic value of the product, equal importance must be placed on ensuring the panels will provide the required acoustic results. To achieve this, the panel’s manufacturer must provide a total acoustic solution, not just the product itself.

Pyrotek Noise Control can provide the perfect blend of aesthetics and acoustics with their range of Echohush^® products, but more importantly, they offer expert technical advice on room acoustics, including product selection, product placement and reverberation time calculations and projections. All of these are critical in getting the best possible acoustic result.

“With over 25 years of acoustic experience, we are confident of offering the right solution to your room acoustics problem”, says Michael Latimer of Pyrotek Noise Control. “Our technical backup and product support is second to none in the acoustics industry. Using our in-house software, we can calculate reverberation times, and then offer a specialist package that will provide the best acoustic result for your project.”

Reverberation time (the length of time that it takes for a sound wave to decay) is the basic measure used in room acoustics. It is based on the room's volume and construction, and is affected by the surface finishes and the furnishing and contents of the room. The ideal reverberation time will vary depending on the particular use of the room. For example, rooms such as home theatres should be slightly “live”, while recording studios should have a much flatter or “dead” sound. The level of acoustic panelling necessary to reduce the reverberation time to an appropriate level, will depend on both the “before” time and the required “after” time.

The addition of acoustic panels into a room can have a varied effect depending on the placement of the panels in relation to the noise source. In a situation such as a café or restaurant, the noise is generated at random throughout the room; while other rooms such as home theatre or media rooms generally have a fixed location for the noise source/s. Specialist acoustic advice is essential to ensure the correct placement of panels for each specific application.

The type of panels must also be considered, again in relation to a specific noise source, as different thicknesses and types of acoustic materials provide different results. “Simplistically, a thicker material will provide better absorption and will often perform better at low frequencies,” said Michael Latimer. “However, the trade-off between the cost of the thicker material and the acoustic performance obtained must be considered as part of the overall project.”

Often a problem may exist at a specific frequency. Again, correct product selection can assist in solving the problem with a minimum of expense. Pyrotek Noise Control can offer advice on product performance at different frequencies, maximising results at the specific frequency required.

While installation of Echohush panels can easily be handled by the on-site contractor, Pyrotek Noise Control can also offer either an installation package (depending on your location) or can recommend approved installers..

For further information about Echohush panels or other acoustic products, click here.