Acoustic Glossary

• Decoupling:
  This cost effective solution inhibits the movement of sound from one side of the wall to the other through mechanical paths such as studs. The vibration must then pass through an air cavity and absorbing material in the wall. The use of sound isolation clips and hat channels or resilient channels are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Ordinary drywall is screwed to the channel that is “floated” by the isolation clips. This will provide an increase of your sound transmission class from 34 to 57.

   

• Mass:
  It is harder for sound to move through heavier items than light items. However, to make a large difference you need a lot of mass. Adding mass to all surfaces after sound isolation will easily block most of mid and high frequencies. Again this low cost solution is available by adding just one more layer of drywall.

• Absorption:
  Insulation in the wall or ceiling cavities will increase your isolation by removing some of the sound. This is ineffective at lower frequencies. However, very beneficial with mid and upper frequencies when used with the decoupling technique. Standard common fiberglass used in construction is effective.

• Resonance :
  Resonance s in a room will hurt you with the above three items and vibrate walls, ceilings and even floors. If a train passes, even decoupled walls with insulation will vibrate causing air on the other side to transmit. The easiest solution is to use visco-elastic damping compounds or predamped drywall and flooring.
  

   

• Conduction:
  Noise that travels from one room to another by an indirect method must be eliminated. To eliminate vibrations or sound that can become structure born you must treat the surfaces on the source side. Some easy solutions are to not flank your electrical outlets back to back in the wall. As well, reduce the amount. Have a sacrificial false ceiling so light fixtures do not allow sound to transmit.
  

  

Design Considerations

• Lighting
• Furniture
• Cables
• Projector
• A/V Equipment
• HVAC
• Drywall
• Walls
• Flooring
• Stage

Acoustical performance of the following is important:

• Doors
• Acoustical
• Panels
• Acoustical Sealant
• Floors
• Batt Insulation
• Mechanical Pipe
• Insulation Ductwork
• Insulation Ductwork Penetrations
• HVAC