Acoustical Treatments and the PAC By: Sarah, Keaton, Luke, and Zeynep
Jan 01, 2016
Acoustical Treatments and the PAC
By: Sarah, Keaton, Luke, and Zeynep
Acoustical Issues
● Sound can affect the room in three ways:o Diffuse- bounces sound back into the room
in many directionso Reflect- bounces sound in a more direct
beamo Absorb- certain frequencies are not
retransmitted into the room● Ideally 70% of room surfaces should be
covered in acoustic treatment
Acoustical Treatment● Acoustic room treatment is the application of various problem-solving
materials attached to the room's surfaces and/or placed within the room.● Acoustic treatments can be pre-made, custom made, or common
household furniture, and made out of anything
Sounds great in here!
Treatment
Diffusion● Diffusion is the scattering of sound waves thus limiting the sense of
localization● Diffusion panels return the sound frequencies back at different intervals
o Made of small numerous segments
Reflection● Good to have some areas untreated so there will
be a little reflection● Early reflection- not pleasant to hear
o The sound arrives at the listener, after reflecting off a surface, at the same time as the direct source
● Any flat “untreated” surface will reflect soundo Mirrors, Large areas of glasso Laminate or hardwood floorso Computer screens and desk surfaces
Absorption ● Absorb sound● Panels are a treatment used to
absorb sound● Prevent echoes, ringing, and
reverberations● Reduce reflection● Often made of high density
fiberglass and covered in acoustically transparent fabric
Corners● Treated by bass traps● Prevent low, powerful omni dimensional frequencies● Used on corners and the joint between ceilings and
walls
Problems● Placement of speakers created
feedback loopo audio coming from speaker is
picked up by microphone and amplified
● Inconsistent volume throughout ● Poor clarity of what being
performed on stage● “Flutter” reflection of sound
between parallel surfaces
Performing Arts Center
How it was fixed:● Feedback loop
o Making speakers easily moveable so that a microphone is never in front of a speaker
o Microphone choice can make a huge difference, those used in theatrical performances are more sensitive than those designed for live music
● Inconsistent volume and poor clarityo Placement of speakers were changed to create a more even coverage of
sound● Flutter
o Has yet to be addressed but is caused by the nature of walls to be parallel, flat and hard surfaces so this problem could be fixed by the application of panels
Performing Arts Center
http://music.tutsplus.com/tutorials/beginners-guide-to-acoustic-treatment--audio-1274http://www.gikacoustics.com/how-diffusion-works/All of our information pertaining to the acoustics of the PAC is from Keith Caggiano
Bibliography