Acoustic Technology
Noise Reduction Coefficient [NRC]
When a sound is produced, it expands through the air in a spherical pressure wave. When the wave hits a surface, some of its energy is reflected while the rest is absorbed.
The Noise Reduction Coefficient [NRC] measures how much energy a surface absorbs, and how much it reflects. An NRC of 0 means that the product absorbs no sound. An NRC of 1 means that the product absorbs all sound. The higher the NRC, the better the product is at soaking up the sound.
Hard surfaces tend to have low NRC ratings, reflecting most of the energy in a sound wave and absorbing very little. Soft surfaces tend to have high NRC ratings, reflecting less energy and absorbing more.
The atmosphere also has a damping effect on a sound wave, because the molecules in the air absorb tiny amounts of energy as they move. This effect is called atmospheric absorption.
SOUND REFLECTION + ABSORPTION
Sound Pressure Level + Reverberation Time
SPREADING OF SOUND
Outdoors, a spherical sound wave can expand as much as it needs to. Indoors, however, the energy is trapped. Reverberation is the result of sound waves repeatedly reflecting off the surfaces of an enclosed space. Due to the enclosure, the only way for the sound to dissipate is through atmospheric and material absorption, rather than spreading. Reverberation time [RT] is the time it takes for the sound pressure level [SPL] in a room, measured in decibels, to decrease by a stated amount after a sound source stops emitting sound. RT60 measures the time it takes for the SPL to decrease by 60 decibels.
In general, rooms with mostly hard surfaces [Low NRC] tend to have high reverberation times, while rooms with many soft surfaces [High NRC] tend to have low reverberation times. The optimal RT60 for conference rooms is around 0.6s, according to the WELL Building Institute.
aaline Acoustic Spatial Analysis
aaline offers products and services designed to make any space sound amazing. Our Acoustic Spatial Analysis software is a proprietary platform built to simulate and optimize the acoustic performance of interior spaces. This analytical approach allows us to gain a better understanding of the acoustics of any space, based on geometrical organization and finishing materials. By using digital tools that focus on an iterative process of design development, we can assist your team in increasing occupant comfort and treating acoustics as an additional element in your interior design toolbox.
We provide feedback reports that include raw data, metrics, and visualizations to explore and communicate potential shapes, materials, and orientations of acoustic reflectors, absorbers, and diffusers to achieve the desired reverberation time and sound intensity. Our design team will work with you directly and consult through the process, from conceptual development to delivery and installation.
“We understand that every space is unique, as are it’s acoustics. That is why we developed a system to help sculpt with sound and make an ephemeral experience a tangible feeling.”