Acoustic Systems Design and Building Whole-Room Solutions That Actually Work

Acoustic systems for a space consist of materials and installations designed to manage sound reflections and deliver the highest possible sound quality for the venue. The purpose of these elements is to prevent echo and create a balanced, surround-sound space. 

Here are a few key components of a room acoustic system to consider ahead of installation:

• Acoustic Diffusers: Generally made from wood, GFRG, polymer plastic, aluminum, or other utility-grade materials, acoustic diffusers scatter sound waves. They can be placed on various walls within a room as well as on the ceiling, to maintain a “live” room sound while deflecting harsh sounds from the listener’s ears. Acoustic diffusers work in a variety of spaces — from home theaters to office buildings to high school band rooms to massive concert halls. Acoustic diffusers are sometimes referred to as diffusion units. 
• Absorption Panels: Absorption panels are typically made from foam or fabric-wrapped wood cores and installed on walls to reduce reverberation. They can be used alongside acoustic diffusers to achieve optimal sound quality in a space. 
• Absorptive Cores: Absorptive cores are the inner, functional materials designed to trap sound waves. These are different from sound-blocking materials, which tend to be denser. These materials are often more porous or fibrous, preventing the sound from bouncing or deflecting off the sides of a room. Absorptive cores are typically made from rigid fiberglass boards or multi-density materials designed for high Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) performance. NRC is a scalar representation ranging from 0.0 to 1.0 and indicates the average sound absorption performance of a particular material. It can help select the right type of diffuser or panel for the intended space. 
• Mounting Systems: To complete the installation, certain hardware is needed. The type of mourning system will depend on the selected materials, venue space, and other factors. Different types of mounting system hardware include impaling clips or pins, Z-Clips or Z-Bars, adhesive, ceiling hooks, cables, anchors, and direct screw attachment. 

What to Consider When Choosing an Acoustic Solution

An acoustic system is much more than just these components; it entails a holistic approach that incorporates the right types of materials and installations to create a whole-room solution. Adding a few absorption panels to a room may be helpful, but only if the proper ones are selected and supporting components are also installed to prevent echoing. 

Also, low-grade solutions will produce low-quality sound. Selecting the right variety of high-mass materials is essential for creating a wholesome acoustic system. This could look like a blend of wood, polymer, and mass-loaded vinyl to transform a space from an echoing chamber to an aesthetically beautiful room, both in design and sound. 

Here are a few additional considerations when choosing an acoustic solution for your space.

Room Dimensions and Setup 

Room size is a core component of an acoustic solution. To achieve the best acoustic response, consider following the “Greek Golden Method” — a formula rooted in ancient Greece to understand proportions and harmony. This method intends to create rooms where sound is natural, with little to no interference from echoes or other harsh noises. 

The “Greek Golden Method” uses the ratio of roughly 1:1.618:2.618 to determine the proper height, width, and length from a sound perspective. Note that this is a general guideline, and it may not be feasible if the room has already been constructed. However, it can provide a good baseline for determining which acoustic materials are necessary to achieve the most natural sound quality. 

Targeted Acoustics 

A venue may need a variety of acoustic materials, not just a single installation type. A combination of reflectors, absorbers, and diffusers can work to create a harmonious effect. And don’t forget about the isolated spaces within rooms. Different absorbers can be added to ensure all parts of the room are well-designed and insulated from harsh noise. 

Performance and Aesthetics 

If the design of the space is of the utmost concern, then a solution that meets both performative and aesthetic needs is necessary. Fortunately, there are plenty of options that can beautify a room just as much as they can improve its sound quality. Modern systems with micro-perforated wood, painted polymer, and aluminum can be used to transform a space’s interior, both visually and acoustically. 

Tips for Building a Whole-Room Acoustic Solution that Works 

Building a functional whole-room acoustic solution requires a balance among material selection, installation, and furnishings. Again, effective treatment is more than just a single solution. It’s a blend of materials and installations that creates an acoustic system that transforms the space for clarity. 

Tip #1: Find Reflection Points 

Reflection points are specific spots on walls, ceilings, or floors where sound waves from speakers first bounce before reaching a listener’s ear. These reflective points can cause destructive interference, muddying the audio or blurring clarity. 

Locating exact reflection points can be tricky, which is where the “mirror trick” can come in handy. To begin, sit in the room and have a friend or contractor slide a mirror along the walls and ceiling at speaker height. Mark the areas on the spots where you can see the speaker directly. These spots are the reflection points, and should be treated with acoustic panels and a diffuser to reduce harsh noises. 

Tip #2: Use Bass Traps

Bass traps are added to rooms to improve audio accuracy by shortening low-frequency decay, creating a flatter, more balanced sound. Bass traps are normally placed in corners, either where two walls meet or where a wall meets the ceiling. They are usually made with fiberglass, mineral wool, or foam to help absorb sound most effectively. Despite the name, bass traps improve the sound of bass, but their primary role is to reduce ringing and any “muddiness.” 

Tip #3: Arrange Speakers with Care

Another key component of building a whole-room acoustic solution that works is speaker placement. Even the best speakers on the market won’t do your space justice if they aren’t properly placed. A good rule of thumb is to place speakers symmetrically in an equilateral triangle setup. This means the distance from each speaker should match approximately the distance from each speaker to the listener’s sitting position. 

Symmetry is also important for improved sound quality. Speakers should be placed two to three feet from front walls to minimize boundary interference, known as SBIR. Angling the speakers inward to point directly to the listener, or slightly behind, can help as well. 

For mounting, speakers should be secured with sturdy brackets to solid walls or ceilings. It’s important to ensure that the bracket isn’t just mounted to the drywall but is also secured to the structure or uses safety cables for added security. 

Tip #4: Select Soft Furnishings

Another part of a whole-room acoustic setup is furnishings. The fabrics you choose can make a big difference in noise reduction and reverberation within a room. Typically, soft furnishings help reduce noise by absorbing sound energy rather than reflecting it. For home theaters and recording studios, choose plush armchairs, ottomans, and sofas in cozy fabrics such as velvet, chenille, corduroy, or leather. 

For flooring, add rugs or carpet to the area to dampen sound on hard surfaces and reduce impact noise. Hang tapestries, curtains, and drapes with thick, heavy fabrics to create a more effective sound barrier. Cushions and throw pillows are extra additions that can help break up sound reflections. 

Final Takeaways 

The phrase “parts make up the whole” couldn’t be more true when it comes to creating a whole-room acoustic systems design. Every component serves a distinct purpose in the space’s overall acoustics. 

RPG Acoustical Systems provides superior acoustic solutions for a wide variety of venues. RPG products bring together form, function, and aesthetics to create a space that not only sounds good but also looks good. Contact us to learn more about how we can help transform your space and equip it with whole-room acoustic solutions.