Sound quality, or acoustics, in performance venues such as auditoriums, concert halls and even lecture theatres and classrooms play a vital role in audience enjoyment and reaction to what they are hearing. Sound waves do not simply travel from the performers to your ears. They also reflect off surrounding surfaces before they reach you. Most performance spaces these days have acoustic wall and ceiling panels installed to ensure unwanted reflected sound and reverberation don’t interfere with the enjoyment of listeners. However, nowadays the use of such panels is not limited to auditoriums and studios only. They are being increasingly used in houses, offices, schools, hospitals, restaurants and similar public spaces.
Simply, acoustic panels absorb sound waves. They can even be manufactured to absorb unwanted sound at certain frequency ranges. Additionally, these panels do not only control noise but should also enhance the beauty of a space. In fact, when it comes to ceiling linings and semi-structural walls, the warmth and beauty of Acoustic Timber Panels ensure they are ideal for the job. The look and finish of natural timber add to any space and provide sophistication and class that cannot be matched easily.
Murano Acoustic Timber Panels, for applications such as those described here.
The benefits of installing acoustic wood or timber panels include:
• Improved sound quality:
Sound-absorbing acoustic panels minimize unwanted sound which makes speech or music clearer. For example, even in classrooms, unwanted background noise can be absorbed, so the voice of the teacher would be clearer.
• Reduction of stress for occupants:
Continuous background noise can result in increased stress levels for workers or building occupants. There are several studies that show loud excessive background noise causes people to shout to be heard. This in turn causes noise levels to increase even further. Wall and ceiling linings like acoustic timber panels can help audiences hear presenters clearly, and thus prevent irritation and frustration.
• Enhanced environment:
Minimizing reflected sound and reverberation using installed acoustic panels can create a pleasant, even intimate environment. For example, nobody wants to stay for long in a restaurant that is too noisy.
• Increased productivity:
According to surveys, the productivity and the efficiency of employees take a huge dip when the work environment is constantly noisy. Thus, the installation of acoustic panels in offices or factories can make it easier for the staff to concentrate on their work and be more productive.
• Increased privacy:
Having acoustic panels installed can increase privacy and speech confidentiality. Voices or conversations cannot be so easily heard across the room.
John W Mayer is associated with Sontext, an acoustic timber industry-based company, and writes articles for acoustic timber panels in Australia. He has deep knowledge of roofing and noise solutions for the wall.
