Acoustics

Acoustics is defined as the physical qualities (such as size, shape, amount of noise) of a room or other enclosure that determine the audibility and perception of speech and/or music. It is the science of sound, including the generation, transmission, and the effects of sound waves, both audible and inaudible. The importance of acoustical engineering when constructing a room or venue, for any purpose (e.g., restaurants, bars, office spaces, conference rooms, concert halls, and even homes) is usually overlooked. Attention to this aspect of design would help to achieve the proper ambiance, and conditions for a particular room's purpose and will greatly enhance the listening environment.

I. What is sound

Sound: An Introduction

What is Sound?

fluctuations in barometric pressure

Sound waves

Components of Sound

Frequency

Amplitude

Time

Envelope (Amplitude vs. Time)

Spectrum (Amplitude vs. Frequency)

Perceived Sound vs. Measured Sound

Amplitude=Loudness/Volume

Frequency=Pitch/Note

Time=Duration

Noise (very subjective)

Sound Propagation

Reflection

Transmission

Absorption

Diffraction

Refraction

II. Acoustics and Noise Control: Putting it all together

Reverberation Time (RT60)

Noise Criteria (NC)

Transmission Loss