subject: Acoustic Consultants And Their Importance [print this page] Introduction to Acoustical Consultants Introduction to Acoustical Consultants
Ever wondered how does the sound in a theatre or a cinema be so good with no outside noise disrupting your viewing time? Well, those are the workings of acoustical consultants which can also be referred to as acoustical engineers. As the title of the job implies, they deal with acoustics and sounds. An acoustical consultant usually works together with an architect in constructing buildings that require certain form of control over the environmental sounds from outside the building as well as the sounds produced indoors. Reducing the unwanted sounds is one of the functions of acoustical engineers. Sounds can affect human health therefore they cannot be too loud and are required to be controlled.
Architectural Consultants
The control of sound within a building or a structure is called architectural acoustics. With the aid of experience and technology, an architectural consultant can provide clients with solutions for enhancing sound, controlling noise within and outside the structure, and reducing echoes within the building. He can also provide advice to the architect on how to construct a building wherein the sound is enhanced and the noise is reduced. He will assist in selecting acoustical materials for building construction and planning of the space and shape of an area. Movie hall is the best setting where acoustical consultants are highly necessary. Despite the massive sound system in cinema halls, no noise can enter and leave it. This is made possible by the fine selection of material such as polyurethane cell foams, a porous absorbing material, applied on every part of the hall.
Environmental Acoustics
The main concern of environmental acoustic consultants is outdoor noise control and vibrations in outdoor environments. Any sound that may cause nuisance or harm to peoples health is their main concern. Consultants would carry out tests and calculations in order to determine the impact of the noise on the environment and provide alternative solutions to the situation. For example, in an outdoor concert, environmental acoustical consultants have to ensure that the quality of the sound is great and do not just disperse into the open space. In order to achieve these aims, they use better and louder sound systems. However, too loud of sounds might affect the people in the neighborhood. Therefore, there has to be a balance so that the concert goers can enjoy the event while not disturbing the serenity of the surroundings.
Industrial Noise Control
Industrial machines and equipment can generate a lot of noise which can harm the hearing of workers. To overcome this, companies hire acoustical consultants who through tests and calculations determine the noise levels and come up with solutions so as to control the sound.
