Calculator – Acoustics Solutions by A-Light

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Sound

A-Light’s new reverberation time calculator gives designers an idea of how many A-Light acoustic fixtures are needed to best limit unwanted sound in a space.

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Discover our acoustic luminaires

Absorb H

Patented design for increased sound absorption

Absorb I

Create shapes with 90° or 180° joiners

Absorb V

Hollow-core structure to better absorb sound

Absorb VSN

Slim, unlit panel meant to complement Absorb V

Atlas

Elegantly slim fixture finished with subtle detailing

Lean

A sustainable approach to modern ceilings

Relay

Configurable luminaire offering diverse designs

Understanding acoustics

What is a good reverberation time standard?

In simple terms, the reverberation time is the amount of echo or reflected noise that lingers in a space. A lower reverberation time indicates better acoustics in a room.

Reverberation is measured as the time it takes for sound to decay by 60dB, once the sound has stopped. For example, if the sound in a room took 10 seconds to decay from 100dB to 40dB, the reverberation time would be 10 seconds.
What is reverberation time?

Depending on the type of space, you may want it to a shorter or longer RT. It’s important to find the right standard for your space.

0.50s or less = Spaces that require complete silence (ie: recording studios)

0.50s-1.00s= Spaces where some noise is preferred – popular in architectural lighting (ie: classrooms, conference rooms)

1.00s-1.50s= Spaces with some speaking and music (ie: bars, restaurants)

1.50s-2.00s= Spaces with music (ie: auditoriums, multipurpose rooms)

2.00s-2.50s= Large spaces to suit loud sound (ie: worship spaces, gyms)
What is NRC?

The noise reduction coefficient (commonly abbreviated NRC) is a single number value ranging from 0.0 to 1.0 that describes the average sound absorption performance of a material.

At 1.0 NRC, 100% of the sound is being absorbed by the acoustic product, and no sound is being reflected back into the room.

Additional acoustic material or acoustic luminaires can be added to a space to further reduce the reverberation time.