Monday, July 6, 2009

Common acoustical defects

Reverberation, formation of echoes, sound foci, dead spots, insufficient loudness and exterior noise are the parameters acoustical engineers have to deal with while designing an auditorium. Reverberation is the persistence of sound in the enclosed space, after the sound source has stopped. Reverberation control can be achieved by the choice of absorbing materials. Due to reflection of sound, echoes are produced. This defect is rectified by selecting proper shape of the hall and by providing rough and porous interior surfaces. Sound foci are the defect originated from concave reflecting surfaces. This creates sound of large intensity. By proper designing and by providing highly absorbent materials, this defect can be eliminated. Insufficient loudness can be dealt by using loud speakers and external noise can be minimized by good insulation.

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