Tagged with 'Noise'

At Audimute, people frequently ask us if there is any way to provide open office noise reduction, and the answer is yes! Take the question from one of our customers below as an example:

Q: I work in a space that has several offices in which people are always talking on the phone and to students in person, causing a lot of open office noise. If doors are open or people are talking in the halls, sound just bounces off all of the parallel walls. There are very few sound absorbing things are in this area. What can we do to keep the noise down other than get a few plants and a few pillows on the couch?

A: Too much noise pollution can be distracting and increase stress levels. Introducing sound masking materials can soften open office noise, create a productive environment, and give individuals more cubicle privacy.

The simplest open office noise reduction solution would be acoustic panels. Acoustic panels placed around your office will help to reduce the reflection of sound off of the wall, in turn lowering the sound pressure levels in the room and stopping loud echoes and reverberations. In other words, these will help to make your space quieter and less chaotic sounding.

The general rule of thumb for an office space is to have 10-20% of your treatable wall surface treated with panels. You also want to have panels placed in areas that are going to be most beneficial, such as close to office doors and around desks. When installing these panels, try to place them about 3-6' off the floor – this is where most of the sound is both generated and heard so it will make the biggest impact on the sound.

For large scale applications such as this, we offer acoustic panel starter kits for both standard and large room sizes and deluxe package options. These bulk kits make purchasing a range of sizes easier and more affordable.

Audimute Acoustic Panels are designed for commercial and residential spaces. Acoustic Art Panels are available in standard and custom color prints, fabrics, and sizes that look great in any application. Call an Audimute Acoustic Specialist today at (866) 505-MUTE to discuss the best acoustic approach for your space.

Got a question for an Acoustic Specialist? Ask us anything!

Open windows and balconies on busy streets can cause almost unlivable home, apartment, and condo noise. In this blog, we explain how to reduce traffic noise using acoustic panels.

Q:           My wife and I own a condo on the sixth floor of a building that fronts a busy street. We’re looking to learn how to reduce traffic noise on our balcony, which spans 2/3 of the width of our condo. I believe that the bulk of the noise is reflected from the balcony ceiling. The balcony decks are concrete, and the ceiling of our balcony is the underside of the deck above. Our ceiling is unfinished, and I am reluctant to drill into the concrete, so would prefer an adhesive application. The ceiling is 27' wide and 5'4" deep. The balconies are partially enclosed (Lexan panels on the lower half, screens on the upper) and the ceiling is largely protected from the weather, although in heavy rains some moisture will penetrate a few inches from the outside edge of the ceiling due to runoff from the deck above. Any help quieting our condo noise is appreciated.

A:            How to reduce traffic noise is a common question Audimute is asked. You are correct is assuming that a bulk of the condo noise is being reflected off of the ceiling of your balcony, and using absorption here will definitely help to reduce the amount of sound that is built up within your space.

Since the bottom half of the balcony is Lexan this, too, is helping to hold the reflected sound in and causing the sound pressure levels to build up. Treating the ceiling is most definitely the right way to go.

We would suggest our lightweight AcoustiColor™ flexible design acoustics for a custom color choice or natural sound absorbing wall tiles for a muted appearance. Made from our eco-C-tex recycled material, these lightweight frameless panel options are custom painted instead of fabric wrapped and can be mounted on the ceiling using a heavy duty construction adhesive instead of drilling holes into the concrete. It’s important to note that eco-C-tex is not designed for outdoor applications, but will hold up in situations where it is shielded from the harsher elements.

On a ceiling this size, a 12 pack of the 2'x4' panels would help to reduce the reflection off of the ceiling enough to make a noticeable difference. Keep in mind, though, that absorption materials will not eliminate the sound but help to reduce the build up of sound in the balcony causing your condo noise, resulting in what should be a quieter and more enjoyable space.

If you’re looking for how to reduce traffic noise in your home, check out our natural and custom colored eco-C-tex tiles, or call an Acoustic Specialist at (866) 505-MUTE for personalized advice.

Audimute is so often asked about products that stop barking sounds from transferring rooms (and we’ve got some advice for it here), but it’s important to remember that many dogs are actually scaredy cats when it comes to loud noises. With Halloween just around the corner, keep in mind that loud, constant interruptions, like trick-or-treaters, can be very upsetting and stressful for pets.

Here are Five Halloween pet tips to help you and your canine have a smooth, comfortable holiday:

1. Take him on a walk before trick-or-treating begins. Think of this walk as an acoustic panel – it takes most of your dog’s energy before he can bounce around the house. 
 

2. All but the most social pets should be kept in a separate room – either with or without a view of the front door, depending on their noise anxiety. Some dogs may need to see the cause of the noise, while others prefer to hide. 

 3. If your dog is comfortable in a crate or other enclosed area, drape an acoustic sheet over top to create a quiet space away from all the action. Set his food and water bowls within reach, and give him his favorite toy to sleep with. If a soundproofing blanket is not available, try a towel or sheet, and play familiar noises like music or TV.

4. If your dog is not comfortable in small space, place him in a quiet room away from the front door with his toys, food, and water, a half hour before trick-or-treating begins. If a room is not available, think about where your dog hides during thunderstorms or fireworks, and set them up there. Drape an acoustic sheet over the doorway, or play soft music to drown out noise coming from the front of the house.

5. The common behavioral symptoms associated with dog noise anxiety include: panting, pacing and circling, digging or jumping in an attempt to escape, whining, hiding, and trembling. Keep these Halloween pet tips and signs in mind during thunderstorms, fireworks, and other loud events, to alleviate the stress they cause on your four-legged friends.

 
We know you love your pets – we love ours, too! Remember that dogs and cats have sensitive ears and hear things that we don’t, making home acoustics important year round. If you feel your space is too loud for your pet’s comfort, consider adding some custom image panels to the mix. Not only will they break up hard surfaces and improve acoustics, they’re great high-quality prints of your favorite images…like, say, a pet picture!