R&S Acoustics

27/11/2025

Sound Absorption vs Sound Insulation

Probably, the most common misconception about Acoustics, especially here in the Philippines, is that installing acoustic panels will make a space soundproof.

Acoustic panels (or other soft finishing materials) are mainly used to absorb sound and control reverberation time. By putting soft finishes on the walls, floors or ceilings of a room, sound reflections which cause reverberant noise build-up will be minimized. This provides speech clarity and acoustic comfort within a space (e.g. classrooms, offices, restaurants, etc.).

On the other hand, sound insulation is the process of isolating sound to achieve acoustic privacy (prevent sound from entering or leaving a space). Sound isolation is done by creating a sound barrier between the source and receiver (upgrading the walls, floors or ceilings). Generally, the higher the mass, the higher sound insulation it provides (although there are some exceptions). In most cases, providing airgap or cavity within the partitioning system proves to be an effective way of sound isolation.

Sound absorption and sound insulation are two different concepts but in a comprehensive acoustic design, both of these go hand in hand.

For any assistance or consultancy services with matters related to noise & vibration control, please feel free to reach out.

The Two Ways to Quiet: Absorb It or Block It. Stop mixing up these two essential acoustic jobs: 1. Sound Absorption is about making things sound good inside. What it does: Soaks up echoes (reverberation). Where you use it: Acoustic panels, carpets, soft furniture. The goal: Clarity and Comfort for y...

20/10/2025

Did you know that international standards (such as ASHRAE, CIBSE, AS/NZ, etc.) provide design criteria for recommended noise levels inside a room related to HVAC noise operation?

These noise level limits are generally used as a guideline in selecting the proper HVAC equipment and designing the HVAC system serving the building in an acoustically compliant manner.

Typical air-conditioning equipment such as Fan Coil Unit (FCU) and Air Handling Unit (AHU) generate noise from different sources which needs to be controlled (such as down-duct noise, case-radiated noise and aerodynamically generated noise). Thus, when designing the HVAC system for a project, proper acoustic design consideration is a must.

If you need assistance or consultancy services with matters related to HVAC noise & vibration control, please feel free to reach out.

20/10/2025

What is Building Acoustics and is it really important?

Building acoustics is the science and engineering of controlling sound within a building to manage both noise transmission between spaces and the acoustic characteristics inside a room. This field aims to improve factors like speech intelligibility and room quality while minimizing unwanted noise from sources like traffic, HVAC systems, or impact sounds, ultimately impacting health, productivity, and comfort.

As per the Acoustical Society of America, the percentage of speech intelligibility in schools is 75% or less. Moreover, as per ANSI S12 Work Group 44, the levels of noise in hospitals and healthcare facilities have doubled since 1972. Lastly, as per Cornell University - Noise in Office Workplace, noise is the most common source of complaint in offices.

Just like any other engineering discipline, Acoustic Engineering should be considered as early as concept design stage of a project.

If you need assistance or consultancy services with matters related to building acoustics, please feel free to reach out.