What is reverberation time?
Reverberation, also known as echo, is the phenomenon where sound continues to reflect in a room after the original sound source has stopped. The time it takes for the sound level to decrease by 60 decibels (dB) is called the reverberation time. This is often referred to as RT60.
Reverberation is a natural phenomenon that occurs due to reflections of sound waves against surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and floors. In some spaces, such as concert halls or churches, a certain degree of reverberation is desirable to give the sound a full and rich character. In other situations, such as offices, classrooms, or living rooms, too much reverberation can be disruptive and negatively affect the intelligibility of speech or music.
How is reverberation time measured?
The reverberation time is measured by producing a sudden sound, such as a bang, in the room. Then, it is measured how quickly the sound level decreases. Special acoustic measuring equipment and software are used for this purpose. The reverberation time depends on several factors, such as:
- The size of the room: Larger rooms generally have a longer reverberation time because the sound needs more time to spread and bounce back.
- The materials in the room: Hard surfaces such as concrete, glass, and metal reflect sound, while soft materials such as carpet, curtains, and acoustic panels absorb sound.
Why is reverberation time important?
The reverberation time has a major influence on how we experience sound in a room. A reverberation time that is too long can lead to a messy and unpleasant sound reproduction. This is especially problematic in spaces where speech intelligibility is crucial, such as classrooms, meeting rooms, and theaters.
On the other hand, a reverberation time that is too short can make a room feel acoustically 'dead', which is undesirable in music studios or concert halls, for example.
How can you optimize reverberation time?
To control the reverberation time, you can use sound-absorbing materials such as PVC acoustic wall panels. These panels with minuscule holes are designed to absorb sound waves and reduce reverberation. In addition, adding furniture, carpets, and curtains can contribute to better acoustics.
Optimizing the reverberation time contributes to a pleasant and functional sound environment, regardless of the purpose of the room. Whether you want a quiet workplace or an optimal listening experience, controlling the reverberation time is essential.
Our standard range includes 9mm self-adhesive pet felt . For custom solutions, we also offer 18mm and 25mm panels. For larger spaces that require acoustic panels, we also offer 40mm insulation made from polyester wool or cellulose. By installing this in a cavity construction with the design panels on top, it is possible to easily and economically create a larger surface area, from a cinema to a meeting room or simply a living room.
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