Acoustic Treatments. STM Studio Supplies by Professionals for Professionals. Sound is like water, It can be contained, absorbed But never ignored

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Acoustic Treatments. STM Studio Supplies by Professionals for Professionals. Sound is like water, It can be contained, absorbed But never ignored"

Transcription

1 Acoustic Treatments STM Studio Supplies by Professionals for Professionals Unit 1, 329 High Street Chatswood NSW 2067 T: F: E: Sound is like water, It can be contained, absorbed But never ignored The hard surfaces of a restaurant, school room or dance studio, from floors to mirrors, are, forgive the pun, highly reflective and lend themselves to creating a high degree of reverberation. Correctly adjusted acoustic levels in any space will make the difference between a happy and successful experience and one that has adversely affected communication and increased fatigue levels. The most common problems we hear from clients are issues with the carryover noise from one room to another or neighbouring tenants who don t share the joy of baby tap class, or your preferred playlist! We can supply a range of products that are either classified NRC, Noise Reduction Coefficient that absorb sound or STC, Sound Transmission Class, that block sound. We can even picture the sound of silence for you by digitally printing the images of your choice, including your company logo, directly onto acoustic panels. Framed and ready to hang, you now have form and function combined.

2 Click on the link Acoustics 101 below for a quick lesson on how to speak the language of acoustics. Acoustic Fabric The fabric used on acoustic products has a decorative function but must also be acoustically transparent, or penetrable to sound waves, in order for the acoustic material inside to function properly. To tell if a fabric is acoustically transparent simply attempt to blow through the fabric. If air passes easily through it will also allow sound to pass through making it acceptable for use as an acoustic fabric. Acoustic fabric is the simple choice for managing reverberation and reflected sound whilst creating a durable interior finish. By its nature, any fabric surface in the room, from curtains to soft furnishings will help to ameliorate some of the problem. However, to really soften the blow, use one of our wall fixed acoustic fabric options, available in panels, tiles and rolls. Laminated to an acoustic, needle- punched and thermally bonded 100% polyester backing they contain a minimum of 60% recycled content. Moisture resistant so they won t stain, rot or break down, these are the safest, non- toxic, long- lasting and sustainable acoustic wall treatments available. Acoustic fabric provides the freedom to create a vibrant unique space that is acoustically sound, aesthetically pleasing and above all, practical. We can even picture the sound of silence for you by digitally printing the images of your choice, or your company logo, directly onto acoustic panels. Framed and ready to hang, you now have form and function combined.

3 Rim fabric Rim fabrics are an example of upholstery, partition and workstation coverings that have been developed by utilizing a unique fabric formation technology that is quite different to traditional woven fabrics. This non woven fabric technology converts fibre into fabric in a matter of minutes in a totally mechanical process. No chemicals are used and spinning of yarn is eliminated. The specialized fabric structure provides the essential non fray and hard wearing qualities required for vertical surfaces, screens, workstations, partitions, walling and acoustic panelling. The inherent stability of the fabric means foam lamination is not required when applying to such surfaces. The non fray characteristics provide an excellent solution to combat vandalism in upholstery situations and provides a multi purpose fabric which is Velcro compatible and pinnable, making it ideal for exhibit and display markets. No chemicals are used No toxic by- products are created All waste off- cuts and selvedge trims are recycled and reprocessed back into fabric Fabrics are dyed using dispersed dyestuffs which are fully biodegradable Paper tubes/polythene wrap is reused or recycled after use After fabric has served its original purpose, it can be easily recycled Manufactured to ISO International Environmental Standard and ISO 9001 International Quality Standard Available in a seven styles and huge range of colours One of the easiest ways to counteract a noisy space and absorb some of the reflected reverberation is to revamp the walls. To really nail the NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) we can supply a range of acoustic fabrics and Supacoustic noise control panels in a variety of styles, colours and finishes. Supacoustic Noise Control Panels Supacoustic Noise Control Panels are a range of Australian/British made integrated and decorative acoustic wall and ceiling panels that enhance the acoustic performance of any studio. Supacoustic panels are versatile and come in various standard configurations including; perforated, slotted and creative patterns. Customised configurations can also be supplied to suite bespoke project needs. Matching solid panels are also available. The panels are available in a large range of natural and concept timber veneers or polyurethane colour and metallic finishes.

4 Acoustic Dividing Wall An acoustic wall can either be installed as a retrofit solution directly onto the existing wall or by using channels so that acoustic insulation can be added between the primary and secondary walls. Wall depth loss would be either 32mm or 60mm if using channels. This product can reduce noise levels by as much as 75 per cent depending on its application. It is compact and easy to install and can be used in conjunction with standard wall systems using a minimum of additional space to significantly reduce noise levels. An acoustic wall consists of two sheets of differing thickness gyprock separated by an insulating layer that acts as a decoupler. The relatively thin panels (32mm) can be fixed directly to common walls with minimal changes to doorway construction and architraves. The end result is maximum performance from minimum thickness. The reduction of noise through the insulated walls will be in the vicinity of 75% (depending on the existing wall construction). Ideal for home theatres, apartments, dual occupancies, and general housing. It can also be used to effectively reduce noise in commercial situations such as Dance Studios, inter- office walls, conference rooms and general office partitions. Operable Walls The typical insulated wall in a house has a STC (Sound Transmission Class) rating between 34-39, so even the most basic operable wall will perform better than a standard wall. When you are deciding the best sound rating for your wall, it is important to consider a few things. Make sure that you are selecting a wall that will properly match the acoustics of your room. In essence, an operable wall has; Movable, interlocking panels suspended from an overhead track system Sound rated panels for effective noise control Available in paired (folding) and individual (omni- directional) configurations Can include access doors for easy entry and exit Blend with a room's aesthetics, similar to a permanent wall when extended Available in a wide range of colours and finishes, including: Vinyl, fabric, veneer, wood mouldings

5 Drapes Acoustic drapes are the best bang for your buck, a trip to your local cinema will give you the idea. They are essentially sound absorbers and are used for control of reverberation. Acoustic drapes can be installed as static elements or tracked to allow for adjustment of absorption and exposure of a reflective surface behind. Positioning, fabric weight, weave and fullness as well as spacing from reflective surfaces all effect absorption efficiency. Typically, medium to heavy weight fabrics such as wool and velvet are preferred. Acoustic drapes are generally headed at 100% fullness (and sometimes 50%). It should also be noted that acoustic drapes are more effective within a certain frequency range; typically Hz (peaking at around 1000Hz). Whilst helpful, they cannot provide the sound isolation of an operable wall and at best muffle sound transmission. Material Thickness The material must be thick and heavy. The thicker the absorption material, the more effective it will be against a longer wavelength (lower frequency) of sound. In order to be effective against bass frequencies, sound- absorbing acoustical panels typically need to be at least 2-5cm thick. Since it would not be practical to have a 5cm thick curtain, you must select the thickest, heaviest fabric your budget will allow gsm are the most common in 100% fullness. Pleating In order to improve the low and mid frequency sound absorption performance of your acoustical curtain, the material should be pleated. This will cause the fabric to be gathered such that it loops in and out (i.e. does not lay flat). The pleating should be as deep as possible in order to expose more sound- absorbing surface, thus increasing effective thickness and improving low frequency sound attenuation. Minimum pleating at 50% fullness is required; 100% fullness is recommended. Two layers of drapes, sometimes with an inner layer, delightfully called bumpf, again increases the efficiency. Rigging Sound, sneaky as it is, will spill over at the point where your curtain meets the track and again where it meets the floor. We recommend that a valance is installed above and that the drop is as close to the floor as possible. The means and mechanism of mounting will not affect acoustical performance but does determine how easy it will be to open and close the drapery. Commercial or heavy theatrical grade tracks will be required. Motorized winching systems are easy to operate and increasingly affordable. For most applications, simple hand- operated rigging is the most cost- effective option. STM Studio Supplies consultants will be able to guide you on the appropriate mounting hardware.

6 Ceiling Treatments To effectively control the acoustics of a room don t forget the ceiling! The history of the suspended ceiling dates back as far as the 1300 s in Japan, even Blackfriars Theatre in 1596 London had a dropped ceiling to aid acoustics! Although the modern tiled dropped ceiling was originally devised to provide easy access for repairs and to discretely hide wiring or duct work, they are now a useful feature that is both aesthetically pleasing, serves a utilitarian function and creates an acoustic benefit. Lightweight foam Plano Bevel and Pyramid products are a viable alternative to less practical suspended ceiling systems. Safely up and out of harm's way, they are extremely light and have compliant fire ratings. They glue into place instantly and rapidly with standard construction adhesives and silicone. This allows more creative ceiling finishes and designs. Their acoustic performance is equal to or better than the suspended ceilings they replace. Plano Pyramid The pyramid like surface acoustic tile provides the greatest area of absorption of all because of its excellent acoustic specifications. Standard colours are white and light grey. Non- standard colours upon request and will depend on the quantity. Plano Bevel Plano Bevel acoustic tiles are melamine foam tiles that are highly effective in reducing sound distortion by absorbing reverberant noise within a room. Plano Bevel acoustic tiles are group one fire rated so they can be used safely in all public places. They are light weight and simple to install using paintable or multi purpose silicone and come in two sizes, 625x625 and 1250x625, both at 50mm thick. Autex 3D Tiles Open the realms of acoustic design flexibility with Quietspace 3D Tile; a modular acoustic wall tile designed to create a contemporary finish and add simple and effective acoustic control to any interior environment. Lightweight and semi- rigid; Quietspace 3D Tile redefines sustainable design whilst reducing reverberated sound and controlling background noise. Made from 100% polyester and containing a minimum of 60% post- consumer recycled material, Quietspace 3D Tile is completely safe, non- toxic, non- allergenic, non- irritant and certified low VOC.

7 Suitable for residential, office, education, retail and hospitality spaces; redefine your environment with Key Features and Benefits Premium sound absorption Highly durable providing long term stability Lightweight and easy to install Available in a range of contemporary designs Resistant to fading Modular design for easy install and configuration Made in New Zealand Made from 100% polyester fibres without chemical binders and certified low VOC Safe, non- toxic, non- allergenic and non- irritable Manufactured under ISO 9001 and ISO accredited Quality and Environmental Systems Does not contain any Red List chemicals Green Building Rating Compatibility certificate can be found on or from your Autex Account Manager Applications Decorative and functional acoustic surface for residential, office, education, retail, hospitality and commercial interiors Minimise noise in the interior environment and create unique finishes and features Quietspace 3D Tile is suitable for indoor use only S5-.26 Product Name Quietspace 3D Tile Style S Thickness Min: 20mm Max: 80mm Tile Dimensions Classic: 575mm x 575mm Pack Size 6 Tiles per box S5-.34 Product Specifications Product Name Quietspace 3D Tile Style S Thickness Min: 33mm Max: 58mm Tile Dimensions Classic: 575mm x 575mm Pack Size 6 Tiles per box S5-.37 Product Name Quietspace 3D Tile Style S Thickness Min: 31mm Max: 140mm Tile Dimensions Classic: 575mm x 575mm Pack Size 6 Tiles per box S5-.50 Product Name Quietspace 3D Tile Style S Thickness Min: 41mm Max: 80mm

8 Tile Dimensions 575mm x 287.5mm Pack Size 12 Tiles per box S5-.53 Product Name Quietspace 3D Tile Style S Thickness Min: 32mm Max: 60mm Tile Dimensions Classic: 575mm x 575mm Pack Size 6 Tiles per box Clouds Acoustic clouds are an unobtrusive method of absorbing reverberant noise in rooms without the visual appearance of just another one of those boring suspended ceilings. The stunning visual effect on a ceiling space can leave an occupant or visitor with an impression of flair and forward thinking on behalf of the designer of the room or hall. Simply adding a suspended ceiling would be effective, costly, and disruptive. It would also detract from the character of the space. A suspended ceiling installation might require major modifications to lighting and sprinklers and air conditioning utilities. Contemporary designers are often leaving these visible for a modern, industrial look. The alternative for noise control are ceiling clouds. These are panels suspended horizontally or vertically with a range of options. Because they can be more acoustically efficient than conventional ceilings, complete coverage is not required and can potentially replicate the performance of a highly absorptive ceiling (NRC = 0.90.) Ceiling clouds are suspended to reduce reflected sound in areas such as theatres, restaurants, arenas, shopping malls, convention centres, in fact anywhere absorption is required.

9 Cheops Cheops Pyramids sound absorber is an attractive convoluted acoustic panel that provides a greater surface and absorptive area than flat surfaces. They reduce reflected noise in a room by trapping and absorbing sound energy from all angles. Unlike many other acoustic materials, Cheops Acoustic Pyramid panels provide excellent acoustic control across all frequencies with Noise Reduction Coefficients ranging from 0.8 to Cheops Acoustic Pyramid is available in charcoal grey colour as standard with 12 optional colours. Typical applications include broadcast and recording studios, call centres, community facilities and machinery enclosures Cheops Pyramids are supplied in panels 600 mm x 600 mm and thickness of 50mm, 75 mm, 100 mm or 150 mm. For architectural applications the panels are adhered to walls and ceiling Clean, natural timber floors, and sheet and plank vinyl floors are synonymous with studios of all varieties. However the combination of airborne sound, from music, voice and the accompanying reflection and reverberation issues, as well as the impact sound from the gentle tread of happy feet, means that your beautiful floors can also become the stuff of acoustic nightmares! Don t overlook the value of a floor fixed acoustic treatment when planning your renovation, particularly if you have settled on a room above ground floor. Wave Bar We commonly use this to prevent spill over sound between spaces in domestic, commercial and industrial environments. It can be also be retrofitted to existing spaces. Wavebar represents the current trend in alternative noise barrier technology by using recycled, halogen- free polymers. Wavebar is ideal for use between floors and in ceiling cavities as a divider. Wavebar is the industry standard for reducing noise transmission Fire rating complies with IMO marine standard, and building code for low spread of flame and self- extinguishing, low smoke emission Available in 2 weights, in floor cavities 4kg, between floors 8kg Thin and strong Highly flexible Foil facing for added strength, also makes it easy to bond onto other substrates.