Acoustical Services

The issues of sound involve every facet of the built environment, from personal space to the collective spaces of our communities. The acoustical environment, although intangible, is not invisible. Its character influences the spaces we inhabit. A thoughtfully-designed acoustical environment enhances our perception, and ultimately, our performance. That’s where we come in.

Architectural acoustics encompasses every aspect of a space, from its dimensions and shape, to wall, floor, and ceiling construction and finishes. Careful consideration of integrating these room components is necessary to realize an optimum aural environment for proper speech intelligibility and musical fidelity, as well as interior and exterior sound isolation from intrusive noises.

Responsible mechanical and electrical design should consider acoustics. Improper selection, layout or placement of mechanical, electrical, plumbing and laboratory equipment can have an adverse acoustical impact within a building. Properly planned background sound levels provide for a suitable listening environment for any size space. Studies have correlated noisy classrooms with low test scores. Young students especially are susceptible since they are still developing their hearing as they grow. Knowledge of the type of equipment and room size is vital in order to mitigate noise and vibration regardless of whether the noise is airborne or structureborne. Collaboration between all team members, including the contractor, is essential to developing the most cost-effective solutions that will achieve the user’s goals.

Recent population growth and urban sprawl have over taken many areas once thought to be rural. The conveniences that have come about with this expansion have narrowed the buffers between areas zoned for commercial and residential use. Demands from residents wanting to maintain their rural comfort have resulted in local governing bodies adopting stronger noise ordinance codes.

Properly identifying and interpreting applicable codes allows for an assessment of the acoustical impact of a new or existing project on neighboring communities. Thoughtful planning, collaboration, and understanding are necessary in order to design measures that reduce adverse impacts.

Care must be taken to ensure that workers are not exposed to sound levels produced from an industrial process in excess of OSHA limits. OSHA compliance surveys are extremely useful in verifying compliance. Effective internal and external mitigation methods can range from personnel scheduling to enclosures to equipment modifications.

Both a thorough understanding of the nature of the complaint, as well as the type and operational means to implement the proper instrumentation are needed to make an in-depth analysis for an effective examination. Successful remedies require sufficient experience – such as what you would receive from Newcomb & Boyd – to provide effective conclusions.

Computer modeling allows effective integration of acoustical and sound system analyses during the design process. Visual and synthesized aural portraits of sound are utilized in order to present a real-world understanding of the soundscape in spaces such as theatres, auditoria, lecture halls, religious facilities, courthouses, and open plan offices.

Newcomb & Boyd utilizes a Level 1 Sound Meter with real-time analyzer and logging capabilities to measure background noise, ambient sound levels, noise issues, and reverberation times. We are experienced with acoustical testing for sound isolation, impact isolation, speech privacy, and general noise control. All tests are performed in accordance with the most recent ANSI standards.

• Newcomb & Boyd is a member firm of the National Council of Acoustical Consultants (NCAC).
• Our Acoustical Consultants are members of the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) and the Institute of Noise Control Engineers (INCE)