The ability to control and minimise the transmission of unwanted noise is critical in any space, particularly areas with multiple occupants or where large audiences are expected. For example, conference rooms and auditoriums need to be able to clearly hear speakers or performers to keep the audience engaged with the event. However, excessive noise or echoes can disrupt the presentation and cause distractions.

The good news is that there are various sound reduction systems available, designed to reduce the impact of noise in a variety of applications. Many of these utilise the principle of decoupling or de-acoustising by separating structures with different layers of materials. Others use the deflection principle through increasing mass and density. These are typically installed into cavities such as wall studs, ceilings and floors. These include rock wool insulation such as QuietFibre or mineral wool products and acoustic foams.

Quieter Spaces: Insights into Sound Reduction Systems

Other sound reduction systems utilise the principle of absorption. This is where the material soaks up the energy of the sound waves rather than simply reflecting it. The sound energy is absorbed and dissipated in the material, effectively reducing the amount of noise that passes through it to other sides of the structure. This type of acoustic treatment is often used in concert halls, studios and offices as it offers superior performance for the same thickness and cost of conventional building board products.

Finally, there are also acoustic damping systems that are designed to reduce vibrations that can occur in some structural scenarios. These can include vibrations from machinery, HVAC systems and even vehicles. SRS offer a range of solutions to control vibrations such as SRS acoustic service penetration treatments, acoustic socket and switch back boxes and the SRS isoTRAX acoustic isolation system for walls and ceilings.