Acoustical Engineering Key Terms

Understand acoustical engineering terminology

By Howard Robertson

Acoustical engineering is an important applied engineering science. This engineering branch deals with the improvement of sound quality using different techniques that enhance the quality of the desired sound and reduce the quality of the undesired sound. Acoustical engineering is applicable in many different locations, including home theaters, movie halls and industrial testing laboratories.

While consulting acoustical engineers for residential, commercial or industrial applications, you will come across various technical terms. This guide intends to explain some acoustical engineering key terms, such as acoustic treatment, ambient noise, decibel and sabin.

Acoustic treatment

Acoustic treatment is a systematic approach to improve the audibility in a room or any other confined space by using acoustic panels, baffles and absorbers.
Try: Amazing Home Theater provides detailed information about acoustic treatment and steps followed for acoustic treatment. You can also read through information about the acoustic treatment at Connect Multimedia.

Ambient noise

Ambient noise is the composite effect of all types of sounds that are generally present in a given environment. Evaluating the nature and level of ambient noise is an important step in the acoustic treatment process.
Try: To understand the definition for this term, read through the glossary at Industrial Noise Control, a reputable company in the field of noise control solutions.

Structure-borne noise

Sometimes, mechanical vibrations of structures or mechanisms in a confined space contribute to audible sound. Such noise, which is undesired in acoustical engineering applications, is known as structure-borne noise.
Try: Conabeare Acoustics, a supplier of noise control equipment, offers a glossary of noise control terms, such as ambient noise and structure-borne noise.

Anechoic room

As the name indicates, an anechoic room (or anechoic chamber) is a room that has an internal lining of sound-absorbing materials that reduce the reflections of sound and electromagnetic waves. These rooms are useful for evaluating characteristics of microphone and speaker products.
Try: Keith Yates Design Group, a supplier of acoustically optimized home theatres, offers a glossary of technical terms related to home theatres. In addition, TMS (Technical Marketing Specialists) provides definitions for various technical terms, including anechoic room.

Absorption coefficient

The absorption coefficient of a material indicates its ability to absorb sound waves in a particular octave. For a comparison of sound absorbing materials, you will need to learn about their absorption coefficients.
Try: For a detailed description of absorption coefficient, read through the explanation at Acoustics101.com, an informative website by Auralex Acoustics.

Reverberation

Reverberation is the combined effect of the sound and its echoes, hence the sound persists in the room even after the source has stopped emitting sound waves. Sometimes, reverberation is required to give better sound effect.
Try: To learn more about reverberation, read through the glossary of audio terms at QSC Audio Products. For the definition for reverberation and relevant terms, browse through the glossary of technical terms at the Recording Institute Of Detroit.

Decibel (dB)

A decibel is the unit for the measurement of sound energy. One decibel is the minimum change in the volume that can be perceived by a human ear. In the field of acoustics, sound intensity is expressed in decibels.
Try: To learn more about decibel, read through the acoustic terms glossary at Acoustical Solutions, a reputable supplier of soundproofing and noise control products.

Sabin

A sabin is the unit of measurement of sound absorption. One sabin is the sound absorption of one square foot of a perfectly absorbing surface.
Try: Soundsorba, an acoustic specialist company, offers definitions for various acoustical terms, including decibel and sabin. For detailed description about sabin, read through the glossary of technical terms at Sweetwater Sound.