5/23/2022
Acoustic Consultants and MBI Products
The primary job of an architectural acoustic consultant is to ensure an optimized environment in spaces where sound control is critical.
Given that MBI’s acoustical products undergo rigorous testing and perform consistently to high standards, many acoustic consultants trust MBI for product recommendations and expertise.
So what does an acoustic consultant do? By inspecting a location and conducting sound and vibration tests, acoustic consultants can assess how sound ‘performs,’ which depends on many factors. The shape, size, and finishes in a space all affect sound, either positively or negatively. Audience experience — enjoyment, learning, worship — can be ruined if the acoustics are lousy. And in many cases, determining the cause and the remedy is simple.
That’s where the acoustic consultant comes in, sometimes even during the design phase of a space. Architects rely on the consultant’s experience and knowledge of how sound behaves, supporting them in creating a suitable space for its purpose, particularly where there will be listening audiences.
Performance venues, auditoriums, and churches are all subject to extended reverberation time — the persistence of sound even after its source has stopped. Since these spaces are large and typically have high ceilings with hard finishes, the sound waves are easily reflected, causing this persistence. The result is a distorted, disruptive, and sometimes unintelligible version of the intended sound, e.g., music, announcements, or sermons. Fortunately, an acoustic consultant, in collaboration with MBI Products, can help correct poor acoustics.
When acoustic consultants have questions about integrating acoustic products e.g., wall panels or ceiling baffles, into a design or a space, MBI is a steady, solid resource for them. We support their goals (and help develop a budget) with the confidence that our products will perform to stated specifications. When an acoustic consultant’s reputation is at stake, we can confidently support them.
Our acoustical data is proven and reliable, as seen in the thousands of spaces we’ve treated for 50+ years. We are proud of our established reputation for dependability!
Acoustic Consultant Case Study: Beck Center, Lakewood, Ohio
Located in Lakewood, Ohio, the Beck Center for the Arts folks felt that its main 500-seat performance auditorium deserved better acoustic quality. To evaluate and solve their sound issues from an acoustic perspective they retained Steve Haas, CEO & Principal Consultant of SH Acoustics
Through a series of objective measurements and subjective listening evaluation Haas concluded that there were significantly delayed reflections occurring off of the slightly-concave rear wall. This affected sound clarity for the audience and timing for the actors. Based on this assessment, Haas recommended the proper custom acoustic solution from MBI Products.
After the installation of the MBI panels, Haas returned to the Beck Center to perform a calibration of the audio system and evaluate the improvements in the acoustic environment.
“Not only did the unoccupied mid-frequency reverberation time reduce from 1.2s to 0.8s with the new treatments, but our testing showed a complete elimination of all problematic reflections at both the audience and stage areas,” states Haas. “We have specified MBI products in many applications like this and are always confident in their ability to provide an acoustically excellent and cost-effective solution to our clients.”
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MBI Products has long-established relationships with the best acoustic consultants in the industry. Together with these sound experts, we are qualified to meet an owner’s expectations for their space, ensuring acoustic comfort and helping them meet their business goals.