Articles tagged “acoustic measurement”
14 articles covering acoustic measurement in acoustic engineering and building design.
IEC 60268-16: Measuring Speech Intelligibility (STI/STIPA)
A practical guide to IEC 60268-16 speech intelligibility measurement — STI and STIPA methods explained, equipment requirements, field measurement procedures, and common interpretation errors.
How is STI Measured?
STI (Speech Transmission Index) is measured using modulation transfer functions derived from impulse responses or STIPA test signals. Learn the full-band and STIPA methods per IEC 60268-16.
What Are Octave Bands? (125 Hz to 4000 Hz)
Octave bands divide the audible spectrum into standardised frequency ranges for acoustic analysis. Learn why 125-4000 Hz matters, how third-octave bands work, and how octave data drives design.
What is a Decay Curve? (Measuring RT60)
A decay curve shows how sound energy decreases over time in a room. Learn how decay curves are generated, how RT60 is extracted from them, and why the Schroeder integration method is preferred.
What is a Decibel (dB)? The Logarithmic Scale Explained
A decibel (dB) is a logarithmic unit for expressing sound pressure level ratios. Learn why acoustics uses logarithms, how dB addition works, and what common dB values sound like.
What is a Sound Level Meter? The Essential Tool for Acoustic Measurement
A sound level meter (SLM) measures sound pressure level in decibels. Learn how SLMs work, the difference between Class 1 and Class 2, weighting curves, and when you need one for acoustic design.
What is a Background Noise Survey?
A background noise survey measures ambient noise levels in octave bands to assess compliance with NC, NR, or RC criteria. Learn methodology, equipment, standards, and how results affect acoustic design.
What is the Schroeder Integration Method?
The Schroeder integration method converts a noisy impulse response into a smooth energy decay curve for reliable RT60 measurement. Learn the math, history, and practical application of this technique.
What is Sound Pressure? (Pa and dB)
Sound pressure is the local variation in air pressure caused by a sound wave, measured in Pascals (Pa) and expressed in decibels (dB SPL). Learn how sound pressure relates to loudness and acoustic design.
STI Measurement — The Speech Metric 90% of Architects Ignore | AcousPlan
Speech Transmission Index below 0.60 means poor intelligibility. IEC 60268-16 step-by-step calculation with classroom worked example. Free STI estimator.
The Decibel Scale Explained for Architects — Why 3 dB Doubles the Sound Power
The decibel scale is logarithmic, not linear. Learn why 3 dB doubles sound power, why 10 dB feels twice as loud, and how to read acoustic specifications without getting confused by the math.
How to Measure Room Acoustics: Equipment, Methods, and What the Numbers Mean
Measuring room acoustics requires a sound source, a microphone, and analysis software — but the method you choose determines whether your results are valid. Here is a practical guide to acoustic measurement: from balloon pops to dodecahedron speakers, from smartphone apps to ISO 3382-compliant equipment.
Understanding Octave Band Analysis: Why Single-Number Ratings Hide the Truth About Your Room
A single RT60 value or NRC rating averages across frequencies and hides critical problems. Octave band analysis breaks sound into 6 frequency ranges — revealing that your room might pass at 500Hz and catastrophically fail at 125Hz. Here is how octave bands work and why every acoustic assessment should use them.
ISO 3382 Complete Guide: Room Acoustics Measurement and Parameters
ISO 3382 is the international standard for measuring and evaluating room acoustics. Part 1 covers performance spaces, Part 2 covers ordinary rooms, Part 3 covers open plan offices. Here is every parameter, measurement method, and requirement explained — with the specific clause references you need for compliance documentation.