🎬ISO 3382-1:2009 · International

Cinema / Theatre Acoustic Design to ISO 3382-1:2009

Cinemas and theatres require short reverberation times (0.8–1.

TL;DR

Under ISO 3382-1:2009, a cinema / theatre of 1,500-2,500 m³ (typical dimensions 20m × 12m × 9m) requires an RT60 of 0.3–0.5s at 500-2000 Hz. ISO 3382-2:2008 provides the measurement methodology for cinema and theatre reverberation.

RT60 Target

0.3–0.5s

Noise Limit

N/A

STI Minimum

N/A

Frequency Range

500-2000 Hz

Specific Requirements

Parameter	Target	Clause Reference	Notes
Reverberation Time (RT60)	0.8–1.2s	—	500-1000 Hz, Informative, for speech-dominant theatres
Frequency Range	500-2000 Hz	—	Octave bands for compliance assessment

Step-by-Step Compliance Calculation

1
Select appropriate ISO standard
Cinema: ISO 3382-2 for RT60. Theatre: ISO 3382-1 for full parameter set including EDT, C80, and G.
2
Measure RT60
Record T20/T30 at octave bands with sound system off and house lights on for equipment access.
3
Assess uniformity
Measure at multiple positions to verify RT60 uniformity across the seating area (< 10% variation).
4
Report and benchmark
Compare results to THX, Dolby, or SMPTE standards as applicable. Document per ISO 3382 requirements.

Recommended Materials

Surface	Material Category	Min NRC	Coverage %
Walls	Broadband absorber	0.80	65%
Ceiling	Absorptive ceiling	0.80	75%

Browse the full acoustic materials database for absorption coefficients and product specifications.

Common Failure Modes

⚠️Measurement during operation

Cinema measurements must be conducted with the sound system off, which limits testing to maintenance windows.

⚠️Seat absorption variability

Empty vs occupied cinemas show significant RT60 differences due to the high absorption of the audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What RT60 does ISO 3382-1:2009 require for a cinema / theatre?

ISO 3382-1:2009 requires a reverberation time of 0.3–0.5s at 500-2000 Hz for cinema / theatre spaces. ISO 3382-2:2008 provides the measurement methodology for cinema and theatre reverberation. For theatres with unamplified performance, ISO 3382-1 parameters (EDT, C80, G) are relevant. Cinema auditoriums focus on RT60 and early decay uniformity to support the electronically produced surround sound field.

Does ISO 3382-1:2009 set a background noise limit for a cinema / theatre?

ISO 3382-1:2009 does not specify a background noise limit specifically for cinema / theatre spaces. For noise criteria, refer to complementary standards such as BS 8233 or ASHRAE Handbook Chapter 49, which provide recommended background noise levels for this room type.

How much acoustic treatment does a cinema / theatre need to comply with ISO 3382-1:2009?

A typical cinema / theatre (1,500-2,500 m³) requires Absorptive ceiling (NRC ≥0.8) covering 75% of the ceiling as the primary treatment. Additional wall absorption on 1 surface(s) is typically needed. Use the AcousPlan calculator with the pre-loaded dimensions (18m × 12m × 7m) to calculate the exact absorption deficit for your room.

Calculate ISO 3382-1:2009 Compliance for Your Cinema / Theatre

Pre-loaded with typical cinema / theatre dimensions (18m × 12m × 7m) and an RT60 target of 0.4s per ISO 3382-1:2009. Enter your actual dimensions, select materials, and verify compliance instantly.

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