🎬NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016 · Australia / New Zealand

Cinema / Theatre Acoustic Design to NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016

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

TL;DR

Under NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016, 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. Background noise must not exceed 30 NR. Australian cinema design follows ISO 3382 and THX/Dolby requirements with NCC 2022 referencing AS/NZS 2107 for background noise.

RT60 Target

0.3–0.5s

Noise Limit

30 NR

STI Minimum

N/A

Frequency Range

500-2000 Hz

Specific Requirements

Parameter	Target	Clause Reference	Notes
Reverberation Time (RT60)	≤ 0.8s	AS 2107 Table 1	500-2000 Hz, Unoccupied
Background Noise Limit	≤ 30 LAeq	AS 2107 Table 1	HVAC + building services, unoccupied
Frequency Range	500-2000 Hz	—	Octave bands for compliance assessment

Step-by-Step Compliance Calculation

1
Reference AS/NZS 2107 for noise
Set background noise target NR 25-30 per AS/NZS 2107 for cinema auditoriums.
2
Design for mixed-use isolation
Specify floor and wall assemblies to isolate cinema from shopping centre noise, particularly low-frequency bass.
3
Address rain noise
Design roof assembly with sufficient mass and absorption to attenuate rain impact noise to NR 25.
4
Commission per THX/Dolby
Measure RT60, background noise, and inter-screen isolation. Obtain THX or Dolby certification if required.

Recommended Materials

Surface	Material Category	Min NRC	Coverage %
Walls	Broadband absorptive panel	0.85	70%
Ceiling	Absorptive ceiling	0.80	80%

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

Common Failure Modes

⚠️Shopping centre base noise

Cinemas in Australian shopping centres face low-frequency noise from retail, food courts, and car park ventilation.

⚠️Roof rain noise

Heavy tropical rain on lightweight metal roofs common in Australian cinemas creates significant noise intrusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What RT60 does NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016 require for a cinema / theatre?

NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016 requires a reverberation time of 0.3–0.5s at 500-2000 Hz for cinema / theatre spaces. Australian cinema design follows ISO 3382 and THX/Dolby requirements with NCC 2022 referencing AS/NZS 2107 for background noise. Cinemas in mixed-use developments (common in Australian shopping centres) require particular attention to bass isolation from retail and food court noise.

What is the maximum background noise level for a cinema / theatre under NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016?

NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016 sets a maximum background noise level of 30 NR for cinema / theatre spaces. This includes noise from HVAC systems, building services, and external intrusion, measured with the room unoccupied. Exceeding this limit degrades speech intelligibility and occupant comfort.

How much acoustic treatment does a cinema / theatre need to comply with NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016?

A typical cinema / theatre (1,500-2,500 m³) requires Absorptive ceiling (NRC ≥0.8) covering 80% 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 NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016 Compliance for Your Cinema / Theatre

Pre-loaded with typical cinema / theatre dimensions (18m × 12m × 7m) and an RT60 target of 0.4s per NCC 2022 / AS/NZS 2107:2016. Enter your actual dimensions, select materials, and verify compliance instantly.

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