Acoustic Test: How to Perform in Homes and Offices

In modern life, people spend a significant part of their time at home or in the office. Beyond aesthetics, these spaces must also be quiet, comfortable, and functional. Noise pollution is one of the most important issues of both urban life and interior design. At home, television noise, neighbor disturbances, or echo problems can cause discomfort, while in offices, the hum of open workspaces, phone calls, or echo in meeting rooms can seriously reduce employee productivity.

This is where acoustic performance tests come into play. These tests measure sound distribution, reverberation time, sound transmission loss, and noise levels in a space, producing detailed reports. As a result, it is possible to create a more peaceful acoustic environment at home and a more productive one in the office.

In this article, we will explore what acoustic performance means, the parameters and devices used in measurements, how tests are carried out in home and office environments, how results are interpreted, and step-by-step professional solutions. You will also find information about Acarkon’s professional acoustic solutions.

What Is Acoustic Performance?

Acoustic performance is a measure of how well a space manages sound transmission, reverberation, and noise control. It is not only about blocking external noise but also ensuring that sounds inside are properly distributed and controlled.

At home, this may mean not hearing noise from neighbors or enjoying a movie without echo in your living room. In offices, it means clear speech during meetings, avoiding overlapping voices in call centers, and minimizing background noise that affects concentration.

Acoustic performance is not only about comfort but is also critical for health, productivity, and overall quality of life.

Key Parameters in Acoustic Measurements

Acoustic performance tests consider several core parameters:

1. Decibel (dB): Measures sound intensity. The human ear perceives whispers around 30 dB, normal conversation at 60 dB, and very loud noise at 100 dB.
2. RT60 (Reverberation Time): The time it takes for sound to decay. For example, if a clap takes 1 second to fade, the RT60 is 1 second. Ideal values: 0.3–0.6 seconds for homes, 0.4–0.8 seconds for offices.
3. NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient): Indicates how well materials absorb sound, ranging from 0 to 1. The closer to 1, the better the absorption.
4. STC (Sound Transmission Class): Measures how well walls, doors, and windows block sound. A higher STC means less sound transmission.
5. NC (Noise Criteria): Defines acceptable background noise levels. In offices, it is generally recommended to be below NC-35.

These parameters form the basis of acoustic reports.

Measurement Equipment Used in Acoustic Tests

Different devices are used in acoustic performance testing:

1. Sound Level Meter: Measures noise in decibels.
2. Frequency Analyzers: Analyze sound behavior across different frequencies.
3. Reverberation Test Devices: Calculate RT60 values.
4. Microphone Recorders: Capture audio samples for later software analysis.
5. Mobile Apps: Some apps can measure sound, but they lack professional accuracy.

Professional equipment provides far more reliable results than mobile applications.

Acoustic Performance Tests in Homes

Acoustic quality at home makes a big difference in comfort:

1. Living Rooms: Large spaces often suffer from echoes; RT60 measurements identify the need for acoustic panels.
2. Bedrooms: STC tests check whether outside noise (traffic, neighbors) is blocked.
3. Children’s Rooms: Noise and insulation are vital for healthy sleep.
4. Home Theaters: Measurements ensure balanced distribution of treble and bass without distortion.

Testing is the first step toward creating a peaceful living environment.

Acoustic Performance Tests in Offices

Sound control in offices is directly related to productivity:

1. Open Offices: Noise levels are measured; NC values must stay under 35.
2. Meeting Rooms: Reverberation and speech clarity are tested; high RT60 causes speech overlap.
3. Call Centers: STC tests ensure conversations don’t travel between desks.
4. Coworking Spaces: Noise control is tested in shared work areas.

Solutions such as acoustic panels, partitions, and ceiling systems are applied after testing to optimize performance.

Acoustic Performance Tests in Educational Institutions

Managing sound in learning environments is critical for both student focus and teaching efficiency.

1. Classrooms: Echo and noise levels are measured to ensure the teacher’s voice reaches the back rows clearly.
2. Conference halls: Tests are conducted to check if sound is evenly distributed and reverberation is minimized.
3. Libraries: NC values are measured to maintain silence and provide a proper study environment.

Acoustic Performance Tests in Healthcare Facilities

In hospitals and clinics, silence is vital for patient health and privacy.

1. Patient rooms: STC tests measure whether sounds from neighboring rooms are blocked.
2. Operating rooms: Device noises and reverberation are controlled to maintain a sterile acoustic environment.
3. Waiting areas: Background noise is measured to improve patient comfort.

Acoustic Performance Tests in Cultural and Entertainment Venues

In cultural and artistic spaces, acoustic performance directly shapes the audience experience.

1. Cinemas: RT60 values are measured to ensure sound reaches the audience without distortion.
2. Theaters and concert halls: Acoustic tests guarantee that performers’ voices are clearly heard from every seat.
3. Music studios: Reverberation, sound insulation, and frequency distribution are tested for professional recordings.

Acoustic Performance Tests in Industrial Environments

High noise levels in industrial and production areas negatively affect both employee health and efficiency.

1. Factories: Machine noise levels are measured to comply with occupational safety standards.
2. Workshops: Noise exposure levels for workers are determined, and insulation solutions are applied.
3. Warehouses: Reverberation time is tested in large spaces to improve communication clarity.

Acoustic Performance Tests in Commercial Spaces

Quiet and comfortable environments play a key role in customer satisfaction.

1. Restaurants and cafés: Noise levels are tested to ensure a pleasant atmosphere for conversation.
2. Hotels: Sound insulation tests are carried out in guest rooms, meeting rooms, and lobbies.
3. Shopping malls: Noise control in common areas and acoustic balance within stores are measured.

Step-by-Step Acoustic Test Process

Defining Objectives & Scope

The purpose of the space (living room, meeting room, call center, etc.), target metrics (RT60, NC, STC, NRC), and acceptable ranges are clarified. Materials (walls,ceilings, floors) and furniture density are noted.

1) Pre-Assessment & Documentation

1. Measurements: area (m²), volume (m³), ceiling height, ratio of hard/soft surfaces.
2. Plan: Microphone and source positions are marked on the floor plan.
3. Conditions: Window/door status, HVAC (on/off), and occupancy state (empty/full) are documented.

2) Equipment Preparation & Calibration

1. Class 1 sound level meter + reference calibrator is used for pre/post calibration (e.g., 94 dB @ 1 kHz).
2. Measurement bands: preferably 1/3 octave; weightings: A/C/Z.
3. Recording sample rate and dynamic range are checked.

3) Measurement Plan (Positions & Heights)

1. Microphone height: ~1.2–1.5 m for seated use; ~1.5–1.7 m for standing use.
2. Number of points:
3. Medium-sized rooms: at least 6 points for RT60, evenly distributed in a grid.
4. Open-plan offices/long halls: every 6–8 meters.
5. Keep at least 1 m from the source and 0.5 m from walls/columns.

4) Environmental Conditions Check

1. Background noise is measured; test levels must be at least 10 dB above background in target bands.
2. Temperature/humidity are noted (for absorption correction).
3. Temporary noise (traffic, construction) is avoided or filtered during analysis.

5) Test Signals & Source Setup

1. Logarithmic sine sweep (recommended) or pink noise is used.
2. Fast alternative: impulse sources (balloon pop, hand clap), though less repeatable.
3. The source loudspeaker is placed in a typical usage position; repeated in different locations if necessary.

6) Measurement Acquisition (By Parameter)

1. RT60 (T20/T30): 2–3 repetitions at each microphone point; recorded in 1/1 or 1/3 octave bands. Outliers discarded, average taken.
2. NC/LAeq/LAmax: Ambient noise measured (A-weighted, SLOW) and compared against NC curves.
3. STC/R’w (optional): Pink noise in source room, levels measured in receiving room; RT correction applied.
4. STI/C50/C80 (optional): Speech intelligibility indices measured in meeting or presentation spaces.
5. Advanced cases:
6. Impact sound (Ln,w) using a tapping machine,
7. Facade insulation via outdoor sources.

7) Data Processing & Calculations

1. Required absorption area (Sabine/Eyring) calculated based on RT60 target:
2. A ≈ 0.161 × V / RT60 (Sabine; V = volume, m³).
3. Material selection based on NRC/SAA values; m² distribution optimized per frequency band.
4. NC, STC, and STI results compared with target ranges.

8) Analysis & Evaluation

1. Homes: RT60 should be within 0.3–0.6 s.
2. Offices: RT60 within 0.4–0.8 s; NC ≤ 35. For open offices, speech privacy solutions applied.
3. Critical bands: low frequencies (125–250 Hz) and speech bands (2–4 kHz) analyzed separately for targeted treatment.

9) Reporting & Deliverables

1. Floor plan showing microphone and source positions.
2. RT60 graphs and tables (1/3 octave) with current vs. target values.
3. NC curves and measured data points.
4. STC calculations (if applicable).
5. Recommendations:
6. Quick wins (low-cost, easy fixes),
7. Mid-term applications,
8. Advanced/professional solutions.

Suggested materials/areas (m²) with expected impact (RT60 reduction, NC improvement).

10) Implementation & Verification Measurements

1. After installation, repeat measurements in the same positions.
2. Verify if targets are met (acceptance testing).
3. Adjust if necessary (extra panels, different placement, HVAC optimization).

11) Monitoring & Maintenance

1. In large offices: seasonal checks (HVAC and occupancy changes).
2. After major layout changes (furniture relocation), perform a quick RT/NC scan.

Practical Checklist

1. Device calibration certificates & pre/post calibration logs
2. 1/3 octave datasets (RT60, LAeq, NC, STI/STC if applicable)
3. Background noise ≥10 dB rule satisfied
4. Window/door/HVAC status documented
5. Recommendations include m², material, placement, expected impact

Typical Measurement Duration (On-Site)

1. 20–30 m² meeting room: 45–60 min
2. 40–60 m² living room: 60–90 min
3. 200–400 m² open office: 2.5–4 hours
4. (Data analysis/reporting may add more time depending on scope.)

This process defines the acoustic profile of a space.

Professional vs. DIY Measurements

While homeowners can use mobile apps for basic readings, these provide only rough values. Professional tests, conducted with specialized equipment, comply with international standards and are essential for offices, home theaters, and studios.

Interpreting Test Results

1. High RT60: Excessive reverberation → requires acoustic panels.
2. Low NRC: Materials have poor sound absorption.
3. Low STC: Weak sound insulation in walls, doors, or windows.
4. High NC: Poor noise control in offices.

Accurate interpretation leads to the right solution.

Solutions After Acoustic Testing

1. Wall Panels: Sound-absorbing panels.
2. Ceiling Panels: Reduce reverberation.
3. Flooring Systems: Special underlays minimize sound transmission.
4. Door & Window Insulation: Blocks noise leakage.
5. Office Partition Systems: Reduce sound in open offices.

Acarkon provides professional solutions in all these areas.

Legal and Standard Aspects of Acoustic Performance

1. In Turkey, tests follow TS EN ISO 3382 and related standards.
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3. In the EU, noise control is a mandatory building code requirement.
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5. New buildings must comply with insulation standards.
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Common Mistakes in Acoustic Testing

1. Incorrect device placement.
2. Insufficient number of measurements.
3. Ignoring environmental noise.
4. Assessing results based on a single parameter.

These errors lead to misinterpretation of data.

Benefits of Acoustic Testing in Homes and Offices

1. Peaceful living environments at home.
2. Improved productivity in offices.
3. Reduced stress caused by noise.
4. Increased property value.

Acarkon’s Professional Solutions

Acarkon not only provides acoustic panels but also offers professional measurement and consultancy services. Acoustic performance tests are carried out in homes, offices, schools, and studios to determine the most suitable solutions:

1. Acoustic wall panels
2. Ceiling panels
3. Floor solutions
4. Office partition systems
5. Professional measurement and reporting

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does an acoustic test take?

Depending on the size, a standard apartment takes a few hours, while a large office may take a full day.

Can I do acoustic testing myself at home?

Mobile apps can give rough estimates, but professional equipment is required for accurate results.

What is the ideal reverberation time?

For homes: 0.3–0.6 seconds. For offices: 0.4–0.8 seconds.

What is the minimum noise criterion for offices?

Typically, it should be below NC-35.

What solutions are applied after testing?

Depending on results: acoustic panels, ceiling systems, floor insulation, or window sealing.

How much does an acoustic performance test cost?

The cost depends on the size of the area, its purpose, and the level of reporting required. For an average apartment, prices start from a few thousand TL, while for large commercial spaces they can reach tens of thousands of TL.

Is acoustic testing mandatory in newly constructed buildings?

Yes. According to the “Regulation on Protection of Buildings Against Noise” enforced in Turkey since 2017, acoustic performance testing is required in all new buildings.

Is an acoustic report required for municipal approval?

Yes. Especially for projects such as residential complexes, hotels, schools, and hospitals, municipalities often request an acoustic report during the permitting process.

What is the difference between sound insulation and acoustic treatment?

Sound insulation prevents noise from traveling into or out of a space, while acoustic treatment focuses on controlling echo and sound distribution inside the room.

Which standards are used for acoustic testing?

In Turkey, TS EN ISO 3382, TS EN ISO 16283, and related European Union standards are applied.

Who should conduct an acoustic performance test?

It should be carried out by qualified engineers, acoustic specialists, or firms authorized by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change.

Is a special test required for home cinema rooms?

Yes. Measurements of bass–treble balance, reverberation, and sound distribution are necessary to ensure proper placement and material selection.

Is sound insulation mandatory in offices?

Not legally mandatory in all cases, but highly recommended for productivity and occupational safety. In specific environments like call centers, certain legal criteria may apply.

Can noise sources be identified through an acoustic test?

Yes. During testing, different frequency bands and decibel levels are recorded to determine which sources contribute most to overall noise.

Can echo problems be solved without acoustic panels?

Partially. Furniture arrangement, curtains, carpets, or bookshelves can help reduce reverberation. However, professional results usually require acoustic panels.

How long does it take to prepare the report after testing?

Reports are typically delivered within 3–7 days after field measurements. For large-scale projects, the process may take longer.

Reduce Noise with Acoustic Measurements

Acoustic performance tests are vital for both living comfort at home and productivity in offices. With the right equipment and professional methods, sound can be controlled, noise minimized, and property value enhanced.

With its expert team and professional solutions, Acarkon is a reliable partner in acoustic performance. For homes, offices, or commercial spaces, Acarkon provides the right solutions to achieve optimal acoustic quality.