Soundproofing Sound baffle

A sound baffle is a construction or device which reduces the strength (level) of airborne sound. Sound baffles are a fundamental tool of noise mitigation, the practice of minimizing noise pollution or reverberation. An important type of sound baffle is the noise barrier or acoustic absorber applied to walls and ceilings in building interiors to absorb sound energy and thus lessen reverberation.

Sound Baffles

Acoustic sound baffles are ideal for areas where sound deflects off hard surfaces. Acoustic sound baffles look good and remove the echo effect in large rooms.

We distribute many types of soundproofing and acoustic baffles. Contact us for solutions to your noise and acoustic problems.

Reduce noise with sound absorbers and baffles. The acoustical core materials absorb noise from both directions - making interior spaces livable and workable.

Sound baffles and noise absorbers provide design possibilities:

• ideal medium for graphic displays or signage.
• utilized as a visual locator between work areas.
• define areas of open spaces.
• act as privacy walls to divide workspaces.

Interior soundproofing sound baffle design

The technology for accurate prediction of the effects of sound baffles and noise barrier design using a computer model to analyze noise has been available since the 1970s.

Interior sound baffle design

Since the early 1900s scientists have been aware of the utility of certain types of interior coatings or baffles to improve the acoustics of concert halls, theaters, conference rooms and other spaces where the quality of sound is important. By the mid 1950s Bolt, Beranek and Newman and a few other U.S. research organizations were developing technology to address the design challenges. This design field draws on several disciplines including acoustical science, computer modeling, architecture and materials science. Sound baffles are also used in speaker cabinets to absorb energy from the pressure created by the speakers thus reducing cabinet resonance.

Sound baffle construction

A number of factors have to be addressed in design and manufacture of soundproofing sound baffles:

• Health and Safety,
  • synthetic or natural mineral fibres may have effects of humans
  • halogens, CFCs, and other chemicals may have health effects and be toxic to dispose of.
  • flamability, consideration of toxicity in event of fire
• noise reduction
  • sound absorption values over a wide range of frequencies
  • Noise reflection
  • acoustic effect of frame and covering
• physical properties
  • High degree of light reflectivity
  • High degree of thermal resistance
  • Weight to volume ratio
  • longevity, resistance to ageing and wear
  • Size, cost of manufacture and transportation considerations may effect available sizes
  • is easy to cut and install around pipe penetrations, ducting and cabling
  • resistance to tearing and flexing
  • chemically resistant to oils, alkalis and acids, waterproof, dust and dirty .
  • strength
  • ability to be fixed and fastened, glues, screws, framing, and forming
• cost

Applications of sound baffle materials:

• absorbing traffic and aircraft noises from outside offices and homes
• use in partitioning
• under floor
• above false ceilings
• enclosures for fans and machines
• portable screens
• strip curtains

A sound baffle is a device which is designed to muffle or reduce noise. Most people are familiar with some form of sound baffle, because they are an important part of noise pollution reduction in daily life. Sound baffle material is used to soundproof studios, reduce the noise from neighboring apartments with shared walls, and to improve acoustics in concert halls.

In the 1970s, engineers began to design computer models of acoustic situations such as performance venues and highways.

They could see that making subtle manipulations in the angle of construction and materials used could have a profound impact on how noise traveled, and sound baffles began to be implemented in major engineering projects.

The basic understanding of acoustics had been around for centuries, but these engineers were able to accurately predict and model for it, allowing for improved quality of life. Today, engineers continue to refine sound baffle design.

In much of the world, noise pollution is a serious issue, thanks to the large amount of motor vehicles, manufacturing centers, and other sources of noise. Excessive noise pollution can lead to hearing problems, circulatory issues, difficulty sleeping, irritability, and other issues. For this reason, many homes are built with environmental noise in mind, and they integrate soundproofing measures such as thick walls, windows which do not face major sources of noise, and landscaping which helps to deflect sound. This helps to control noise at one end of the spectrum; a strategically placed sound baffle at the source of the noise can also greatly reduce noise pollution.

When used to reduce the amount of noise or reverberation, a sound baffle is usually made from thick, absorbent material. The material does not allow sound waves to penetrate it as readily, and it also prevents the waves from bouncing back to the source. Sound baffles which follow this design are often installed in offices to reduce the sound of humming voices and equipment, along with schools and other public buildings which host large numbers of people.

A sound baffle can also be used to improve the quality of acoustics. In addition to preventing reverberation, well placed sound baffles can make the sound quality in a performance space much better. Most large performance spaces have reconfigurable sound baffles, allowing them to customize the environment to the performance. The installation of sound baffles also helps to cut down on noise from outside the venue, which may disturb a performance. In performance venues, sound baffles which absorb are paired with baffles designed to deflect or reflect sound to the audience, enhancing the acoustics of the performance.