Minggu, 15 Juni 2014

How Acoustic Sound Panels For Churches Work

By Ina Hunt


The same structural characteristics that produce a lovely echo when music is performed can make ordinary speech nearly unintelligible. Music is an important part of most church services, but the congregation should also be able to clearly hear and understand spoken words without straining. Acoustic sound panels for churches clarify and focus tonal vibrations, making them easier for human ears to process.

Although there are European cathedrals famous for their fantastic echoes, a fine dividing line separates noise from distortion. Echoes occur when the vibrations that make waves bounce repeatedly back and forth from hard, reflective surfaces. Some buildings are fortunate to include acoustic considerations in the original plans, but many churches today are housed in structures originally designed for other uses.

Even without the advantages of computerized modeling, there have been many past attempts to correct this issue. In some churches, absorbent ash was added to pots made of clay, which were then placed near walls and in corners. This trial-and-error method took time, and ash was added or removed as needed. Other ideas included redirecting echoes by altering the interior pillars, or by incorporating grooved stone blocks.

Current solutions range from high-tech reverberation systems that are able to create interchangeable custom acoustic environments, to simply installing thick carpeting in specific areas. These are not ineffective, but neither solves problems of muffling or echo that are a result of the original and unalterable interior building design. For many rooms, the best solution incorporates flat, standing or attached wall panels that inhibit waves.

Rather than cutting out certain frequencies, these baffles absorb unwanted reflections, often within a particular room. They all incorporate a common design approach, using a frame that houses a filling of absorbent material, covered by a variety of decorative possibilities. The interior is most often filled with fiberglass or foam, and there are less environmentally toxic fillers also available.

Their size depends the extent of the echo and distortion. Some are as small as four square feet, while others may be nearly wall-sized, and most solutions require combinations. No matter their dimensions, they allow vibrations to pass through the exterior material rather than bouncing off, and any waves that return are re-absorbed. This principle is the same one used by music studios to emphasize accuracy, and can be easily adapted to churches.

Rather than being an industrial-looking eyesore, these structures lend themselves to the type of decor perfect for houses of worship. They may mirror stained glass windows, or can be used to repeat various themes already existing on actual walls or ceilings. Unadorned, they may seem intrusive, but in most cases a properly installed group looks like part of the original surroundings.

While it is possible to place these baffles in a hall with acoustic precision using sophisticated microphones and computers, the best method of making a final determination is simply by listening critically. What seems within acceptable range to a machine may not to a human ear. When installed properly, they do not inhibit high frequencies or decrease volume, but instead increase the clarity of both speech and music.




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