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Thứ Hai, 23 tháng 6, 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 actually eliminating or blocking certain frequencies, they absorb the excess that confuses the ear. Most construction is fairly simple. There is an inner layer of dampening material surrounded by a rigid frame, and the exterior is covered with a variety of decorative materials. Fillings are commonly made of fiberglass, insulating foam, or newer, less environmentally hazardous materials.

Size depends on the amount of correction necessary. Some are relatively small, less than four feet square, while others cover most of a wall space. Regardless of actual dimensions, each allows individual waves to pass through rather than bouncing back, and any recurring waves are simply absorbed. A similar method is used by recording studios.

Instead of seeming like an ugly industrial installation, these baffles easily adapt to the desired interior look of a church. Some re-create the existing patterns of stained glass in the windows, or can mimic or repeat patterns or colors in ceilings and walls. While they are visually uninteresting without decoration, a professionally designed grouping normally fits in well, and can even feel like part of the original decor.

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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