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Acoustic
Solutions
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MECART modular studios are soundproof and vibration-proof
shells, but most of all they offer balanced resonance. The “sound”
is the very soul of a studio. Below are a few predetermined factors
that affect the acoustic behaviour of a studio:
Studio Dimensions
Acoustical Treatment
Studio Soundproofing
The MECART advantage
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Studio
Dimensions
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Reflection, absorption and sound transmission |
Resonance
The behaviour of low frequencies is largely influenced by the dimensions
of the studio. Low frequencies are amplified when they are reflected
off studio walls, generating resonance peaks. There are three types
of modal frequencies: they are known as axial, tangential and oblique
modes. Axial modes consist of waves resonating off only two opposing
surfaces. Tangential modes involve four different surfaces. And
oblique modes involve reflections ricocheting off all six surfaces.
These three types of modes determine the resonance that is generated.
Using a specific set of proportions
will produce a better distribution of modal frequencies.
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Coloration
Coloration of sound occurs when there is an isolated, dominant frequency
that is heard separately. Resonance amplifies low frequencies and
always produces a certain coloration. A low level of coloration
is critical to the acoustical quality of a studio.
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Proportions
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Studios
Dimensions |
There are ideal room proportions for the dimensions
of a studio with six surfaces. These ideal proportions provide
an optimal distribution of modal frequencies. Although they will
not guarantee good room acoustics, they are a good start. If a
studio does not have ideal proportions, acoustical
treatments will be that much more important for obtaining
a balanced sound. |
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MECART solutions
MECART acousticians will calculate and validate the optimal proportions
for your studio in terms of available space.
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Acoustical
Treatment
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Absorption
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Absorption
coefficients of different materials |
Sound energy is absorbed when it is converted to
another form of energy. In most cases, this takes the form of conversion
to heat. This results from the actions of friction and the resistance
of various materials to movement and deformation. Obviously the
amount of heat generated is minimal as the sound energy is also
quite small. It is important to note the distinction between this
absorption (the amount of sound energy actually converted to heat)
and the absorption coefficient, since the absorption coefficient
refers to all the sound energy that is not reflected (i.e., it includes
the transmitted as well as the absorbed component). Absorptive materials
naturally perform better with medium and high frequencies. Panels
can be made of selected composite materials for the absorption of
low, medium and high frequencies. |
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Reflection
and transmission
If a sound is not absorbed or transmitted when it strikes a surface,
it will be reflected. The law of reflection is the same as that
for light, i.e., the angle of incidence of a sound wave equals the
angle of reflection, just as if it were produced by a 'mirror image'
of the stimulus on the opposite side of the surface. However, this
law of reflection holds only when the wavelength of the sound is
small compared to the dimensions of the reflecting surface. Sound
reflection gives rise to diffusion, reverberation and echo.
Diffusion is the process by which a sound wave is distributed in
a space. If the sound pressure is uniformly distributed throughout
the space, the sound is said to be well diffused. Diffusion of sound
is important for studios in order to avoid dead spots. Good diffusion
can be achieved in several ways:
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Alternating sound-reflecting and
sound-absorbing surfaces. |
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Randomly distributing surfaces with different
absorption coefficients. |
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Incorporating numerous surface irregularities
and reflecting elements into the space. |
Generally, concave surfaces focus sound waves, whereas convex surfaces
scatter sound waves and help produce good sound diffusion.
MECART employs primarily the first method, which entails alternating
sound-reflecting and sound-absorbing surfaces through the use of
acoustic absorption panels on walls and ceilings. MECART has refined
this method to produce some spectacular results.
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Reverberation
A studio’s reverberation time is the time it takes the sound
to decay 60 dB after the sound source stops.
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MECART
Solutions
Evaluate reverberation time in octave or 1/3 octave frequency bands
depending on application, i.e., music, speech, radio and so forth.
Calculate the number of MECART acoustic absorption panels required,
while considering the possibility of a suspended ceiling or absorptive
floor covering.
Plan arrangement of acoustic absorption panels and the addition
of diffusion panels, where necessary.
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Studio
Soundproofing
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1971
Preferred noise criteria (PNC) curves (1971)
Recommended
category classification and
suggested noise
criteria range for steady
background
noise as heard in various
indoor functional
activity areas |
In environments such as private homes, office buildings,
schools and restaurants, equipment such as H.V.A.C. systems, fans,
refrigerators, sound systems, light fixtures and so forth, are likely
to generate background noise.
Background noise is the term used to describe the level of noise
measured in the absence of specific noise sources. The background
noise level is symbolized by L90 or L95 (the noise level present
90% or 95% of the time). MECART studios are designed to minimize
sources of ambient noise to the level required by the application.
Connecting studio ventilation to the building ventilation system,
for example, could generate noise inside the studio, and increase
the background noise level. MECART manufactures various models of
ventilation silencers to deal with this issue, and installs the
appropriate ones to achieve the desired background noise level.
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Typical
curves STC
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Transmission Loss
Single Wall
Testing at an independent laboratory demonstrated that a MECART
wall consisting of panels, a door and windows performed to the STC-45
rating.
Double Wall
In situ testing demonstrated that a MECART double-walled studio
with two optimally spaced walls, panels, a door and windows performed
to the STC-70 rating.
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MECART
soundproof doors
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Door
MECART offers different modular door models that can also be installed
in conventional walls. The single-wall door is rated STC-45 and
the double-wall door STC-70. A magnetic seal is installed around
the door perimeter to ensure soundproofing. And it should be noted
that door windows have no impact on acoustical performance because
of their multiple panes. |
MECART
windows
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Windows
MECART windows are rated from STC-45 to STC-70, and are offered
in standard and custom sizes.
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Vibration Isolation
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Outdoor vibrations
Indoor vibrations |
MECART has solutions for preventing both the transmission
of building vibrations into the studio, and the transmission of
vibrations from inside the studio to the building. Such vibrations
will generate noise both in and outside the studio, and if left
untreated could exceed the background noise level. The most common
vibrations come from hallways (footsteps and elevators), H.V.A.C.
(fans) and terminal boxes. |
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MECART Solutions
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MECART Floating Floor
For studios where vibration reduction is not an issue, the MECART
floating floor is an effective and economical solution. |
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MECART Modular Floor on Isolation Pads
For studios where vibration reduction is essential or where the
background noise level is critical, MECART’s modular floor
is an effective solution with a good quality-price ratio. |
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MECART Modular Floor with Anti-vibration
Foundation
For studios subject to noise-generating vibrations, the anti-vibration
base is indispensable for professional, ongoing use studio.
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Advantages
of MECART Acoustic Solutions
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High Performance Studios
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| Concentration and Performance |
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Soundproofing and reduction of
noise-producing vibrations to desired levels. |
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Acoustics calibrated for specific use (radio,
music, etc.). |
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| Enhanced User Performance |
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Efficient working environment. |
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Flexible layout to enhance functional use. |
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