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Performed to determine the amount of sound that travels through a material or object, we conduct ASTM E90 transmission loss testing on test specimens installed between two reverberation rooms in a laboratory test suite. Specimens can be any size that can fit into the sample opening between the two rooms. Loud noise is created with a high-powered sound source, producing a continuous random noise stream in the source chamber. We measure and subtract receiving levels from the source chamber’s sound levels. Results provide 1/3 octave band Transmission Loss (TL) and Sound Transmission Class (STC) numbers. 

Our Saint Paul, MN facility sets itself apart from other labs with an extremely high 89+ flanking limit that allows us to measure very high STC value wall assemblies.

Test methods for sound absorption seek to quantify how a specimen calms or deadens acoustics in a space. A commonly used way for testing absorption, ASTM C423, is conducted on a test specimen installed in a reverberation chamber. A high-powered sound source creates a loud noise, which produces an interrupted random noise stream in the reverberant chamber, and we measure the decay rate of the highly-diffuse sound with and without the absorptive test specimen. ASTM C423 requires that test specimens be 72 sq ft (or a minimum of 64 sq ft). 

We express results as the Sound Absorption Average (SAA) or Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) and 1/3 octave absorption coefficients or in square meters of absorption. This testing is typically used on ceiling tiles, absorption panels, and acoustic treatments and can also test objects such as office furniture and theater seating.

These methods quantify the total sound energy emitted by a sound source. The measurements provide manufacturers a way to ensure regulatory compliance while at the same time giving manufacturers data to leverage a competitive advantage for their customers. 

Depending on the sound source, and the test goal, we can test in our reverberation chambers or on steady or intermittent sounds in our hemi-anechoic chamber. We can make in-situ power measurements with our sound intensity measuring system. 

We conduct sound power/sound pressure/sound intensity tests on appliances, motors, fans, power tools, outdoor equipment, computers, and many other consumer products.