Acoustic consultant

An acoustic consultant can help to design, assess, manage and control sound and vibrations in the built environment. They might provide consultancy for the design or assessment of acoustics in homes, workplaces, leisure facilities, the outdoor environment and so on. They may also be described as acousticians or acoustic engineers.

The duties undertaken by acoustic consultants might include:

• Offering advice to architects and other designers.
• Noise assessments of existing buildings and workplaces.
• Compliance testing.
• Vibration monitoring.
• Construction site surveys.
• Assessing industrial sites.
• Assessing noise levels and noise nuisance and providing noise mitigation advice.
• Assessing problem spaces and equipment and proposing mitigation strategies.
• Assessing intelligibility and reverberation time.
• Carrying out acoustic analysis and design using specialist modelling software.
• Assessing how changes in design affect sound levels and quality.
• Technical report writing.
• Preparing proposals.
• Liaising with clients, project managers, designers and contractors.
• Designing and working on specialist facilities and equipment such as recording studio and broadcast equipment.
• Developing acoustic environments for specialist spaces such as theatres, concert halls, cinemas, teaching spaces, arenas and so on.
• Assessing the impact of developments such as airports and roads.
• Assessing environmental noise and carrying out noise surveys.

Acoustic consultants tend to be practical people and creative problem solvers. They require a broad knowledge of the subject, legislation and standards and will generally hold a relevant degree-level qualification and a diploma or post graduate qualification in acoustics.

We are independent

We  operate without any government, commercial and/or political affiliation, and our only aim is to provide the best, impartial advice to our clients.

We are confidential

Because we are independent, any discussion between you and us, and any findings resulting from our activities carried out on your behalf remain strictly confidential.

Our fees are competitive

We use the best, world-class quality and up-to-date professional tools (measuring equipment, computers, printers and software), but we keep other overheads low, and consequently we are able to match or even better any reasonable fees proposed by our competitors.

All our reports are peer reviewed

There is a number of consulting firms that have established their reputation and name through their most experienced and talented consultants. However, in many cases, these consultants have no time to supervise all (especially smaller) projects. Such projects are often carried out by junior, less experienced staff.

We use Brüel and Kjær (B&K) 2245, 2250 Sound level meters

A vast part of our projects includes environmental and occupational noise assessments and engineering control.

Whether you are hosting a local concert, taking on a construction project or installing a commercial grade HVAC system; you will have a need for noise reduction products. Noise reduction products are key to complying with local noise ordinances; but figuring out the best products for you, where to purchase, the number of products you need and where to place them for maximum noise reduction them can be a bit confusing. This is why you need an acoustical consultant.

An acoustical consultant is basically a noise expert, who can help you define the true source of the sound waves understand the pitch measurements, recommend products that will ensure you comply with noise ordinances and suggest product placement based on your site. Still not sure you need one? Keep reading to find out the four main reasons why you need an acoustical consultant.

Why do you need an Acoustic Consultant?

An acoustical consultant specialises in acoustical engineering. They have certified expertise in sound, vibration and the application of acoustics. Their overall objective is to mitigate sound while considering other aspects such as design and analysis.

Noise control can be quite complex. If noise is not reduced properly, it can have significant negative impacts on animal and human health – potentially leading to hearing loss. An acoustical consultant has the proper knowledge and education to accurately analyse the unwanted noise and design a proper noise reduction set up. This setup could include just one product or a variety of products together to ensure the environment is safe and that local noise laws are met.

Additionally, an acoustical consultant can assist with the engineering of positive sound. It is important that concert halls have high-quality acoustics for the best audio experience. Similarly, it is important for large conference rooms to have the appropriate sound engineering for intelligible announcements. An acoustical consultant will accurately be able to measure the sound, analyse the site and determine what products would best suit certain areas for the perfect audio setup.

There is a bit of science involved in being an acoustical consultant. They must not only survey the site but measure the frequencies of the sound, understand the sound waves, and determine the best course of action based on a variety of outside factors – including the use of the space. Whether the sound has more low tones or high tones is extremely important when recommending products.

Why you need an Acoustical Consultant

1. Provide accurate sound survey

Now that you understand the complexities revolved around noise control, the first reason you should hire an acoustical consultant is that they can complete an accurate sound survey. An acoustical consultant has the training and equipment to measure the source of the sound, understand the longevity of the sound waves and determine the biggest problem areas at your site.

The acoustical consultant will measure a variety of factors, then provide charts and maps of the sound readings. The sound measurement data is critical in determining what products to purchase to mitigate the noise because some products reduce more sound than others. Without an acoustical consultant, you could purchase noise reduction barriers that don’t properly reduce the noise or potentially don’t reduce the noise at all.

2. Assist in complying with local noise regulations

We’ve mentioned this briefly, but an acoustical consultant is absolutely critical when complying with local noise ordinances. They will be able to conduct a property line noise analysis and teach you how the local noise ordinances apply to you and your property. They will take sound readings at the property line to determine if a noise source is in violation of the noise code.

If you are in violation of your local noise code, a complaint can be filed and you could face fines for harmful noise exposure. It is good practice to seek assistance from an acoustical consultant that will ensure you are complying with noise standards to help you avoid a lawsuit.

4. Make product recommendations to save you time and money

Lastly, an acoustical consultant can make professionally backed product recommendations based on your individual needs. Since your site is unique and the noise being emitted is unique, it is important to base your purchase off of a direct recommendation. There are a variety of products available that will mitigate unwanted noise, but not all of those products will work for you. An acoustical consultant will provide possible solutions such as constructing a barrier, installing sound absorbers, implementing buffer zones, adding sound suppressors or even making adjustments to the equipment.

Summary

If you are looking for an acoustic consultant services for a variety of use cases. We understand all noise control needs are custom, so we provide a full range of acoustical engineering services to accurately and effectively reduce your unwanted sound. Noise Control, OEM Evaluation, Noise Monitoring, Employee Noise Exposure, and Dosimeter Readings, are all included in our acoustical consultant services.

If you are looking for more information or are ready to schedule your consultation, give us a call at 1300 802 163 or send us an email to info@anitechgroup.com.