Acoustical Testing
Sound matters—and so does the science behind it. At Pierson, our acoustical testing services evaluate the performance of your space to identify issues like echo, reverberation, and sound bleed. Using precise measurement tools and industry-standard methods, we deliver actionable insights to optimize clarity, control, and overall acoustic quality. Whether you're designing a new venue or troubleshooting an existing one, our team ensures your space sounds as good as it looks.
The foundational step in understanding how sound behaves within your space—whether it’s a performance hall, classroom, gymnasium, house of worship, or conference center. Our acoustic survey services provide a detailed assessment of current sound conditions, identifying issues such as echo, reverberation, speech intelligibility challenges, and unwanted noise transfer between rooms.
Background noise can have a significant impact on the usability and comfort of environments such as classrooms, offices, healthcare facilities, and performance venues.
During acoustical testing, we measure background noise using calibrated sound level meters to identify sources such as:
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HVAC systems and mechanical equipment
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Exterior traffic or construction noise
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Electrical or lighting system hums
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Adjacent room activity or hallway sounds
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Our team assesses how these sounds affect speech intelligibility, concentration, and overall acoustic performance. Measurements are typically expressed in decibels (dBA) and evaluated against recommended standards like ANSI, ASHRAE, or LEED guidelines.
By identifying elevated or problematic background noise, we help facilities implement targeted solutions such as improved sealing, isolation techniques, or acoustic treatments—ensuring the environment supports its intended function, whether it’s focused learning, clear communication, or quiet recovery.
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Reverberation time (RT60) is a key metric used in acoustical testing to measure how long it takes for sound to decay by 60 decibels in a space after the sound source has stopped. It plays a critical role in determining the clarity, comfort, and functionality of a room’s acoustics.
Excessive reverberation can cause speech to become unintelligible, music to sound muddy, and overall communication to suffer. Conversely, too little reverberation can make a space feel acoustically “dead” or unnatural.
As part of our acoustical surveys, we measure reverberation times using precision audio test equipment and broadband noise or impulse signals. These measurements help us evaluate:
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Speech intelligibility in classrooms, boardrooms, and worship spaces
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Music clarity and richness in performance venues
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Acoustic comfort in open-plan offices or multipurpose rooms
We compare findings to industry standards (such as ANSI S12.60 for schools) and provide recommendations for treatments—like sound-absorbing panels, ceiling clouds, or diffusers—to optimize the room’s performance for its intended use.
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In an ideal acoustic environment, sound should be consistently intelligible and balanced from every seat or position—without noticeable “hot spots” (too loud) or “dead zones” (too quiet).
Our testing evaluates sound level distribution using calibrated microphones and signal generators to map sound pressure levels (SPL) across the room. This analysis helps us identify:
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Uneven audio coverage due to poor loudspeaker placement
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Reflections or absorptions caused by architectural features
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Inconsistent listening experiences in multipurpose spaces
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Imbalances that affect emergency paging, presentations, or performances
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Whether for public address systems, live music venues, or classroom AV setups, we use this data to recommend adjustments in speaker alignment, room treatments, or audio system tuning—ensuring a balanced and consistent sound experience for every listener.
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