Control Rooms

Acoustic Treatment Guidelines

White Paper // 2017V1


// About Us //
Vicoustic is dedicated to provide great acoustics,
enhancing rooms for great sound. But what sets the
companys efforts apart from the competition is also
the design. Because each and every environment,
private as well as public places should be
comfortable for the people with great acoustics and
a pleasing design. This is why Vicoustic is unique in
its commitment to the research and development
of products and services in the acoustic field and
at the same time providing acoustical solution with
a unique and comforting look. Vicoustic is simply
more than a manufacturer of acoustic treatment
and insulation products. With its own Research
Laboratory and specialized team of designers and
Music & Broadcast Hi-Fi & Home Cinema
// R&D Centre - Research and Development //
The Vicoustic Research Centre was designed
for technological development that includes
training and skill enhancement in specific areas,
including Acoustic Product Engineering and
Surveillance Technology. Vicoustic has dedicated
considerable investigation in Building integration,
on an international scale, and has been extremely
successful in producing high performance
acoustic products that comply with demanding
fire ratings, safety and environmental regulations,
while maintaining competitive cost levels. As a
result, Vicoustic products are fully optimized. The
R&D Centre is divided into two distinct areas:
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1) A Multifunctional Room with magnetic walls that
allows us to mount and dismount any combination
of products, to study performance, quality, design
and aesthetics, instantaneously. This concept is
already creating a ripple effect and is being adapted
in demo rooms and testing facilities around the
globe.
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2) Lab Test Facility is an innovative chamber with
exclusive features that continues to be unique in
the world. The objective was to build an adaptive
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engineers, Vicoustic also provides support and
advice to maximize customer satisfaction in the use
of its products. Vicoustic covers acoustic markets,
ranging from the acoustic insulation of buildings
and industrial machinery, to hi-fi, home cinema,
music and broadcast studios.
Vicoustic is constantly evolving and has world-
wide presence, from Portugal to Sweden (Vicoustic
Nordic Countries) and the United States, included
in its more than 70 distributors worldwide.
Customers include BBC, SIS, NATO, Ralph Lauren,
Microsoft, Facebook, Sony, Macklemore, Capitol
Records and Depeche Mode, among others.
Building & Construction
volume chamber, allowing us to perform acoustic
tests in various sized rooms. Thanks to a 4-ton
mechanical wall that travels on a set of rails, we can
define the exact measurements of the chamber,
and adjust the length of sound waves, produced
inside. The wall has a custom-made insulation
system that is remotely controlled by a hydraulic
system, completely blocking sound transmission,
inside and out. It includes a cutting-edge laboratory
infrastructure that converts into three hybrid states:
Low Frequency Resonation Chamber, Reverberation
Chamber, and an Anechoic Chamber. Inside the
hybrid test lab, we have installed four subwoofers
and one B&K Omnidirectional loudspeaker that
will generate specific sound waves named Plane
Waves. By positioning the mechanical wall, it is
possible to study any product sample at precise
frequencies. The sound behavior is captured
using B&K microphones, insuring reliable data to
continue our analyses. The technology and rigorous
in-house testing are the foundation of each and
every product, making Vicoustic a distinguished
brand and leader in its sector.
 2017V1 www.vicoustic.com
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 Acoustic Treatment Guidelines 03

// Problem //
A Control Room for recording, mixing and mastering or broadcast should allow to critically monitor
the sound signal being reproduced, i.e. should assure a clear and complete representation of the
acoustic message without introducing any distortions that could compromise its perception.
Nowadays a great portion of the investment made in studios is focused on new powerful signal
processing and monitoring equipment. Consequently, Control Rooms have seen their acoustic
requirements becoming more severe in order to follow and take full advantage of this technology
progress.
Additionally, audio people are nowadays working not only in professional studios but also in non-
professional environments such as home studios where acoustics is not always properly addressed.
Once that from professional facilities to project and home studios the Control Room is where
the critical listening work is carried out. Therefore, naturally, it requires a controlled acoustic
environment.

Achieving proper room acoustics conditions in your control

room is paramount to give you confidence on what
you are critically monitoring
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White Paper
04 Control Rooms

// Solution //
In order to achieve proper acoustic conditions within your Control Room and in this way allow you
to critically monitor the sound signal being reproduced, three acoustic treatment solutions are
proposed in this white paper: Economic, Efficient and Professional.
These solutions are for Standard Control Rooms (Rectangular Rooms between 10 m2 to 20 m2
and height between 2,4 and 3 m) and can be applied in different phases, i.e. you can start
to implement the Economic solution, and then invest to achieve the Efficient and finally the
Professional solution.
This guidance is based on best practice guidance (such as AES, ITU-R, etc.).
It should be noted that this guidance document only addresses standard acoustic treatment
solutions. Sound insulation issues or complex situations are not addressed.

Economic Efficient Professional

Reverberation Time

First Reflections

Back Wall

Low Frequencies -

RT Predictions Comparison

2.00

1.60

1.20

0.80
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0.40

0.00
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125 2505 00 1000 2000 4000 Hz

Recommend RT Upper Limit Recommend RT Lower Limit RT Untreated Room

RT Economic Room RT Efficient Room RT Professional Room

Copyright 2017 by Vicoustic. No parts of this document might be copied and/or published without the written consent of Vicoustic.
 Acoustic Treatment Guidelines 05

// Basic Acoustic Treatment Steps //

Basic Steps to achieve proper conditions within your Control Room will include Optimizing
its Reverberation Time (RT), Controlling First Reflections and Controlling Sound Field
Anomalies.

Reverberation Time Optimization (RT)

A Control Room should provide a neutral acoustic environment.
One should be able to feel the ambiance and reverb contained in the recordings.
Optimum RT for a Control Room should lie within the range of 0,2 s to 0,4 s.
RT steady and continuous in the frequency range from 200 Hz to 4 kHz.
Higher tolerances for octave bands below 200 Hz and above 4 kHz.
RT Optimization can use both Vicoustic sound absorption and diffusing
panels.

First Reflections Control

One should be able to clearly hear early reflections that may be recorded or
happening in the performance area.
Early reflections should be controlled in order to avoid any masking effects of
these features.
By treating well first reflections comb-filtering effects are likely to be avoided and
sound quality and clarity improved.
First Reflections may be controlled by Vicoustic Sound Absorbing panels.

Room Modes Control

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In small rooms such as Control Rooms, room modes are one of the major sound
field anomalies that are likely to occur.
These modes are likely to cause audible effects within the Control Room, and
therefore affecting the listeners correct perception of sound at low frequencies.
Room modes may be controlled by Vicoustic Bass Traps solutions.
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Bass traps should be located in the corners of the room.

White Paper
06 Control Rooms

// Reverberation Time Predictions //

For each acoustic solution presented in the next pages, a RT study with predictions for both
untreated and treated room is shown.
For these RT calculations, we considered a 4 (W) x 5 (L) x 3 (H) m room, with the following finishes:
walls and ceiling made of plasterboard and carpet floor.
These predicted values are meant to be used as a guidance to understand the benefit of the
acoustic treatment that is being proposed.
It should be noted that if smaller rooms are considered, the RT is likely to have lower values than
the ones presented in the images. If different finishes are considered the RT may increase or
decrease depending on the finishes.

Good recording/mixing results are dependent on

the acoustics of your control room, so a bad decision
on this will always affect the quality of your results.

2017V1
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Copyright 2017 by Vicoustic. No parts of this document might be copied and/or published without the written consent of Vicoustic.
 Acoustic Treatment Guidelines 07

// Economic Solution // (for prices consult your local distributor)

3 Boxes of Cinema Round Premium 1 Box of Multifuser DC2

This Economic Solution is focused on First Reflections and Back Wall treatment.
First Reflections: Treating First Reflections will improve sound definition in the listening area,
control comb-filter effects and at the same time control the Reverberation Time within the
room
Back Wall: The Back Wall is being acoustically treated with Diffusion. This will control
Specular Reflections from it and improve Spaciousness within the room.
It should be noted that this Economic solution is not addressing Low Frequency issues.

TIP
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An alternative design can be achieved rotating the panels 45

degrees, without sacrificing the acoustic performance.
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Multifuser DC2 Cinema Round

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08 Control Rooms

RT Predictions
Min. RT Reduction
Low. Freq. Med. Freq. High. Freq.
21% 58% 60%

2.00

1.60

1.20

0.80

0.40

0.00
125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 Hz

Recommend RT Upper Limit Recommend RT Lower Limit

RT Untreated Room RT Economic Room

Material Needed TIP

Multifuser DC2 comes on three finishings - Black, White and Grey.
If you prefere a more premium solution check our Multifuser Wood
36 and Multifuser Wood 64.

24 Cinema Round Premium (3 Boxes)

6 Multifuser DC2 (1 Box)

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Copyright 2017 by Vicoustic. No parts of this document might be copied and/or published without the written consent of Vicoustic.
 Acoustic Treatment Guidelines 09

// Efficient Solution // (for prices consult your local distributor)

3 Boxes of Cinema Round Premium 1 Box of Multifuser DC2 4 Boxes of Super Bass Extreme 1 Box of Wavewood

This Efficient Solution besides addressing all acoustic issues mentioned for the Economic Solution,
i.e. treating First Reflections and Back Wall, it is also addressing Low Frequency issues.
Low Frequencies: Low Frequency Response of the room is being improved by including
two Super Bass Extreme in each rooms corner. Consequently RT in the low frequency region
is approaching recommended values.
In addition extra acoustic treatment is being added to rooms sidewalls and ceiling. This will
improve First Reflections control and at the same time will make RT to approach recommended
values.

TIP
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If you prefer to cover the pattern from Super Bass Extreme we also
have a premium solution option with covering fabrics.
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Multifuser DC2 Cinema Round

Wavewood Super Bass Extreme

White Paper
10 Control Rooms

Min. RT Reduction
RT Predictions Low. Freq. Med. Freq. High. Freq.
38% 68% 68%

2.00

1.60

1.20

0.80

0.40

0.00
125 250 500 1000 2000 4000

Recommend RT Upper Limit Recommend RT Lower Limit

RT Untreated Room RT Efficient Room

Material Needed TIP

It is possible to custom order specific colors, fabrics and
finishings, for more information please contact your dealer.
24 Cinema Round Premium (3 Boxes)

6 Multifuser DC2 (1 Box)

8 Super Bass Extreme (4 Boxes)

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10 Wavewood (1 Box)
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Copyright 2017 by Vicoustic. No parts of this document might be copied and/or published without the written consent of Vicoustic.
 Acoustic Treatment Guidelines 11

// Professional Solution // (for prices consult your local distributor)

5 Boxes of Cinema Round Premium 1 Box of Multifuser DC2 8 Boxes of Super Bass Extreme 1 Box of Wavewood

In this Professional solution we are improving the acoustic results obtained in the Efficient solution:
First Reflections: Sound definition is being improved by including extra acoustic treatment
in the front Wall, both First Reflections and Comb-Filter effects are being better addressed.
Low Frequencies: By including extra Super Bass Extreme in the rooms corners, RT in the low
frequency region is achieving recommended values.
Back Wall: Back Wall: The absorption panels included in the Back Wall, are better controlling
Specular Reflections from it, making any strong late reflection less likely to occur.
In this Professional Solution RT is being optimized and the recommended values for Control
Rooms are being achieved in all frequency region of interest.

TIP
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For a less premium solution, you may replace Cinema Round

Premium for Cinema Round simpler version, without fabric.
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Multifuser DC2 Cinema Round

Wavewood Super Bass Extreme

White Paper
12 Control Rooms

Min. RT Reduction
RT Predictions Low. Freq. Med. Freq. High. Freq.
52% 76% 76%
2.00

1.60

1.20

0.80

0.40

0.00
125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 Hz

Recommend RT Upper Limit Recommend RT Lower Limit

RT Untreated Room RT Professional Room

Material Needed TIP

If you dont want to glue Cinema Round Premium to your
walls, you can always choose its mechanical fixation system
with VicFix Frames or VicFix Magnetic.

40 Cinema Round Premium (5 Boxes)

6 Multifuser DC2 (1 Box)

16 Super Bass Extreme (8 Boxes)

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10 Wavewood (1 Box)
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Copyright 2017 by Vicoustic. No parts of this document might be copied and/or published without the written consent of Vicoustic.
 Acoustic Treatment Guidelines

// Glossary //
dB (decibel) The scale on which sound
pressure level is expressed. It is defined as 20
times the logarithm of the root-mean-square
pressure of the sound field and reference
pressure (2x10-5 Pa)
Reverberation An acoustical phenomenon
that occurs in enclosed spaces, when sound
persists in that space as a result of repeated
reflection or scattering from surfaces enclosing
the space or objects within it.
Reverberation Time (s) A measure of the
degree of reverberation in a space. It is equal to
the time required for the level of a steady sound
to decay by 60 dB after it has been turned off.
Direct Sound Sound that arrives the listener
position directly from the sound source, i.e.
without being reflected from any object or
surface.
Sound reflection It is the portion of the sound
energy that is returned in a preferable defined
direction when the sound wave hits a surface.
Sound absorption It is the portion of the
sound energy that is not returned when a sound
wave hits a surface.
Standing Waves A standing wave is originated
from the interaction of two sound waves with
equal frequency and amplitude but travelling in
opposite directions. Unlike the travelling waves,
the standing waves do not cause a net transport
of energy, since the two waves that form it are
carrying equal energy in opposite directions.
The resulting wave (standing wave) alternates
between maximum and zero amplitude.
Room Modes At specific frequencies, called
room resonance frequencies, standing waves
are created within rooms. These frequencies
depend on the dimension and shape of
the room. The group of these resonance
frequencies are normally referred as room
modes. When a sound source generates sound
with frequencies equal or close to the room
resonance frequencies, the room response
will be enhanced and patterns of maximum
pressure levels and minimum pressure levels
will be originated. The shape of these patterns
differs with room resonance frequency.
Flutter Echoes Repeated sound reflections
caused by sound waves travelling between
parallel reflective surfaces such as walls.

Sound diffusion Sound diffusion occurs when

a sound wave hits a complex surface such as a
diffuser and its energy is distributed in many
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directions and not in a preferable defined

direction.

First Reflections Normally defined as the sound

reflections that reach the listener position up to
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around 20ms after the direct sound.

White Paper
 Control Rooms

// Vicoustic Project Support //

Our team of engineers and designers is ready to assist you
Our Team is able to answer your technical queries and provide the necessary product documentation and
implementation details. The Team includes Senior Acoustic Engineers and Designers, with a decade-long
experience.
In addition, our Research Department is also available to develop customized products to satisfy your needs.
Vicoustic works with the most advanced hardware and software tools available, this allows us to accurately
simulate the finalized acoustic performance of your room. Together, we can provide reliable and effective
recommendations, products and support services throughout the whole project process from conception
through to completion.
In collaboration with our worldwide partners, you will find examples of completed installations for Sony, BBC,
Microsoft, ITV, Clarion, SIS, Unilever, Ralph Lauren, and many, many more.

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All prices in this document are examples and may vary over time and in any specific market. Please contact your local Vicoustic dealer for exact pricing.

Copyright 2017 by Vicoustic. No parts of this document might be copied and/or published without the written consent of Vicoustic.
Office Rua Quinta do Bom Retiro N16, Armazm 9 . 2820 690 Charneca da Caparica . Portugal Tel +351 212 964 100 Fax +351 212 964 101

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Info and Sales: sales@vicoustic.com | Project Department: projects@vicoustic.com | Marketing Department: marketing@vicoustic.com

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Copyright 2017 by Vicoustic. No parts of this document might be copied and/or published without the written consent of Vicoustic.