Sound Insulation Testing

Airborne sound insulation tests:

• The sound source i.e. loudspeaker is placed in source room. The loudspeaker is set up such that it generates sound with equal energy over a range of frequencies, known as pink noise.
• Using our UKAS calibrated Type 1 integrating sound level meters the sound field in both the source and receiving room is measured, usually in third octave bands over the frequency range 100 to 3.15 KHz (although measurements over a wider range of frequencies can be made).
• After the application of the appropriate corrections a level difference between the two rooms is then calculated. The level difference calculated within each third octave band are then used to calculate a weighted single number value. If appropriate, a spectrum adaptation term may also be included within the final result.

Impact sound insulation tests:

• A standardised tapping machine is placed directly onto the floor structure of the source (upper) room and is set to produce a continuous series of rapid impacts.
• The sound pressure level within the receiving (lower) room is then measured, usually in third octave bands over the frequency range 100 Hz to 3.15 KHz.
• After the appropriate corrections have been applied the levels measured within the different third octave bands are used to calculate a weighted single number value, which give measure of the impact sound insulation over the entire frequency range.