The acoustics of a room have a huge impact on how we hear sounds – whether it's music, human speech, or just ambient noise. Good acoustics make communication clearer and more pleasant, and sound systems sound fuller and more balanced. Whether it's a home studio, office, conference room, or living room, measuring the acoustics is the first step toward improving them.
What is room acoustics?
Acoustics describes how sound waves propagate and interact with surfaces in a given space. The main parameters that are measured are:
- Reverberation time (RT60) – how long the sound "echoes" after the source stops;
- Reflections and standing waves – sounds that bounce between walls and create a "boomy" or "hollow" sound;
- Background noise – the constant noise from equipment, ventilation, or external sources.
The better we know these indicators, the more accurately we can optimize the room.
The necessary measuring instruments
Fortunately, we no longer need expensive laboratory equipment to perform acoustic analysis. Here are a few affordable ways to do so:
a) Using a smartphone:
Modern phones have sensitive microphones that can measure sound levels and analyze reverberation using free apps such as:
- Decibel X (iOS и Android)
- AudioTools (iOS)
- REW – Room EQ Wizard (when using an external microphone)
b) Computer with microphone:
Software such as Room EQ Wizard (REW) or ARTA provides a more professional analysis. A calibrated measurement microphone (e.g., UMIK-1) is required, which connects via USB and allows calculation of RT60, frequency response, and modal resonances.
c) Simple test technique:
Even without special equipment, you can perform an indicative test – clap your hands or play a short sound (e.g., from YouTube) and listen to how long the echo lasts. If the sound lingers for a long time, the room needs acoustic treatment.
The measurement process – step by step
- Prepare the room – close the windows, turn off fans, air conditioners, and other sources of noise.
- Place the microphone – approximately at ear level, in the center of the room or in the area where people stand most often.
- Sound source – use a sweep (frequency ladder) or test signal that covers the entire sound spectrum.
- Record and analyze – the software will generate graphs showing reverberation time, frequency response, and other data.
- Interpret the results – rooms with an RT60 above 0.6–0.8 seconds sound too "echoey," while those below 0.3 seconds may sound "muffled." The optimal values depend on the purpose of the room (e.g., studio, office, or living room).
What should we do in case of "bad" results?
If measurements show long reverberation or uneven sound balance, the solution lies in acoustic treatment:
- Acoustic panels – placed on walls or ceilings to reduce reflections;
- Bass traps – placed in corners, they reduce low-frequency resonances;
- Carpets, curtains, and upholstered furniture – naturally improve acoustics, especially in a home environment;
- Diffusers – disperse sound and prevent reflections from concentrating.
Why is it important to measure the acoustics in a room?
Well-tuned acoustics:
- improves speech intelligibility in the office or conference room;
- makes music more enjoyable and realistic;
- reduces listening fatigue;
- creates a feeling of comfort and professionalism.
Even small adjustments—such as a few panels or the correct placement of furniture—can drastically change the sound experience. Measuring acoustics is now accessible to everyone—with a little technology and patience, you can get an objective idea of the sound in your home or office. And once you know the acoustic characteristics of the room, you can achieve clearer, more balanced, and more pleasant sound comfort without investing in expensive equipment.
