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Acoustic Baffles: Sabin Absorption

Sound absorption is a thing that can be measured, and one unit of sound absorption is known as a sabin All soundproofing materials are measured according to their sabin absorption, which dictates what type of applications they may be applied to. Acoustic baffles, which are suspended panels that hang parallel to walls, are particularly preoccupied with having high sabin absorption levels. This is because they are usually custom built for particular buildings where a certain type of sound is desired. Such a building might be an opera house, theatre, concert hall, gymnasium, indoor gun range, indoor swimming pool, indoor sports arena or hospital.

Acoustic baffles are used for noise reduction as well as improving the quality of sound in the space, which can be very important in performance contexts or areas where a person’s concentration breaking can cost someone’s life. That is also why ensuring that the perfect amount of sabin absorption is in the acoustic baffle affects the shape, size and thickness of a baffle for each individual environment. Sabin absorption measures the level of sound absorption in proportion to each square foot of material, which means the size will vary in every new environment.

The specific dimensions of acoustic baffle construction involve a core of sound absorbent material. This material may be rubber, urethane foam, rock wool, sheetrock, high mass vinyl, fiberglass, rubber, aluminum composite, glass or polyethylene, among other noise reducing materials. Usually the texture of the material is layered because this helps absorb more sound. The outside covering of an acoustic baffle is allowed mush more flexibility, which is why it is such a popular choice for public arenas. An acoustic baffle may be decorated and incorporated into the architecture of the building to the point that nobody can tell it is a sound barrier rather then an artistic addition to the building.