Product & System Design

Good acoustical design can change the quality of the sound generated by manufactured products or sound systems, in order to improve their perceived value, resulting in increased sales. Designers often must assess the quality, levels, frequency spectra and harmonic content of the sound that products and systems generate.

Manuacturers have discovered that products which sound "better" or more impressive (such as some automobiles, motorcycles and audio systems), or those which are quieter in operation (such as domestic appliances), are often judged as having superior quality. Acoustical performance or sound quality can therefore be used directly to enhance human response to a manufacturer's products - so much so, that many corporations have trademarked the "sound" of their products as a critical component that contributes to their quality.

Reduction of product noise levels
Enhancing the sound quality of products.
Alarm level notification compliance

Sound systems are commonly used for audio reinforcement in many types of facilities. If properly designed, they can significantly improve speech intelligibility resulting in better communications. Sound system designers may also need to evaluate the uniformity of sound coverage, speech intelligibility and dynamic range.

Sound system design
Loudspeaker design

Design Services Save HQ $$$

An NCAC member firm completed the audio-visual [AV] system design for the headquarters of a major investment brokerage firm. Project responsibility also included bid review, contractor negotiations, and construction administration.

The bids came in between $567,000 and $680,000 and were reviewed by the AV designer. In this instance, all bids met the quality and system functionality requirements, so the Owner was able to take the low bid and save $113,000.

The AV consultant also reviewed the contractor’s shop drawings, some of which included design revisions made by the contractor based on new requests from the Owner. The drawings included new equipment that was not required to meet the Owner’s new request. An $800 device, proposed for use in five different rooms, was eliminated, saving the Owner an additional $4000.