Welcome to RPG Acoustical Systems, LLCs.’ new blog. Founded in 2016, we offer high-quality sound absorbing, diffusing and reflecting products to a broad-ranging clientele across different industries with a variety of needs. Suitable for a range of applications, from reducing reverberation in common spaces such as lobbies and gathering spaces to enhancing how a choir sounds and hears itself in a worship facility, RPG Acoustical Systems, LLC. offers you expertise and performance products to get the job done right. Our products are developed through a process of extensive research, which in turn fuels the design and engineering processes to ensure that our products are backed by data and that the end result is high performance and premium quality. To begin our new blog, let us examine just some of our numerous products and what industries we serve.
What is the Difference Between Diffusion and Absorption?
To understand the bulk of our products, it is important that we are able to distinguish between three concepts: absorption, diffusion and reflection. These are basic explanations, but in short: absorption occurs when a sound wave strikes a surface and some or all of the sound energy is removed, causing the sound in the room to decay faster. Absorption can be overdone, so the design should focus on removing only enough energy for the space to perform as intended, which will be different for almost every application. Studio control rooms need to be engineered very specifically with just the right amount and types of absorbing surfaces, especially low frequency absorption, whereas a library or pre-function space requires only basic reverberation control.
Diffusion occurs when a sound wave hits an optimally designed surface which breaks up the energy of the wave and sends smaller reflections in many different directions. To the average listener, diffusion added to a small room will create the effect of a larger sounding space, and when implemented into a larger room it provides a more uniform experience for all participants or audience members.
Lastly, reflection is when sound is bounced off of a flat and rigid surface with some mass and stiffness, such as solid wood, sheetrock or glass. The sound is unable to penetrate those types of surfaces so it bounces off the surface and continues its path to a next surface.
Proper acoustical design often incorporates all three of these elements. With those rudimentary explanations in mind, we can examine how those concepts influence and inform the design and production of our products.
Wood Solutions
For a natural look that carries quite a punch in terms of both effectiveness and elegance, our variety of wood solutions may be the perfect option where aesthetics are important. We carry a wide variety of absorptive wood panels, designed to either quiet or bring out the clarity in certain spaces. If you find your space is suffering from uncontrolled noise, disruptive sound reflections, and excess reverberation, our absorptive wood planks, such as our Perfecto Micro Planks, may be an ideal solution for you while still bringing the natural beauty of wood to your space.
Of course, it all depends on individual needs, and sometimes solely using absorptive products can leave your sound feeling “dead” and lacking in character. In this case, we also create diffusive wood planks such as the FlutterFree T that are intended to enhance the characteristics of the sound without removing otherwise useful sound energy.
On the other hand, we have created visually dramatic, high performance surfaces like the Diffractal. Ideal for spaces where sound quality is truly critical such as concert halls or recording spaces, the Diffractal is the first of its kind: a sound-diffusing panel that uses a fractal design philosophy.
Lighting Solutions
Typical sound solutions are opaque by nature, which could potentially cause issues and obscure lighting. Our solution to this is Clearsorber Foil, a novel micro-perforated transparent acoustical system that can offer significant amounts of absorption while maintaining see-through views or working with lighting effects. It can be used as a material for canopies or windows and is the ideal solution for spaces that need to let in natural lighting while still controlling the sound of the space.
We also create quality high-transparency diffusors, such as our Diviewsor or Omnviewsor, which offer their own sound profiles all with the added benefit of transparency.
Shape Solutions
Shape-based designs, backed by acoustical surface optimization, are some of the most unique options for sound diffusion. Take the Waveform Bicubic for example, a curvilinear 3-dimensional surface that offers broad-range sound diffusion while limiting the amount of sound that is removed through absorption due to its rigid surface and composition.
Likewise, our expertly-manufactured Harmonix K is a similar shape-based solution that offers a unique look for diffusing mid-high sounds but also controls low-frequency energy that may be problematic.
Fabric Solutions
Our fabric solutions include a complete range of economical, technically designed products such as the BAD and Broadsorbor panels. Fabric is a great option thanks to its ability to be customized, all while offering a sleek and modern design that is suitable for a number of applications.
Masonry Solutions
At RPG Acoustical Systems, LLC., we aim to be on the cutting edge of any unique acoustical solutions. That includes our DiffusorBlox, which are still the most unique acoustical CMU available today. When left in their natural state, stained, or painted, it is a highly absorptive building material that can be used within the structural walls of music, speech, and athletic facilities. Alternatively, when sealed and painted in accordance with our guidelines to reduce absorption, the DiffusorBlox are able to offer sound diffusion across a wide range of frequencies.
Color Solutions
If you are looking for surfaces that pop, RPG Acoustical Systems’ color match systems may be your best bet. Most of our products are available in a stunning number of different custom fabrics and color options so you can be sure you have the ability to create the right look for your space. There are also different options in regard to size and shape – customization is part of our DNA.
Some of our colorful acoustic solutions also include products designed to specifically address low frequencies—take for example the Modex Edge, which is designed and dedicated to absorbing deep bass frequencies and virtually eliminating modes in studio control rooms, home theaters and performance spaces.
Who Are These Systems Appropriate For?
Our products have a number of applications—from top concert halls to professional recording studios to restaurants and work spaces, there are a number of reasons one might need RPG Acoustical’s products. The list of clients who have used RPG technology is extensive, including performance halls like Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, as well as personal studios for Peter Gabriel, Whitney Houston, and Alicia Keys. RPG technology can be found in museums like the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and the Newseum. Tech giants like Facebook, Google, and Apple have RPG products working in the background of their labs and media development spaces. Notable universities such as Princeton, Cornell, and Harvard have used the technology, as well as renowned music schools including Juilliard, The Peabody Conservatory and The Berklee School of Music – even Government facilities such as the Marine Band Barracks and the Naval Academy. International worship facilities such as the Wesley Methodist Church in Singapore have improved their sound through RPG’s products.
This list of clients shows the breadth of who can benefit from our products; the government, the entertainment industry, worship facilities, educational buildings, commercial and private recording studios can all benefit from what we have to offer. If you have any kind of need for acoustical systems—with a specific need for quality manufacturing and timely delivery—RPG Acoustical Systems, LLC. is able to offer the best products in the industry.
Sounding Great With RPG Acoustical Systems, LLC.
For whatever your sound design needs, RPG Acoustical Systems, LLC. is here to provide you with products that are customized to your needs, high-quality designs that are backed by science and extensive research, and excellent customer service to help ensure you get what you need. If you have questions, take a moment to check out our contact page or reach out to us via phone at (973) 916-1166.
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