Knowing the difference between an acoustic consultant and an acoustic engineer is vital in sound and vibration. Let’s compare these jobs to understand their distinctive contributions to acoustics.
Acoustic consultant’s job:
Acoustics consultants examine site and space sound, vibration, and reverberation. They educate clients about their predicament and suggest changes.
They use specialised testing equipment to achieve their goal. They identify noise sources and determine site reverberation durations using these experiments. They write a report with their findings and suggestions.
Acoustic consultants are crucial to project planning and development. They analyse building processes, plants, and other facilities that may be noisy to assist clients in complying with local noise restrictions. They also help architects and mechanical engineers. Acoustic consultants may advise on soundproofing and sound quality while designing architectural spaces and HVAC systems.
Common tasks include:
- Accurately measuring sound levels using sophisticated equipment.
- Modelling data for visual presentations.
- Identifying the source of noise.
- Summarise challenges and provide mitigation strategies.
- Customise solutions for aesthetic appeal.
- Organise ideas and data for grant and job applications.
- Communicate design requirements and technical details.
- Assess the impact of sound on the environment, people, animals, and equipment.
- Determine design requirements to limit unwanted sound and meet building regulations.
- Utilise expertise in sound-absorbing treatments.
- Create 3D illustrations and models using engineering tools and CAD technologies.
- Experienced with local construction inspections, permits, and laws.
- Gain insight into environmental elements affecting sound levels.
- Opt for noise-absorbing systems over outdated sound-reflecting ones.
- Conduct research and offer conferences on the latest data and therapies.
When to hire a consultant?
An acoustic consultant may be an excellent long-term investment. Many companies desire deliberate acoustics in new expansions to create a pleasant workplace. Cities and municipalities may employ a consultant to assess building site noise. Each project and demand is unique.
Acoustic consultants may be too expensive for small to medium-sized organisations. However, they may desire to increase the acoustics of their space. Acoustical specialists can help with that.
Acoustic Engineer:
As an acoustic engineer, you specialise in studying sound and vibration (physics). They reduce noise and vibration that may harm people and enhance the acoustic environment. Acoustic engineering helps environmental, industrial, architectural, manufacturing, entertainment, and transportation industries.
Noise in Manufacturing:
Acoustics are crucial for many everyday objects, including cars, trains, aircraft, motorbikes, lawnmowers, appliances, and more.
The acoustical engineer reduces product noise or improves soundproofing. For instance, due to acoustic engineering, certain automobiles are highly soundproofed from road noise. Consumers will spend extra on a quiet dishwasher in the kitchen, for example.
Acoustic engineers may change the product’s sound quality to enhance user experience. A premium automobile door must create a loud thud to convey solidity, or a car purposefully lets in engine sound to convey power. The acoustical engineer will use psychoacoustics in these cases.
Finally, acoustic consultants and engineers differ in their duties and contributions to acoustics. Acoustic consultants analyse and offer ways to improve sound environments at sites and places, whereas acoustic engineers study sound and vibration to reduce noise and enhance sound environments across sectors. You must understand their specific skills and duties to use each function successfully in diverse projects and sectors.
