1. What is RT60?

RT60 (Reverberation Time 60) is the time required for the sound pressure level in a room to decrease by 60 dB after the sound source has stopped. It's a key acoustic parameter for large spaces like concert halls, auditoriums, and cathedrals.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Sabine equation for large rooms:

Where:

• \( RT60 \) — Reverberation time in seconds
• \( V \) — Volume of the room in cubic meters (m³)
• \( A \) — Total absorption in square meters (m²)

Explanation: The equation shows that reverberation time is directly proportional to room volume and inversely proportional to the total absorption in the room.

3. Importance of RT60 Calculation

Details: Proper RT60 is crucial for speech intelligibility and musical quality. Different room types require different RT60 values - speech rooms need shorter times (0.5-1.2s) while concert halls need longer (1.5-2.5s).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter room volume in cubic meters and total absorption in square meters. Both values must be positive numbers. For accurate results, measure or calculate absorption carefully.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between big and small room calculations?
A: The 0.16 constant is for metric units in large rooms. Small rooms may need different approaches due to modal behavior.

Q2: How do I calculate total absorption (A)?
A: Sum the absorption coefficients of all surfaces multiplied by their areas, plus absorption from people and furnishings.

Q3: What's a good RT60 for a concert hall?
A: Typically 1.5-2.5 seconds, depending on the size and type of music performed.

Q4: Does temperature affect RT60?
A: Yes, sound travels faster in warmer air, which can slightly affect reverberation times.

Q5: When is this equation not accurate?
A: In very small rooms, very dead rooms (A approaches V), or rooms with uneven absorption distribution.