Sound begins with vibrations; waves in the air that vibrate back and forth. But the sound is not the same as hearing. When these vibrations reach the ear, they are converted into electronic signals that the brain understands as the sense of hearing. Wind, for example, has no inherent sound. Only when the wind collides with a physical object and makes it vibrate can we hear it.

All sounds are vibrations; there is no physical difference between a noise and a pleasant sound. The difference lies in how the listener responds to these sounds. In other words, noise is any sound that you don’t want to hear. Our brain can differentiate between noise and non-noise and automatically focus on the sounds we want to hear. For example, if you are attentive to a specific person’s voice in a noisy situation, your brain focuses on their voice and can reduce background noises. Specialists call this phenomenon “listener intention.”

Acoustic insulation or soundproofing consists of limiting the transmission of sound between two environments. It avoids noise pollution that occurs when sound waves pass from one domain to another. For example, soundproofing prevents the entry of outside noise into the interior, as in a house next to a highway, or that the interior sound goes outside, as in the soundproofing of a factory.

Sound absorption, or sound absorption correction, consists of improving acoustic comfort and mitigating reverberation. It is necessary for large interiors, where there is a phenomenon of echo or reverberation, such as in busy workplaces, bars, restaurants, etc. Acoustic absorption serves both to reduce ambient noise and to provide better sound clarity.

Acoustic barriers, such as those installed by Sound Fighter Systems, are used outdoors to reduce noise pollution from roads, industrial activities, machinery, dampen aircraft take-off noise, among other open field applications.

Sound waves are transmitted through the air, arriving directly at the receiver. When an acoustic barrier is installed, part of the noise is reflected. They are manufactured with absorbent materials on the inside and acrylic or polycarbonate on the outside, which generate a kind of acoustic shadow depending on the frequency, resulting in decreased noise levels.

To be effective, acoustic barriers must be placed as close as possible to the noise source. Therefore, advice from noise control experts, such as Sound Fighter Systems, is required to conduct a noise measurement program to determine whether sound walls are the most suitable option and where they should be installed.

Characteristics of sound barriers:

• Adaptability to any place where they are installed thanks to the fact that they are modular, so their installation is quick and easy.
• Lightweight, removable and relocatable.
• High sound absorption.
• They can be installed horizontally and vertically, according to the application’s needs.
• They reduce noise perception to levels that comply with health and safety standards in workplaces where noise is generated.
• Eliminate discomfort caused by noise from industrial activities or vehicular traffic on highways.
• They are resistant to weather and extreme conditions such as heat, cold, rain, snow, wind, hail, snow, and ice, without rusting, rotting, or staining.
• They do not require maintenance.
• They help to restrict pedestrian passage in prohibited areas.
• They offer pleasing aesthetics, even in construction zones.
• Acoustic walls are an obstacle between a noise-emitting source and an affected area, thus controlling noise impact and potential hearing damage to workers and the general population.