Acoustics can sometimes seem baffling (pun intended), but this interactive four-hour workshop makes it approachable, practical, and fun. We’ll begin by defining what sound is and exploring the building blocks of acoustics — waveforms, decibels, and frequency — to create a clear understanding of how sound behaves. From there, we’ll move into essential concepts such as reflections, absorption, diffusion, and refraction, and examine how these phenomena shape the sonic character of different spaces. Participants will also learn about key acoustic parameters including reverberation time, sound transmission classification, transmission loss, and speech intelligibility, while gaining insight into how mathematical principles describe the propagation of sound — without needing a degree in rocket science.

In the second half, we’ll dive into the practical side of acoustics. Attendees will explore the effects of distance and room geometry on sound behavior and learn how to select and apply acoustic treatments effectively — understanding when, where, and why to use absorption, diffusion, and isolation to improve clarity and comfort. The session concludes with an introduction to acoustic measurements, including how to capture and interpret data using common tools and software. Participants will leave with the skills and confidence to integrate acoustics into their AV design and troubleshooting workflows.