Natural Full Frequency Variable Acoustics
Variable acoustics creates a venue where both audiences and performers alike are awed at the clarity and intelligibility of the sound.
Designed for Multi-Use Facilities
Change Rooms in Less Than 35 Seconds
Diffuses as Well as Absorbs
Programmable Pre-sets for Any Situation
No “Electronic” Manipulation of Sound
Turns Gymnasiums Into Auditoriums
Revolutionary Low End Absorption
In the News
CANYON, Texas (KFDA) – West Texas A&M University put about a half million dollars into updating the Mary Moody Northen Hall to top of the line quality.
The music director at the school says it’s the first concert hall in the world to have this technology.
They installed an adjustable system designed by WTAMU alumnus Jay Purdue.
“It’s not digital, it’s not mechanical in any way, it’s not a computer adjusted sound,” said WTAMU Music Director Dr. Robert Hansen. “It’s the real sound, and the room is adjusted to accommodate the sound that you want.”
The sound of the room is manipulated by moving acoustic and sound absorbing panels.
“These units are adjustable, and they are adjustable in zones so that we can actually achieve something close to 10,000 different acoustic environments in this hall,” said Dr. Hansen.
This is an important feature when talking about the safety of the musicians and the audience.
In the past, when bands were playing, the sound was so loud from the echo that the audience would have to plug their ears.
“It’s a risk for hearing loss, so we wanted to make sure that we created an environment that is safe for our student performers on our stage, and the bonus of that, of course they are protected, but the quality and experience of the audience is going to be far superior,” said Dr. Hansen.
The new acoustics also help when trying to hold class in the auditorium. A microphone is no longer necessary to hear, and the sound is heard clearly, so you can understand each other easier.
A band director in Canyon whose students played in the concert hall says this update takes away echos in the concert hall, making it easier to hear what is being said and conduct class.
There will be a concert in September to show off the new acoustic capabilities.
Case Study
Variable Acoustics @ West Texas A&M University
Mary Moody Northern Hall
Size
572 Seat Recital Hall
& Multi-Use Facility
Results
Overall Reverb Time
Reduced from 1.9 to 1.3 &
Full Frequency Reduction
Treatment
Total 32 Variable
Acoustic Cabinets
Audience
Qty: 20 Cabinets
Closed: 3’x4′
Opened: 3’x10′
Audience
Qty: 4 Cabinets
Closed: 3’x2′
Opened: 3’x10′
Stage
Qty: 6 Cabinets
Closed: 3’x4′
Opened: 3’x10′
More News
“No one involved with Northern Recital Hall can envision its impact on both artists and the arts. Gratitude that goes beyond mere words is extended to the university’s and School of Music’s administration for the vision of allowing alum Jay Perdue and Perdue Acoustics the opportunity to create the most acoustically advanced auditorium in the world!”
WT A&M Key Highlights & Takeaways
The Spread of reverberation Times- 1.3 to 1.9 seconds- the choral and organ departments have not utilized its most live setting yet and the instrumental ensembles have not utilized its most dead settings yet! Proof that it is beyond what Is desired at the discretion of university level performers.
The move in reverb Times is full Frequency, not just adjusting the mid and high frequencies as curtains and electronic reverb systems would do.
The system naturally reinforces sound to the back of the room from the stage while dampening the sound of the audience…another first in acoustics.
The center of the wall units can be adjusted for frequency as well as corner units only opened for base trapping. Another first in variable room acoustics. We have seen significant variable low frequency control all the way down to the lowest frequencies we could test @ 63 hz!
Stage, auditorium side walls, and auditorium backstage all are all operated separately for even more control to acoustically shape the room.
The stage can remain the same for both rehearsal and performance while the auditorium can be adjusted between rehearsal and performance, so the auditorium remains the same from rehearsal to performance, no matter how full or empty the auditorium is!
Full Frequency variable Acoustics is so new, we are discovering new advantages to the system continually!
Perdue Acoustics has specialized in controlling sound, eliminating echoes and loud uncontrolled noises in churches, schools, athletic facilities, and other commercial buildings all over the world for over thirty years. Our wall and ceiling acoustical treatments are years. Our wall and ceiling acoustical treatments are the highest rated in the industry in all five areas of acoustical treatment ratings (absorption, durability, aesthetics, fire protection, and value). Perdue Acoustics’ patented rockwool core products can be wrapped in fabric or vinyl to meet the aesthetic needs of any facility.
One of our primary concerns was we know we needed it dead for band, but we did not want to lose the liveness for vocal performances. We not only now have the room as dead as any band would want but its actually one tenth more live than it was before. I can’t believe it! BUT everyone in the entire school of music’s loves the sound of this auditorium.
About the Variable Acoustics Inventor
With over 25 patents and 30 years of controlling sound…Jay Perdue has changed the face of the acoustical world. Jays break-throughs, in both products and designs, has earned him rights to treat rooms for high profile companies and critical government agencies. Jay has treated facilities like the FBI and CIA. and large companies like Universal studios, Indeed, and Chase.
Not only has Jay authored several books, he has developed and taught AIA curriculum for architects continuing education as well as more advanced curriculums for sound design professionals.
Testimonials
Variable Acoustic Cut Sheet
SAG Test
Fire Protection
Compression Test
Small Object Impact Test