guests dancing on dancefloor in marquee

What Are The Different Sound Sources Found In Marquees?

  • Live Music
  • Recorded Music
  • Construction Noise
  • People Noise

Characteristics of Sound

sound waves illustration blue

Sound can be characterised by two primary variables, frequency and amplitude. The frequency defines the cycle rate of the waveform and therefore the type of sound we hear i.e. low frequency (bass), high frequency (treble), or anything in between.

Amplitude defines the loudness of the sound i.e. it is quiet or loud. Both of these characteristics will affect (a) how far the sound travels and (b) how much is absorbed by an acoustic barrier.

What Is The Local Environment?

Noise can be simply defined as any unwanted sound i.e. one man’s music, is another man’s noise. Taking personal preference out of the equation – noise pollution is therefore the impact that a sound source has upon the ambient noise level, bearing in mind that ambient noise levels vary between urban/rural, day/night etc.

Once the source, time and environment have been identified we are able to either measure or estimate it’s characteristics based on previous experience. In some instances it is possible to reduce the sound source itself, this should always be prioritised as in turn it reduces the amount of energy we need to contain.

What Time is The Sound Present?

clock illustration
With the sound characteristics established, we should consider the time at which the source is active, and the likely impact it will have upon the local environment. To put this in context, and without considering any technical regulations – in the daytime the ambient level would be louder and in the evening the ambient level would be quieter. Therefore the same sound source would have a greater impact upon the local environment in the evening as it would during the day.

Barrier Options and Lab Tests

graph illustration blue
Within our range of marquee acoustic linings we have a series of composite products, each designed to fit independent criteria. The effectiveness of each of these products has been engineered through extensive in-house R&D, followed by testing under laboratory conditions. This means that we are able to either apply these accredited characteristics, using broadband measurements (a single figure number that represents total frequency spectrum), and we are also able to define the frequency specific performance of our products in individual scenarios. This raw data is available and we will happily pass it on to acoustic industry professionals upon request.

Real World Effectiveness

Whilst laboratory testing is a vital part of identifying the performance characteristics of any acoustic product. We must also consider how effective that product will be in the “real world” – dependent on how it will be installed relative to the sound source. By incorporating an understanding of the issue and criteria that needs to be met, we are able to specify the exact acoustic barrier required to meet your brief.

Product Design

acoustic lining black outline sketch

As part of the design process we have considered the following criteria to make sure each is catered for within our product range.

Low Frequency Attenuation
Speed of Installation – for Temporary Environments
Maximum Performance Relative to Mass
Product Durability

Range Of Barriers


 MAL16 – lightweight marquee lining, high acoustic absorption, temporary events

MAL22 – mid-weight marquee lining, excellent broadband attenuation,

MAC33 – heavy-weight rigid solution, maximum low frequency attenuation, long term installation

Interested in finding out more?

Get in touch and we’ll be happy to have a chat. With over 10 years experience we’re ready to solve your noise problem!

Get in touch

Recommended Posts

New Weddings Law
Bespoke Directional Speaker Systems
Global Quieting
men in hi viz and hard hats install soundproofing on roof
Soundproofing Fundamentals