Why the name "aQrate" Ltd. ?

In short: the name comes from the words "accurate" & "quality". Q also a general notation of quality factors in engineering... Sometimes a 007 needs some Q as well.

What is building acoustics?

A common term for engineering problems related to the built environment and how sound is transmitted and transformed between structures and rooms.
It includes airborne sound isolation, structure borne (footfall or impact noise) isolation and how all these are affected by room acoustic conditions.

What is room acoustics?

As sound travels from the source in the air, walls and objects cause a part of the incident wave to be reflected and the other part to be absorbed (or transmitted).
Reflected wave then can be reflected again, again and again... This means, that in addition to the direct sound, a large number of reflections will be also present.
Reflections will alter the perception of the original sound of the sound source, by adding (repeating) energy, emphasizing or attenuating other qualities.
The field of room acoustic engineering deals with controlling this effect.

What is room acoustic modelling?

Wave propagation and reflection can be modelled in several ways. Modelling software usually require that the user builds a purposefully simplified 3D model of the geometry of the room (or scenario). The more complex the geometry, the more surfaces need to be defined.
Architectural drawings cannot be used directly, even from 3D files. This is because architectural visualization requires less computational efforts while contains too much, acoustically irrelevant details. It is the job of the acoustician to decide, which detail will be important. Although there attempts, currently this process cannot be fully automated and requires experience (compromise between precision and efficiency).
Modelling requires also to input the acoustic properties of reflecting surfaces. This can be partly automated (model calibration to measured data), but still requires expertise in setting initial data and checking the result.
While the above seems daunting, modelling is an everyday task.

What is loudspeaker system modelling?

Built environment is modelled the same way as in room acoustics.
In addition to entering room geometry data, the user must build up the sound sources, too. Renowned companies provide loudspeaker data in known formats to be used in modelling. Again, selection and setting up loudspeaker system data requires experience. It is more difficult to set up data if loudspeaker data files are not available or are given only in proprietary formats.

What types of services aQrate Ltd. provide?

Depending on the situation, the type of service can be engineering, design, consultancy, R&D, modelling or measurement.
Modelling means that based on architectural data (drawings, photos, point clouds etc.) aQrate builds a room acoustic or electroacoustic model. Currently EASE and CATT models can be provided directly. Odeon models can be exported.
Measurement means, that certain types of acoustic measurements are carried out either on site or in laboratory. Equipment can be provided (as part of the service). Measurement can be within or beyond standard procedures, depending on the task and the requirements of the project.
Although aQrate Ltd. already established a broad range of experience and expertise, sub-contractors might be involved depending on the problem.

What engineering fields are provided?

Building acoustics (air borne sound isolation, impact/footfall noise sound isolation).
Room acoustics.
MEP (machinary, electricity, plumbing) noise & vibration isolation.
Sound system engineering (PA and PAVA systems), environmental impact.
Product development (building solutions or software solutions).

What type of acoustic measurements aQrate does?

Room acoustic measurements: ISO18233 impulse response measurement (1 channel, 2-channel binaural, 4-channel Ambisonic), evaluating ISO3382 parameters and beyond. Measured impulse responses for evaluation and auralization are provided.
Sound isolation (Dw, Rw, Lw as per relevant ISO standard in situ or in lab).
Attended noise level assessment (ISO1996 and relevant standards), rating for NR/NC/PNC etc. tolerances.
PA loudspeaker commissioning (coverage, response, STI/STIPA, SPL).

What are the general terms and conditions?

(Document will be uploaded soon...)