In a control, monitoring, or command room, operators must remain alert for hours on end, sometimes around the clock. However, background noise, reverberation, and nearby conversations directly impair concentration, accelerate cognitive fatigue, and increase the risk of human error. Addressing acoustics is not a matter of comfort: it is a cornerstone of operational reliability, just like lighting or the ergonomics of the control console.
This article explains how to assess the acoustics of a control room, how to choose between soundproofing and acoustic treatment, and how SOA structures its projects as a consulting firm—from initial measurements to final acceptance with a performance guarantee.
Why Acoustics Are Critical in a Control Room
A control room (CSU, CODIS, CTA-CODIS, crisis room, industrial supervision center, energy dispatch center) brings together screens, radios, telephone communications, technical ventilation systems, and multiple operators in what is often an open-plan space. Three factors come into play:
- Cognitive masking: Continuous background noise forces the brain to constantly filter out distractions, which consumes some of its attentional resources.
- Reduced intelligibility: Radio conversations or critical communications become harder to understand, which can lead to requests for repetition and slow down decision-making.
- Fatigue and stress: Prolonged exposure to a poorly controlled acoustic environment is a recognized cause of auditory fatigue and chronic stress, especially for night shift workers.
ISO 11064-6 (Ergonomic design of control centers — Environmental requirements) identifies the acoustic environment as one of the parameters that must be controlled when designing a control center, on par with air quality, thermal conditions, and lighting.
Soundproofing vs. Acoustic Treatment: Understanding the Difference
The first mistake we see in control room projects is addressing only one of the two issues, even though they are complementary.
Soundproofing: preventing noise from entering or escaping
Sound insulation addresses sound transmission between two spaces. It applies to partitions, doors, windows, floors, and utility shafts. Its primary measure isthe sound reduction index(Rw), expressed in decibels: the higher the value, the more effectively the wall blocks sound.
In a control room, the goal is typically to achieve a good level of sound insulation between:
- the operations room and technical facilities (chillers, UPS systems, servers),
- the control room and the hallways or break areas,
- two adjacent crisis response centers that must be able to operate simultaneously without interfering with one another.
Acoustic treatment: controlling sound within a room
Acoustic correction addresses internal reverberation —that is, the way sound bounces off walls before fading away. Its primary indicator is the reverberation timeT60 (or RT60), expressed in seconds: this is the time it takes for a sound to decrease by 60 dB after it stops.
Absorbent materials are characterized by their absorption coefficientαw, which ranges from 0 (total reflection) to 1 (total absorption).
Why You Need Both
A room that is perfectly insulated but lacks acoustic treatment creates an uncomfortable “boxy” feeling, where even the slightest conversation echoes. Conversely, a room with good acoustic treatment but poor insulation constantly lets in noise from neighboring spaces. The role of an acoustic engineering firm is to address both aspects simultaneously, in line with the room’s actual use.
Key metrics to know before launching a project
- T60 (reverberation time): an indicator of acoustic comfort in the room.
- αw (weighted absorption coefficient): the performance of an absorptive material.
- Rw (weighted sound reduction index): the insulation performance of a wall.
- LAeq: equivalent average sound level in the room, measured in dB(A).
- STI (Speech Transmission Index): a measure of speech intelligibility on a scale from 0 to 1; critical when operators communicate with each other or via radio.
During a project, these indicators are measured before (initial assessment) and after (final acceptance), which allows a design firm to commit to a quantifiable result rather than a qualitative promise.
The 3-Step SOA Method
SOA approaches every control room project using the same methodology, regardless of the site’s size—from a municipal control center to an international airport control center.
Step 1 — On-site assessment
Our acousticians visit the site to assess the actual conditions:T60 by octave band, background noise level, identification of dominant sources (ventilation, IT equipment, foot traffic), and documentation of walls and their materials. The assessment results in a report that lists the acoustic weaknesses of the existing space or the proposed plans.
Step 2 — Modeling and Recommendations
The collected data is used to create a model that allows for the virtual testing of various scenarios: adding sound-absorbing panels to the ceiling, treating partitions, replacing glazing, and separating noisy areas. Each scenario is quantified in terms of expected performance (improvement inT60, improvement inRw) and budget. The client makes decisions based on comparable scenarios, not on promises.
Step 3 — Implementation and Validation Through Measurement
SOA coordinates the installation and then conducts a final inspection to verify that the target performance levels have been met. If any discrepancies are found, they are addressed before final delivery. This validation step is what sets an engineering firm apart from a mere supplier of acoustic panels.
Acoustic treatment strategies in the control room
Treat the source before treating the part
The first step in a good plan isn’t to buy sound-absorbing panels—it’s to reduce emissions at the source. This involves:
- operator consoles designed to minimize mechanical noise (controlled ventilation, quiet cable routing, cushioned cable glands),
- a selection of IT and ventilation equipment with certified low noise levels,
- a layout that keeps noisy workstations away from critical listening stations.
Wall-mounted sound absorbers and acoustic ceilings
Ceiling absorbers (baffles, islands, panels) are often the most effective solution in a control room, because they target the largest reflective surface. Wall treatments, particularly behind monitors and on parallel walls, complement the system to prevent flutter echoes and other echoes.
Zones
In a large open-plan space (such as a multi-purpose control room or multi-operator supervision center), acoustic partitions—whether glass, solid, or a combination of both—allow for spatial separation without blocking the view. They are essential when activities with different noise levels are carried out side by side (such as a crisis response center and day-to-day operations, for example).
Furniture and windows: choices that matter
Desks, chairs, curtains, carpets, and windows all contribute to the room’s acoustic performance. Acoustic laminated glass, highly absorbent carpet tiles, or a sound-treated box-style desk can measurably change a room’sT60.
Acoustic consulting firm: a commitment, not just a suggestion
For sensitive projects—such as CSU, CODIS, energy dispatch centers, and crisis rooms—SOA acts as an integrated acoustic engineering firm. This means three things:
- A single point of contact who is responsible for the acoustic outcome, from assessment to final acceptance.
- A detailed specification with quantified targets forT60,Rw,LAeq, and STI, rather than vague terms such as “improved comfort.”
- A mutual acceptance procedure that objectively verifies performance. In the event of a discrepancy, corrective measures are incorporated into the contract.
This approach is consistent with the requirements of ISO 11064 and with the specifications for public contracts for urban monitoring centers, where the acoustic environment is one of the criteria for operational suitability.
FAQ — Acoustics in Control and Monitoring Rooms
What reverberation time should you aim for in a control room?
There is no single standard value, as it depends on the room’s size and its intended use. For a medium-sized control room, aT60 value significantly lower than that of a standard open-plan office is required to ensure clear communication and minimize fatigue. The target value is determined on a project-by-project basis during the assessment.
Soundproofing or acoustic treatment: where to start?
Through diagnosis. Until we’ve measured the background noise, determined theT60, and identified the dominant sources, we can’t decide whether the problem is primarily one of insulation (outside noise entering the space) or one of acoustic treatment (sound reverberating inside). In most of the projects we handle, both issues need to be addressed.
Are acoustic panels enough?
No. Absorptive panels only address internal sound correction. They will not prevent noise from a neighboring equipment room from passing through an inadequately insulated partition, nor will they reduce noise emitted by consoles or equipment. A comprehensive acoustic strategy combines source control, room correction, and sound insulation.
What standard applies to the acoustics of a control center?
The reference standard is ISO 11064-6, which addresses environmental requirements for control centers (acoustics, thermal conditions, lighting, and air quality). In France, it is supplemented by regulations applicable to workplaces and, for CSU facilities, by specifications issued by local authorities and their project management consultants.
Can the acoustics of a venue that is already in use be improved?
Yes. SOA regularly works on existing spaces where poor acoustics have become a major obstacle to workplace well-being. Our assessment identifies high-impact, low-disruption solutions—typically the addition of ceiling panels and lightweight partitions—to improve the situation without interrupting operations.
Why hire an engineering firm instead of a panel supplier?
Because a panel supplier will always sell you panels. An engineering firm, on the other hand, starts by taking measurements, determines whether the issue is related to insulation, a structural correction, the building’s foundation, or a combination of all three, and provides a detailed cost estimate. The cost of the engineering study is generally more than offset by the savings achieved by avoiding unnecessary work.
Let's work together on your project
Whether you’re designing a new control center, renovating an existing control room, or preparing technical specifications for a public contract, our acoustics experts can conduct an on-site assessment and provide a cost estimate. Request an acoustic assessment or contact our engineering department.
