Home Support Acoustics Glossary Reverberation Time

What is Reverberation Time?

Reverberation Time — commonly referred to as RT60 — is the time it takes for sound to decay by 60 decibels after a sound source stops.

Why does sound linger in some rooms more than others? It’s one of the most important measurements in room acoustics, shaping how we hear speech, music, and ambient sound in different spaces. There are also shorter versions of this metric: RT20 and RT30, which measure decay over 20 dB and 30 dB ranges, respectively. These are often used in practical measurements where achieving a full 60 dB decay isn’t feasible, helping to provide accurate estimates of RT60.

Whether you’re designing a lecture hall, assessing classroom acoustics, or tuning a recording studio, reverberation time is crucial for clarity, comfort, and compliance. In this video, we break down RT60, RT20, and RT30 — what they mean, how they’re measured, and why they matter. Want more practical insight into the world of acoustics? Visit the AcSoft Knowledge Hub — packed with FAQs, guides, and expert advice on everything sound-related.

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FAQ's

Reverberation Time is critical for ensuring speech clarity, audio quality, and regulatory compliance in spaces like auditoriums, classrooms, hospitals, and industrial facilities. Excessive reverberation can reduce intelligibility or increase noise exposure, while too little can make a space sound “dead.” Acoustic standards, such as ISO 3382 and building codes, specify recommended ranges for different room types and applications.

Reverberation Time is important in Occupational Health and Safety becuase high reverberation increases background noise and can mask warning signals or alarms. Monitoring RT60 helps ensure worker safety and contributes to noise control strategies.

Auditoriums, concert halls, and recording studios require precisely tuned RT60 for optimal sound quality. Too long → sound becomes muddy; too short → sound lacks richness. Continuous monitoring allows designers to adjust materials, layouts, and diffusers for ideal acoustic performance.

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