Laboratory Sound Tests vs. Field Sound Tests
Sound Test data is frequently used to show how a specific acoustic solution will perform. However, caution is required when using this data because it can be presented in two different forms. Laboratory sounds tests are often used to show performance but these tests are not as reliable as field sound tests conducted onsite. This is because a laboratory sound test only tests the system in a perfect environment, where no flanking sound exists. Consequently, acousticians only use laboratory sound test as an indicator of performance and would not generally expect products to perform to that standard onsite. A field sound test provides a true reflection of performance, because there will be some degree of flanking sound onsite and gives the realistic performance that can be expected from the system being tested. Therefore, when specifying a specific acoustic solution, always check Field Test data and not just Laboratory tests.
