Echo Reduction in a Historic Meeting Hall with Acoustical Panels

Echo Reduction in a Historic Meeting Hall with Acoustical Panels

We were recently contacted about a sound issue inside a historic meeting hall built in 1926. Over the years, the hall had been renovated multiple times, but the echo and reverberation problems remained, making it difficult to hear during town meetings and daily events. The building owner mentioned that when the hall was full, sound bounced off the hard surfaces, amplifying noise and making speech unintelligible.

Assessing the Reverberation Problem

To find the best solution, we conducted an on-site acoustic consultation, measuring the room, noting the wall and ceiling materials, and taking reference photos. This data allowed us to calculate the reverberation time, which is crucial for designing an echo reduction strategy.

The results showed an excessive reverberation time of 3.95 seconds, far above the ideal range for clear speech intelligibility. To bring the reverb time down to 1.0 seconds, we determined that 810 square feet of 2-inch REVRB acoustical panels were needed.

Custom Acoustical Panel Layout with Fabric-Wrapped Panels

Once we identified the necessary acoustic treatment, we collaborated with the building owner to create a custom panel layout that provided optimal echo absorption while maintaining the hall’s historic appearance. The final design called for 35 fabric-wrapped acoustical panels, with almost all of them installed on the ceiling to maximize sound control while keeping them out of direct sight.

Overcoming Challenges: Fire Permits & Scheduling

Due to the building’s age, we had to secure a fire inspection permit before installation. However, because our REVRB panels are Class-A fire-rated, they met all safety regulations and passed inspection without issue. Another challenge was scheduling the acoustical panel installation around the hall’s busy meeting calendar. After coordinating with the owner, we found a time that worked for both parties.

Efficient Soundproofing Installation Process

Once all permits were approved, our team completed the acoustic panel installation in just two days. We carefully staged the panels, mounted all 810 square feet of fabric-wrapped panels onto the ceiling, and ensured a professional finish. The transformation was immediate—echo and reverberation were dramatically reduced, improving speech clarity and making the space more functional for meetings and daily use.

Enhance Your Space with Professional Acoustical Panels

If your meeting hall, office, auditorium, or commercial space suffers from excessive echo, reverberation issues, or poor acoustics, we can help. Our team specializes in acoustical panel installation, soundproofing solutions, and echo reduction using high-performance fabric-wrapped panels and REVRB acoustical panels.

Contact us today to improve the sound quality of your space with the right acoustic treatment!