GIK Acoustic Panels are tested and certified.

Absorption Report

GIK Acoustic Panels are tested and certified by the Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories (RAL)TM Sound Absorption and Sound Absorption Coefficients by the Reverberation Room Method ASTM C 423-02/NVLAP 08/P03 GIK Acoustic Panels submitted to two standard acoustic test methods: ASTM "A" and "J" testing. For "A" testing the acoustic panels are placed all together flat against a surface and tested. "A" testing is the standardized testing method for the manufacturing industry. "J" testing simulates the recommended mounting of the product by the manufacturer. GIK tested two set-ups: 1) panels straddled in corners 2) panels spaced off the wall and mounted on stands. To our knowledge GIK Acoustics is the only company to provide data on both testing methods.

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Neither the ASTM, nor the ISO standard does allow discrete objects to be expressed as absorption coefficients, but explicit expresses them as sabins. Hence only the related values noted in the "GIK A mount" column are official RAL report numbers.

The 4 other absorption coefficient columns are only mentioned, feeling forced in analogy with other producers/suppliers. However the Official Laboratory will not supply such numbers since those J-mount measurements are not compatible with standard A- and E-mount measurements standard expressed as absorption coefficients.

In an acoustic laboratory absorption of sound is determined by measuring reverb decay time at specific frequencies (Hz). Reverb decay time is the time it takes for a standardized impulse sound to fall to a certain db. During a test the reverb decay time for each impulse sound is recorded in specific areas of the room and at different heights. The data of the reverberation is calculated into Sabins. Based on the Sabins numbers the absorption coefficients can be calculated. The higher a number at a given frequency the more sound is absorbed.

Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories (RAL)^TM has been accredited under the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) administers the NVLAP program. NVLAP is comprised of a series of laboratory accreditation programs, which includes specific calibration and/or test standards and related methods and protocols assembled to satisfy the unique needs for accreditation in the fields of testing or calibration. NVLAP accredits public and private laboratories based on evaluation of their technical qualifications and competency to carry out specific calibration or tests.

Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories (RAL)^TM test methods adhere to ASTM standards. Formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, ASTM International provides standards that are accepted and used in research and development, product testing, quality systems, and commercial transactions around the globe.