Ansi s12.2 Low-Frequency

ANSI/ASA S12.
2-2008
(Revision of ANSI S12.2-1995)
AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD
Criteria for Evaluating Room Noise
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ANSI/ASA S12.2-2008
Accredited Standards Committee S12, Noise
Standards Secretariat
Acoustical Society of America
35 Pinelawn Road, Suite 114 E
Melville, NY 11747-3177
Copyright Acoustical Society of America

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ANSI/ASA S12.2-2008
90
80
70
sound pressure level (dB re: 20 μPa)
60 RNC-70
RNC-65
50 RNC-60
RNC-55
40 RNC-50
RNC-45
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30 RNC-40
RNC-35
20 RNC-30
RNC-25
10 RNC-20
RNC-15
0 RNC-10
16 31.5 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 16000
octave-band center frequency (Hz)
Figure A.2 — The spectrum of Example 2 plotted on the RNC curves. In this example sound
exhibits 15-dB peak-to-peak sinusoidal surging and large turbulence. The standard deviation
of the sound level in the 3-band sum combined 16, 31.5 and 63-Hz octave bands is 3.1 dB.
Using the tangent method, the highest RNC curve is contacted by the 31.5-Hz octave band and
has a value of RNC-44. So this spectrum is reported as an RNC-44 (31.5 Hz). The correction
factor of 11.3 dB that is added to the measured LEQ in the 31.5-Hz octave band changes this
spectrum from an RNC-25 (250 Hz) to an RNC-44 (31.5 Hz).
©2008 Acoustical Society of America – All rights reserved 23

ANSI/ASA S12.2-2008
Annex B
(informative)
A discussion of the criteria
B.1 Discussion of RC, NC, and NCB criteria curves

The previous version of ANSI S12.2-1995, American National Standard Criteria for Evaluating Room
Noise, presented two sets of room noise criteria curves: one termed NCB and the other RC. The NCB
criterion curves were derived from the characteristics of hearing to be consistent with equal loudness
curves and to be consistent with subjective responses. The RC criterion curves are parallel lines with
a –5 dB per octave slope that goes through the stated RC value in the 1000-Hz octave band and,
because of lower designated levels in the low-frequency bands, are designed to protect against the
effects of slowly fluctuating low-frequency noise.
The RC curves were derived from an experimental study of the noise in 68 offices where the heating,
ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems were the source of noise and where there were no
complaints by the occupants about the HVAC noise [6]. This meant that speech communication was
satisfactory in each type of office measured, and there were no complaints of rumble (excessive noise
in low-frequency bands) or hiss (excessive noise in high-frequency bands). The levels in these offices
were all rated acceptable and the range represented was 40 to 50 dB, measured using A-weighting,
which corresponds to a mid-frequency average level LMF of 32.5 to 42.5 dB. The occupants were
subjected to no other significant sources of noise, either from outdoors, e.g., traffic, or from
themselves or from equipment inside or outside the rooms. (Annex C presents more information on
RC.)
The original NC curves (from which the NCB curves are extensions) were based on measurements
made in offices at a university, an aluminum manufacturing company, an electronic equipment
company, and a U.S. Air Force repair base. The most extensive data were taken in the USAF facility
where a wide range of noise levels in rooms where speech communication was necessary was
available. The NC curves were published in 1956 [1]. The complete NC study was published in 1957
[2]. The speech interference levels calculated from the measured levels in the rooms investigated
ranged from 25 to 75 dB.
Those studies revealed that freedom from interference with speech communication (face-to-face and
telephonic) appropriate to that type of space was the most important requirement by the occupants.
Thus, the first requirement in rating seriousness of a noise was whether the SIL was appropriate for
the space under consideration.
Those studies also revealed that even when the SIL was satisfactory for a particular type of space,
complaints were found whenever the loudness level in phons, LL [1], of the overall spectrum was in
excess of about 23 units above the SIL. Thus, the NC curves were constructed by assuming that the
shape of the criterion curves should approximate that of the equal loudness level contours; i.e., the
levels should rise monotonically at low frequencies and decrease to some extent at high frequencies.
The NC curves were extended to SIL levels of 15 to 20 dB later by successful application throughout
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the world to hundreds of concert halls and rooms for music reproduction [5].
The NCB curves [4] were derived assuming that (a) the LL minus 23 of the original NC curves had to
hold approximately, and (b) the shape of each curve was actually determined by the loudness in
sones of each critical band in the noise associated with that curve was equal. The rating number on
the NCB curves (and now the NC curves) is equal to the American National Standard speech
24 ©2008 Acoustical Society of America – All rights reserved

ANSI/ASA S12.2-2008
interference level, SIL, which is 1 to 2 dB lower than LMF depending on the spectrum shape. The
finding that the NCB curves so obtained are nearly identical to the NC curves of the same rating
number produced the logic necessary to extend them downward in frequency to the bands with mid-
frequencies of 31.5 and 16 Hz. By the same logic, the NC curves herein have been extended down to
16 Hz. Also, the original octave-band limiting frequencies for the NC curves were replaced by the
currently standard octave-band center frequencies with different limiting frequencies. The NCB curves
of ANSI S12.2-1995 have not come into general use. Instead, it has been found that the NC curves of
this standard are in widespread use and that their users prefer to continue with them.
These two sets of room criteria curves, RC and NC (NCB), are based on data and theory, and each is
correct for a specific set of situations. They depart most markedly from one another at low
frequencies and low sound levels. The RC curves, when arbitrarily applied, “penalize” a well-designed
HVAC system such as the type that is usually found in concert halls or similar spaces. Although in
such spaces there is no need to consider (non-existent) fluctuations and surging, the RC criterion
could require 10 dB or more of unnecessary and highly expensive noise quieting at low frequencies.
On the other hand, the NC curves set criteria levels that are based on “well-behaved” HVAC
systems—systems where turbulence generation is minimized and fan surging does not exist. As such,
these criteria do not automatically protect the user from acoustically poor systems.
B.2 Discussion of RNC criteria curves

The new RNC curves provide a procedure to be used when strong turbulence or sound surging is
present at low frequencies. Unlike RC and NCB curves, the RNC curves use a tangency method to
derive the RNC value. Also, both the NCB and RC methods include a rating that is supposed to
describe the spectral makeup of the sound with terms such as "neutral," “hissy,” or “rumbly.”
However, there are inconsistent results when the RC and NCB rumble and hiss criteria are employed
to evaluate the spectral balance of the same measured spectra [14]. For this reason, the RNC and
NC methods of this standard do not include such spectral descriptions since, at this time, there is no
consensus on how they should be included. However, both descriptors are appended by the tangency
frequency, e.g., RNC-35 (31.5 Hz).

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ANSI/ASA S12.2-2008
Annex C
(informative)
Recommended noise level criteria for various occupied activity areas
C.1 Recommended A-weighted criteria

A-weighted sound levels suitable for typical room types may be determined from Table C.1.
Table C.1 — A-weighted (unoccupied) sound level criteria for rooms of various uses [15, p. 890]
Occupancy A-weighted sound level
Small auditoriums (≤500 seats) 35-39
Large auditoriums, large drama theaters, and large churches (for 30-35
very good speech articulation) (>500 seats)
TV and broadcast studios (close microphone pickup only) 16-35
Legitimate theaters 30-35
Private residences:
Bedrooms 35-39
Apartments 39-48
Family rooms and living rooms 39-48
Schools:
Lecture and classrooms
core learning space with enclosed volume 35
<566 cu m(≤ 20,000 cu ft)
core learning space with enclosed volume 40
>566 cu m(> 20,000 cu ft)
Open-plan classrooms 35
Hotels/motels:
Individual rooms or suites 39-44
Meeting/banquet rooms 35-44
Service support areas 48-57
Office buildings:
Offices
executive 35-44
small, private 44-48
large, with conference tables 39-44
Conference rooms
large 35-39
small 39-44
Open-plan areas 44-48

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ANSI/ASA S12.2-2008
Occupancy A-weighted sound level
Business machines, computers 48-53

Public circulation 48-57
Hospitals and clinics

Private rooms 35-39
Wards 39-44
Operating rooms 35-44
Laboratories 44-53
Corridors 44-53
Public areas 48-52
Movie theaters 39-48
Churches, small 39-44
Courtrooms 39-44
Libraries 44-48
Restaurants 48-52
Light maintenance shop, industrial plant control rooms, kitchens, 52-62

and laundries
Shops and garages 57-67
C.2 Recommended NC and RNC criteria

NC and RNC values suitable for typical room types may be determined from Table C.2.
Table C.2 — NC and RNC (unoccupied) criteria values for rooms of various uses [15, p. 891]
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Recommended NC and RNC
Occupancy criteria curve
Recording studios See Annex E
Concert halls, opera houses, and recital halls (listening to faint 15-18
musical sounds)
Small auditoriums (≤500 seats) 25-30
Large auditoriums, large drama theaters, and large churches 20-25

(for very good speech articulation) (>500 seats)
TV and broadcast studios (close microphone pickup only) 15-25
Legitimate theaters 20-25

ANSI/ASA S12.2-2008

Private residences:
Bedrooms 25-30
Apartments 30-40
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Family rooms and living rooms 30-40
Schools:
Lecture and classrooms
core learning space with enclosed volume 25-30
<566 cu m(≤ 20,000 cu ft)
core learning space with enclosed volume 30-35
>566 cu m(> 20,000 cu ft)
Open-plan classrooms 25-30
Hotels/motels:
Individual rooms or suites 30-35
Meeting/banquet rooms 25-35
Service support areas 40-50
Office buildings:
Offices
executive 25-35
small, private 35-40
large, with conference tables 30-35
Conference rooms
large 25-30
small 30-35
Open-plan areas 35-40
Business machines, computers 40-45
Public circulation 40-50
Hospitals and clinics

Private rooms 25-30
Operating rooms 25-35
Laboratories 35-45
Corridors 35-45
Public areas 40-45
Movie theaters 30-40
Churches, small 30-35
Courtrooms 30-35
Libraries 35-40
Restaurants 40-45
Light maintenance shop, industrial plant control rooms, 45-55

ANSI/ASA S12.2-2008

kitchens, and laundries
Shops and garages 50-60
In lightweight ceilings, ductwork, lighting fixtures, doors and windows that are exposed to the levels
that exceed those given in Table 6 for “moderately perceptible rattle,” noise-induced vibrations and
rattles can be expected, with moderate probability.
In lightweight ceilings, ductwork, lighting fixtures, doors and windows that are exposed to levels that
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exceed those given in Table 6 for “clearly perceptible rattle,” noise-induced vibrations and rattles can
be expected, with high probability.

ANSI/ASA S12.2-2008
Annex D
(informative)
RC Mark II
D.1 Introduction
The RC curves were derived from an experimental study of the noise in 68 offices where the heating,
ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems were the source of noise and where there were no
complaints by the occupants about the HVAC noise [6]. This meant that speech communication was
satisfactory in each type of office measured, and there were no complaints of rumble (excessive noise
in low-frequency bands) or hiss (excessive noise in high-frequency bands). The levels in these offices
were all rated acceptable and the range represented was 40 to 50 dB, measured using A-weighting,
which corresponds to a mid-frequency average level LMF of 32.5 to 42.5 dB. Apparently, the
occupants were subjected to no other significant sources of noise, either from outdoors, e.g., traffic, or
from themselves or from equipment inside or outside the rooms.
The RC criterion curves given in Table D.1 and shown in Figure D.1 were derived for use in the design
of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in office buildings, dwelling units, and the
like [6], [7], where the desired mid-frequency levels LMF are in the range of 25 to 50 dB. It is assumed
that there are no sources of noise other than that of the HVAC system. The cited study did not include
noise environments considered marginal or unacceptable by the occupants, and thus the levels are
representative of well-designed and properly installed HVAC systems for contemporary building
structures. Each RC criterion curve bears a rating number equal to the mid-frequency average level
LMF which also equals the value at 1000 Hz.
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D.2 Room criterion curves

The Mark II Room Criterion (RC) curves shown in Figure D.1 are defined for the octave bands from
Band No. 12 (16 Hz) through Band No. 39 (8000 Hz) by a set of curves with a constant slope of
-5 dB/octave except that curve values in Band No. 12 (16 Hz) are equal to those in Band No. 15
(31.5 Hz) [7]. Each curve is designated by its value at 1000 Hz (Band No. 30). The values of the RC
curves are tabulated by octave-band mid-frequency and band number in Table D.1. The RC curves
and their use to rate sound level spectra, together with the Quality Assessment Index (QAI) comprise
the RC Mark II method.
D.3 Spectrum classification
D.3.1 Neutral spectrum (N)
A neutral spectrum is such that the levels in Band No. 27 (500 Hz) and below do not exceed the RC
curve corresponding to a sound level spectrum by more than 5 dB; and the spectrum levels in Band
No. 30 (1000 Hz) and higher do not exceed the corresponding RC curve by more than 3 dB.
Only a neutral (N) spectrum should be normally acceptable as a specification.

ANSI/ASA S12.2-2008
Table D.1 — Mark II room criteria (RC) curves
Octave-band center frequency in Hz

16 31.5 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 A-Wt.
RC-25 55 55 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 32
RC-26 55 55 46 41 36 31 26 21 16 11 33
RC-27 55 55 47 42 37 32 27 22 17 12 34
RC-28 55 55 48 43 38 33 28 23 18 13 35
RC-29 55 55 49 44 39 34 29 24 19 14 36
RC-30 55 55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 37
RC-31 56 56 51 46 41 36 31 26 21 16 38
RC-32 57 57 52 47 42 37 32 27 22 17 39
RC-33 58 58 53 48 43 38 33 28 23 18 40
RC-34 59 59 54 49 44 39 34 29 24 19 41
RC-35 60 60 55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 42
RC-36 61 61 56 51 46 41 36 31 26 21 43
RC-37 62 62 57 52 47 42 37 32 27 22 44
RC-38 63 63 58 53 48 43 38 33 28 23 45
RC-39 64 64 59 54 49 44 39 34 29 24 46
RC-40 65 65 60 55 50 45 40 35 30 25 47
RC-41 66 66 61 56 51 46 41 36 31 26 48
RC-42 67 67 62 57 52 47 42 37 32 27 49
RC-43 68 68 63 58 53 48 43 38 33 28 50
RC-44 69 69 64 59 54 49 44 39 34 29 51
RC-45 70 70 65 60 55 50 45 40 35 30 52
RC-46 71 71 66 61 56 51 46 41 36 31 53
RC-47 72 72 67 62 57 52 47 42 37 32 54
RC-48 73 73 68 63 58 53 48 43 38 33 55
RC-49 74 74 69 64 59 54 49 44 39 34 56
RC-50 75 75 70 65 60 55 50 45 40 35 57
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ANSI/ASA S12.2-2008
90
80
Region A
Clearly perceptible vibration and rattle likely
Moderately perceptible vibration and rattle likely
70
Region B
sound pressure level (dB re: 20 μPa)
60
50
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40
RC-50
30 RC-45
RC-40
20 RC-35
RC-30
10 RC-25
0
16 31.5 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 16000
octave-band center frequency (Hz)
Figure D.1 — Mark II room criteria curves

ANSI/ASA S12.2-2008
D.3.2 Spectrum with rumble (R)
The level in one or more of the octave bands at and below Band No. 27 (500 Hz) exceeds the RC
curve corresponding to a spectrum by more than 5 dB. The rumble (R) classification should be used
only in the diagnosis of noisy environments.
D.3.3 Spectrum with hiss (H)
The level in one or more of the octave bands at and above Band No. 30 (1000 Hz) exceeds the RC
curve corresponding to a spectrum by more than 3 dB. The hiss (H) classification should be used only
in the diagnosis of noisy environments.
D.3.4 Acoustically induced perceptible vibration and rattle (RV)
The level in one or more of the octave bands from Band No. 12 (16 Hz) through Band No. 18 (63 Hz)
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exceed the criterion for moderately noticeable rattle (see Table 6). The vibration and rattle (RV)
classification should be used only in the diagnosis of a noisy environment.
D.3.5 Spectrum label
A room criterion rating is designated in the form RC-NN(A) where NN is an integer from 25 through 50
designating the reference RC curve and A is one of the letters N, R, or H or the combination of letters
RV.
D.4 Method for calculating an RC value

A set of octave-band sound pressure levels that includes at least the bands from Band No. 15 (31.5
Hz) through Band No. 36 (4000 Hz) may be used to evaluate room noise using this standard as
follows:
Mid-frequency average (LMF). Calculate the mid-frequency average (LMF) of the sound level
spectrum. The numerical part of the RC designation is the calculated LMF, rounded to the nearest
decibel. Use the calculated LMF to determine whether the environment in question is adequate for
speech communication in a room of the type under consideration.
Spectral tag. The tag following the RC designation should be developed as indicated in D.3.
D.5 Quality assessment index (QAI)

The RC Mark II method uses two quantities for computing qualitative (rumble, hiss) characteristics of
sound. These are the “energy-average spectral deviation factors” and the “quality assessment index.”
The reader is referred to the original references for further details on the RC method [6], [7].
D.6 Recommended criteria

Recommended criteria for use with the RC curves are given in Table D.2.

ANSI/ASA S12.2-2008
Table D.2 — RC criteria for various activity areas excluding the noise due to human occupancy.
The (N) stands for a neutral spectrum as defined in Clause D.3.1.
Occupancy RC curve
Private residences 25-30(N)
Apartments 30-35 (N)
Hotels/motels:
Individual rooms or suites 25-35 (N)
Meeting/banquet rooms 25-35 (N)
Halls, corridors, lobbies 25-35 (N)
Service/support areas 35-45 (N)
Offices:
Executive 25-35 (N)
Conference rooms 25-35 (N)
Private 25-35 (N)
Open-plan areas 30-40 (N)
Public circulations 40-45 (N)
Hospitals and clinics:

Private rooms 25-35 (N)
Wards 30-40 (N)
Operating rooms 30-40 (N)
(The indicated range partly
reflects the current reality of
sound produced by medical
equipment, and current air curtain
and other ventilation design
concepts to control infection.
Ideally, sound level criteria should
be 5 dB lower than the range
specified.)
Laboratories 35-45 (N)
Corridors 35-45 (N)
Public areas 40-50 (N)
Churches 25-35 (N)
Schools:
Lecture and classrooms 25-30 (N)
Large lecture rooms 35-40 (N)
Libraries 30-40 (N)
Courtrooms (unamplified) 25-35 (N)

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ANSI/ASA S12.2-2008
Annex E
(informative)
Criteria for recording studios and other low-noise situations
E.1 Criteria
The criteria curves in Annex C may not be appropriate for the specification of background noise in
contemporary recording studios and other low-noise situations. The appropriate background sound
level for a studio requires consideration of recording dynamic range, the type of material being
recorded, the demands the market places on the type of material recorded, and budgetary constraints.
Listening to recorded music is different from acceptable speech or music intelligibility in live venues
because it can be played back in very quiet rooms at high volumes.
The one-third octave-band sound pressure levels that include the bands from Band No. 14 (25 Hz)
through Band No. 42 (16 kHz) as given in Table E.1 may, under certain circumstances, be appropriate
to evaluate the suitability of a recording environment to produce recordings without audible
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background noise. This method is based on the critical band concept and direct application of the best
data regarding the threshold of hearing.
E.2 Recording studio "audibility" threshold curves

The one-third octave band recording studio "audibility" threshold curve is defined from Band No. 14
(25 Hz) through Band No. 42 (16 kHz) in Table E.1. (See [8].)
These one-third-octave-band threshold levels were derived from the American National Standard
threshold curve for pure tones but modified to take account of the assumed continuous noise and
diffuse sound field at the listening positions [8]. However, as noted in 5.3, it is erroneous to simply
measure LEQ at low frequencies and assume that if the LEQ is below the threshold of hearing, then
the sound is inaudible. First, if a signal slowly surges, it may be audible even though the LEQ is below
the threshold of audibility. This is especially true at low frequencies such as 31.5 Hz, because the
characteristics of human hearing are such that approximately a 5-decibel change in sound pressure
level corresponds to a doubling in perceived loudness. Second, because of this low-frequency
hearing characteristic, a random low-frequency band of noise with a large standard deviation (after
fast-time weighting) will be audible even though the LEQ is below the threshold of hearing. Thus, the
threshold of audibility is for bands of noise such that the standard deviations are small.

ANSI/ASA S12.2-2008
Table E.1 — Recording studio "audibility" threshold for one-third octave bands — see [8]
Band No. Frequency (Hz) Threshold decibels re 20
micro Pa
14 25 55
15 31.5 46
16 40 41
17 50 35
18 63 30
19 80 25
20 100 21
21 125 18
22 160 14
23 200 11
24 250 8
25 315 6
26 400 5
27 500 4
28 630 2
29 800 1
30 1000 0
31 1250 1
32 1600 -2
33 2000 -2
34 2500 -3
35 3150 -4
36 4000 -4
37 5000 -4
38 6300 -4
39 8000 -4
40 10000 -4
41 12500 -4
42 16000 -4
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ANSI/ASA S12.2-2008
Bibliography
[1] Beranek, L.L., “Criteria for office quieting based on questionnaire rating studies.” J. Acoust.
Soc. Amer. 28, 833-852 (1956).
[2] Beranek, L.L., “Revised criteria for noise in buildings.” Noise Control 3, 19-27 (1957).
[3] Beranek, L.L., Noise Reduction, McGraw-Hill Book Co., p. 519 (1960).
[4] Beranek, L.L., "Balanced noise criterion (NCB) curves." J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 86(2), 650-664
(1989).
[5] Beranek, L.L., “Applications of NCB and RC noise criterion curves for specification for and
evaluation of noise in buildings.” Noise Control Eng. J., 45, 209-216 (1997).
[6] Blazier, W.E., "Revised noise criteria for application in the acoustical design and rating of
HVAC systems." Noise Control Eng. J. 16(2), 64-73 (1981).
[7] Blazier, W.E., "RC Mark II: A refined procedure for rating the noise of heating, ventilating, and
air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in buildings." Noise Control Eng. J. 45(6), 243-250 (1997).
[8] Cohen, E.A, and Fielder, L.D., "Determining noise criteria for recording environments." J. Audio
Eng. Soc. 40, 384-402 (1992).
[9] ISO 226:2003, Acoustics – Normal equal-loudness-level contours.
[10] Schomer, P.D., and Bradley, J.S., “A test of proposed revisions to room noise criteria curves.”
Noise Control Eng. J., 48(4), 124-129 (July/August 2000).
[11] Schomer, P.D., “Proposed revisions to room noise criteria.” Noise Control Eng. J., 48(3), 85-96
(May/June 2000).
[12] Sound and vibration control, Chap. 47, 2003 ASHRAE Handbook, Heating, Ventilating, and
Air-Conditioning Applications (2003).
[13] Stevens, S.S., "Perceived level of noise by Mark VII and Decibels E." J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 51,
575-599 (1972).
[14] Tocci, G.C., “Room Noise Criteria—The State-Of-The-Art In The Year 2000.” Noise/News
International, 8(3), 106-119 (2000).
[15] Ver, I.L. and Beranek, L.L., Noise and Vibration Control Engineering, John Wiley and Sons,
Inc., 2006.

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MEMBERS OF THE ASA COMMITTEE ON STANDARDS (ASACOS)
P.D. Schomer, Chair and Representation S1, Acoustics ASA Technical Committee
ASA Standards Director Representation
P. Battenberg, Chair, S1
Schomer and Associates A.P. Lyons, Acoustical
R.J. Peppin, Vice Chair, S1
2117 Robert Drive Oceanography
Champaign, IL 61821 A.H. Marsh, ASA Representative, S1
Tel: +1 217 359 6602 A.E. Bowles, Animal Bioacoustics
Fax: +1 217 359 3303 P.D. Schomer, ASA Alternate
A. Campanella, Architectural
Email: schomer@SchomerAndAssociates.com Representative, S1
Acoustics
Representation S2, Mechanical P.J. Kaczkowski, Biomedical
Vibration and Shock Ultrasound/Bioresponse to
Vibration
R.D. Hellweg, Jr., Vice Chair A.T. Herfat, Chair, S2
M.D. Burkhard, Engineering
Hellweg Acoustics R.L. Eshleman, Vice Chair, S2 Acoustics
13 Pine Tree Road
S.I. Hayek, ASA Representative, S2 D. Deutsch, Musical Acoustics
Wellesley, MA 02482
Tel: +1 781 431 9176 B.E. Douglas, ASA Alternate R.J. Peppin, Noise
Email: Hellweg@HellwegAcoustics.com Representative, S2
R. Raspet, Physical Acoustics
Representation S3, Bioacoustics
B.W. Edwards, Psychological and
C.A. Champlin, Chair, S3 Physiological Acoustics
S.B. Blaeser, Standards Manager ASA Representative, S3
C.F. Gaumond, Signal Processing
Standards Secretariat D.A. Preves, Vice Chair, S3 in Acoustics
Acoustical Society of America
35 Pinelawn Rd., Suite 114E M.D. Burkhard, ASA Alternate S. Narayanan, Speech
Melville, NY 11747 Representative, S3 Communication
Tel: +1 631 390 0215 S.I. Hayek, Structural Acoustics
Fax: +1 631 390 0217 Representation S3/SC1, Animal
and Vibration
Email: asastds@aip.org Bioacoustics
R. Drake, Underwater Acoustics
D.K. Delaney, Chair, S3/SC1
W.W.L. Au, Vice Chair, S3/SC1
ASA Representative, S3
Representation S12, Noise

R.D. Hellweg, Chair, S12
ASA Representative, S12
W.J. Murphy, Vice Chair, S12
D. Lubman, ASA Alternate
Representative, S12
Ex Officio Members of ASACOS

V.W. Sparrow, Chair, ASA Technical Council
D. Feit, ASA Treasurer
T.F.W. Embleton, Past Chair ASACOS
C.E. Schmid, ASA Executive Director
U. S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) Chairs for International Technical Committees

P.D. Schomer, Chair, U. S. TAG, ISO/TC 43
V. Nedzelnitsky, Chair, U. S. TAG, IEC/TC 29
D.J. Evans, Chair, U. S. TAG, ISO/TC 108
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ANSI/ASA S12.2-2008
(Revision of ANSI S12.2-1995)


Ansi s12.2 Low-Frequency

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Ansi s12.2 Low-Frequency

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ANSI/ASA S12.

AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD

Criteria for Evaluating Room Noise

Accredited Standards Committee S12, Noise

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B.1 Discussion of RC, NC, and NCB criteria curves

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B.2 Discussion of RNC criteria curves

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C.1 Recommended A-weighted criteria

Small auditoriums (≤500 seats) 35-39

TV and broadcast studios (close microphone pickup only) 16-35

Legitimate theaters 30-35

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Occupancy A-weighted sound level

Business machines, computers 48-53

Hospitals and clinics

Movie theaters 39-48

Churches, small 39-44

Light maintenance shop, industrial plant control rooms, kitchens, 52-62

Shops and garages 57-67

C.2 Recommended NC and RNC criteria

Recording studios See Annex E

Small auditoriums (≤500 seats) 25-30

Large auditoriums, large drama theaters, and large churches 20-25

TV and broadcast studios (close microphone pickup only) 15-25

Legitimate theaters 20-25

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Recommended NC and RNC

Hospitals and clinics

Movie theaters 30-40

Churches, small 30-35

Light maintenance shop, industrial plant control rooms, 45-55

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Recommended NC and RNC

kitchens, and laundries

Shops and garages 50-60

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D.2 Room criterion curves

D.3 Spectrum classification

D.3.1 Neutral spectrum (N)

Only a neutral (N) spectrum should be normally acceptable as a specification.

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Table D.1 — Mark II room criteria (RC) curves

Octave-band center frequency in Hz

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Figure D.1 — Mark II room criteria curves

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D.3.2 Spectrum with rumble (R)

D.3.3 Spectrum with hiss (H)

D.3.4 Acoustically induced perceptible vibration and rattle (RV)

D.3.5 Spectrum label