Historic Acoustic Materials

8/8/2019 Historic Acoustic Materials

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Historic Acoustic Materials

Acousti Products use only highest quality professional studio-grade materials. They are formulated for

acoustic effectiveness within the sound frequency range of 100Hz - 10KHz (which are those commonly

associated with vibration and noise from hardware components).

Our acoustic materials have been copied by other companies since we originally formulated them, so

beware of cheaper alternatives! - especially materials that can contribute to internal dust (called shedding),

and also disintegrate easily if scratched when fitting them.

Our products are certified to international flammability standards, and importantly, this includes the

adhesives. It is the performance and quality of our materials that places our products at the higher-end of

the market.

The majority of our acoustic material products are made from a uniquely designed dual-layer composite

material. This is comprised of acoustic foam, composite adhesives and a dense acoustic barrier mass layer.

Information regarding these component materials is below.

Acoustic Composite Sound Absorption Properties

The composite material has been specifically

designed to have a low-reflection upper surface, and

high-absorption lower mass to absorb remainingsound energy. Sound energy is captured and

adsorbed, to a degree, within the upper acoustic

foam layer. Remaining sound energy reaching the

very dense mass layer at the base of the composite

is then converted to thermal energy at a molecular

level. As this process occurs at a very small scale,

and involves very low levels of kinetic energy, so

does not result in a noticeable increase in the

temperature of the composite.

Acoustic Composite Ignitability

Our Acoustic Composite material has been tested to British Standard BS 476 Part 12

(1991) 'Method of test for ignitability of products by direct flame impingement'. The

following products have passed the Ignition Source A for 120 seconds - designed to


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represent a possible end-use ignition hazard (i.e. first flame after electrical failure) with the application of a

flame at 45 for both surface burn and edge ignition:

y PASS - 4mm Acoustic Composite (1mm barrier, 3mm foam as used in AP SFF)y PASS - 7mm Acoustic Composite (2mm barrier, 5mm foam as used in APS & APD)y PASS - 17mm Acoustic Composite with AcoustiContour (2mm barrier, 15mm foam, as used in

APD)

BS 476-12:1991 is an appropriate fire test for acoustic materials for application inside PC and Server

Enclosures. The test stipulates that 'where materials will be fixed to substrates in practice, analogous

procedures shall be used to prepare test specimens'. During the above flammability testing, soundproofing

material samples were adhered to a solid 1mm steel plate and ignitability tested as if in situ, rather than in

free air (which does not occur in practice).

Acoustic Materials Sound Performance

Image showing the graphical results of two sound tests; one for the acoustic foam and another for the

acoustic barrier mass. Both materials are used in Acousti Products. The acoustic foam (thickness 25mm)

was tested using the test standard ASTM C384.

The results (shown as a black curve with scale on the left hand axis) show that the sound absorption

sharply increases from approx 0.2 to approx 0.9 from 200Hz to 1000Hz, and then remains high, above 0.9

from 1KHz through to 7KHz. The acoustic barrier mass was tested using the test standard ISO R140. The

results are displayed as Sound Transmission Loss (STL) in dB as a grey line (using the log scale on the


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right hand side of the graph). The STL remains high above 10dB throughout the frequencies tested from

100Hz to 4KHz. There is a marked increase in effective noise absorption from 200Hz to 500Hz, and from

this point the STL remains above 20dB.

The test results show that the acoustic barrier mass has a relatively high sound absorption efficiency at the

lower test frequencies and the acoustic foam 'optimal' sound absorption occurs above 1KHz.

Component: Acoustic Foam

The acoustic foam we employ is a charcoal grey professional semi-open cell studio-grade dense acoustic

foam that is non-shedding and does not crumble or generate dust. This is approx. 60-65Kg/m - which is

unusually dense compared to cheaper alternative noise-reduction foams. The reasons for selecting such a

high-density foam are:

y higher density improves the sound absorption efficiency at lower frequencies (sub-1KHz) - which iscritically within the range we are seeking to eliminate

y higher density materials help to maintain a low flammability performance, andy higher density foams can withstand being manufactured into thin 'low-reflection' layers for dual-

layer composites

The acoustic foam is certified to the highest appropriate UL94 specification for a foamed product (UL94

HF1), and also ISO 3582, FMVSS 302 and DIN 4102 for low flammability, and can be operated normally

within the temperature range -40C to +100C.

Component: Acoustic Barrier Mass

The dark grey/black flexible acoustic barrier mass is manufactured from an EVA-based polymer compound

incorporating additional components to increase the product's mechanical strength, density, durability and

fire resistance. Our uniquely developed acoustic barrier material is a non-PVC based compound that is

bitumen free and therefore does not give off undesirable odours or vapours when warm. It is very dense at

approx. 2,500Kg/m, and does not contain unrefined aromatic oils, lead, chromium, cadmium, or mercury. It

is designed to add mass to computer casing; for example, sheet aluminium, steel, alloys and non-glossy

plastic surfaces. The mass of the material acts to absorb sound energy at a molecular level as an acoustic

absorption barrier, significantly reducing noise transmission and also reducing any natural resonant

frequencies of the substrate to which it is adhered.

The acoustic barrier mass is certified to international standards for extremely low flammability. We believe it

is the most low flammable acoustic material for our application available on the market. Standards include

FMVSS302 and ISO 3795 (Burn Rate B,


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Component: Adhesives

Acousti Products use non-flammable adhesives throughout our products. Our high temperature self-

adhesive is less odorous than solvent-based adhesives in some alternative products. The adhesives we

employ can be operated normally within the temperature range -20C to +100C. If the materials are

applied lightly at first, and a mistake is made during positioning, our self-adhesive allows for the materials to

be peeled off and then reapplied. The adhesives are 'set' by applying pressure and become more fast with

time. Do not remove the materials once they have been firmly applied, as this will damage the self-

adhesive.


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AcoustiPack Standard

A more economic but still highly effective soundproofing solution, the AcoustiPack Standard contains 3generous-sized sheets of 7mm acoustic composite material.

The Standard product is specifically appropriate for smaller desktop and tower cases where thinneracoustic material is required and internal space is restricted. The upper foam layer can be compresseddown to approx. 1mm if necessary, making the overall product compressible down to approx. 3mm inthickness.

When cut and positioned, the material in the Standard pack will easily cover the inside of the vast majorityof tower and desktop cases, and greatly help towards a quieter computing experience.


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AcoustiPack Deluxe (v2)

The newly revised Deluxe version contains a set of 3 large self-adhesive Acoustic Composite sheetsproviding maximum soundproofing. The pack dimensions are so generous this product will line the inside ofa large tower or desktop case - making this product ideal for larger-volume computer cases or for userswho require the very highest standard of noise insulation. The two different thicknesses of acoustic materialoffer a greater degree of flexibility and fitting customisation.


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The Deluxe pack contains a thicker Acoustic Composite sheet featuring our unique AcoustiContouranechoic surface. This is ideally suited for case side doors opposite large sources of noise, like a CPU fan.The Deluxe pack also contains 3 additional pre-cut rectangular blocks of Acoustic Foam for insertion intoany suitable spare 3 & 5-inch drive bays.

AcoustiContour is an advanced acoustic surface designed to minimise sound wave reflection byincreasing the surface area by approx. 45%.

Pre-cut Kit for the Antec SLK 3700 BQE

This product is a pre-cut set of acoustic materials especially designed for the Antec SLK3700 BQE (BlackQuiet Edition) tower case.

The BQE has been designed by Antec with quiet operation in mind - with features such as a quiet AntecPSU, HDD mounting grommets to minimise vibrational case resonance, a solid front door over 5 inchdrive bays, rubber feet, and accommodation for 2 x internal 120mm case fans as standard (with gel fanmounts).

The pre-cut AcoustiPack for the BQE adds to the quiet features built in to this case to help create a casethat will run almost silently with along quiet quiet components. This is a very full and detailed kit. Forexample, the soundproofing materials form double-layer of noise protection on the front of the case (onelayer behind the 5 inch door, and another behind the 5 inch drive covers).


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The kit consists of 5 acoustic foam blocks, and 11 shaped pieces of acoustic composite. The kit alsocontains an additional washable dust filter - which improves the air filtration on the existing air filter in thefront of the case.

Some of the foam blocks are optional depending on how many internal components are installed. The

acoustic foam pieces are designed to occupy unused void space inside the case, and serve to reduceinternal case volume and absorb internal operational noise. For example, fitting of one of the large blockssupplied into the void area under the HDD cage (which is rotated 90 to 'normal' drive cage orientation)serves to 'duct' airflow from the front of the case through the HDD cage, therefore aiding HDD cooling byincreasing air flow velocity.

AcoustiCase C6607 A(Beige) & B(Black) - REVISED

This is a feature-rich Super Midi ATX towercase, available in Beige or Black with a highquality matt finish. The case is particularly

well suited for building 'performance'systems that are near silent. The case,materials and low noise accessories aresold as a unit together with detailedassembly instructions (see PDF below). Thiscase has many 'quiet' features, includingaccommodation for 2 x 120mm internal quietcase fans (not supplied), anti-vibrationrubber-mountings on the HDD cage andNOW also low-vibration soft feet, and uniqueanti-vibration fan mounts. Once fitted with

acoustic materials, and containing quietcomponents this case will help to achieve a

cool and quiet computer (see the reviews!) - and is well suited for systems with multiple hard disk drivesthat require good (and dust-free) airflow.

This case is DUST-FREE!

Q: Why is a dust-free PC important? After severalmonths of use have you ever looked inside your PC?At the bottom of the case you will most likely discovera layer of accumulated dust. Yuck! That is pretty

nasty - but nonetheless superficial - it can behoovered out (that is 'vacuumed' for our Americanfriends). However, the really annoying and damagingeffect of dust inside a PC is that i t clogs up the PSU,the cooling fins of CPU and video GPU coolers andgets inside fans - making all these components lessefficient and prone to overheating and early failure.Active PSUs are particularly vulnerable, because of


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the volume of air passing through them and over the electronic components and heatspreaders inside.

Other components like CPU coolers just become warmer than you'd like due to the inefficiency of heattransfer on dusty and clogged surfaces that were originally designed to radiate and transfer heat to passingair. Cooling fans typically have their moving parts open to the dusty internal environment - and dust in fan

bearings makes noise! Hard disks can become unreliable and eventually fail due to dust ingress. All in all -a significantly reduced amount of dust inside your PC is very desirable.

Checking the dust filter on the front of the AC C6607 to see how clogged up it is is fast and easy - and if it'sdirty it can be washed out under the tap. This makes dust management for your PC simple. Find a friendwith an AcoustiCase and take a look inside after a few months and there you have it - no dust! or take alook at the independent review from Mad Shrimps in Belgium (which would be quicker)!

Technical Specifications

y 4 x 5-inch external drive bays for 5-inch devices (RECENTLY UPGRADED: drive rail type quick fittingdesign - for maximum compatibility with different types of 5-inch devices, such as fan speed controllersand hard drive coolers)

y 2 x 3-inch external drive bays (with a quick-release removable drive cage)y 5 x 3-inch internal HDD bays (with quick release removable drive cage fitted with low-vibration rubber

HDD mountings)y 7 x expansion card slots (compatible with all Zalman CPU & graphics cooling products)y Screwless front and rear 'hold-fast' brackets for optional 2 x 120mm internal case fans (fans not supplied)

Note: the internal fan brackets can accommodate 120 x 120 x 25mm case fans - we recommend using near-silent cooling fans if extra cooling is necessary, such as the 120mm AcoustiFan (AF120C)

y Accommodation for full size ATX and MicroATX motherboardsy Accommodation for standard ATX Power Supply Unit (PSU) (not supplied) Note: we recommend fitting an

Ultra-Quiet PSU for minimum noisey

Motherboard mounting fixings and disc drive screws suppliedy Motherboard rear port I/O plate (metal rectangle for rear ports etc) is removabley 'HDD activity', 'Power on' LEDs, and Reset switch on the front of the casey 1 x Firewire, 2 x USB 2.0, and front Audio In and Out ports accessible at the base of the front of the case

(for more info - see below).y Outer Case Dimensions: W:210 H:460 D:465mmy Weight: Case approx. 9.6Kg, Acoustic Materials approx. 2.6Kg

If purchased in the UK, we include a UK mains power lead, and if in Europe an EU power lead. We do notsupply a mains power lead for Canada and USA (sorry).

Case Features

y Excellent build quality - no sharp edges or annoying rattles or hums from poor fitting piecesy Available in Beige or Black with a quality (and robust) non-glossy finishy Screwdriver-free access for fast maintenance and building (there are 'stay in' thumb screws on the rear of

the case)y Open hexagonal-type front and rear fan grilles for low wind noise (front aperture = 7.5mm from side-to-side,

rear = 6.25mm)y Excellent EMI shielding case design


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y Case meets Intel Pentium4 design standardsy 'No-tools' easy-open side door with door-open switch and a locking facility (with keys) andy Screwless easy to remove front panel for super-fast access

BONUS FEATURES

y Included in the package - washable air filter (also helps to minimise noise a little) [Is it effective? - check outthis independent review from Mad Shrimps in Belgium!]

y 4 x soft black rubber anti-vibration case feet (self-adhesive)y 8 x super-soft black anti-vibration fan mounts (can be used instead of the 'hold-fast' fan brackets if

required).Note: the front and rear fan grills on this case are NOT compatible with 120mm Silicone Fan Gaskets(AFG120C) - we recommend the use of the soft fan mounts supplied

Acoustic Materials Kit (AP C6607) - Now Revised!

The AcoustiCase C6607 acoustic materials kit has been designed for maximumacoustic effectiveness whilst allowing free air flow necessary for cooling. Installationshould be trouble free - the kit comes with detailed instructions, and an online fittingguide with images. The acoustic materials kit is comprised of no less than 17 partsincluding; pre-cut 7mm self-adhesive acoustic composite parts for lining all fourinternal walls (including the complete side panel behind the motherboard), andacoustic foam blocks for unused drive spaces for both noise absorption and ductingairflow over installed devices.

The kit also features a unique washable air filter, and now also comes with soft black fan mounts (ProductCode: AFM6607B). Both these items are optional extras - and only need installing if desired/required

The AP C6607 kit is also NOW AVAILABLE SEPERATELY as a pre-cut AcoustiPack kit: because it fitsthe Antec SLK3700AMB (and a large proportion of the kit also fits the Compucase 6A19). See theAcoustiPack C6607 Kit page for further details.

Front Firewire/USB/Audio Connections

The front Firewire, USB 2.0 and Audio ports are mounted on a quality mini-PCB towards the base of thefront of the AC C6607 case. The cables from this PCB unit (they are plenty long enough) can be pluggeddirectly onto the motherboard pin headers (see your system board manual for more information aboutwhere these are located). All cables end in BOTH standard block connectors and loose individual pins formaximum system board compatibility.

Front Firewire Connector (Upgraded)Cable end consists of both a standard Firewire 9-pin block connector (the pin-layoutwithin this block is the Intel Standard - shown in the PDF below), and with looseindividual pins for non-standard pin layouts.


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Front USB 2.0 ConnectorCable end consists of both individual pins (will fit any non-standard motherboard pinconfiguration), and an Intel Standard USB 9-pin block connector.

Front Audio ConnectorCable end consists of both loose individual pins (will fit any non-standard motherboardor audio card pin configuration), and a Intel Standard Audio 9-pin block connector.

Pre-Cut Kit for AcoustiCase C6607 (AP C6607)

This pre-cut kit comes with the AcoustiCase C6607, and is also available separately. The kit fits anumber of similar cases such as the Antec SLK 3700 AMB, and the Compucase 6A19.

Compucase 6A19 (or LX-6A19)

The kit fits this case well, including the washable air filter for thefront air intake.

The case is very similar to the AC C6607, except for the rear case panel and the fangrill design. Therefore, the rear acoustic composite piece may not fit certain LX-6A19case models (there are variations in the case design), and may require somemodification.

Antec SLK3700AMB

The AP C6607 kit fits this case well, except for the shaped air filter, which is notuseable.

For full details see the SPCR review below.


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About the AP C6607 Acoustic Materials Kit

The acoustic materials kit is comprised of no less than 17 parts including; pre-cut 7mm self-adhesiveacoustic composite parts for lining all four internal walls (including the complete side panel behind themotherboard), and acoustic foam blocks for unused drive spaces for both noise absorption and ducting

airflow over installed devices.

The kit also features a unique washable air filter, and now also comes with soft black fan mounts (ProductCode: AFM6607B - see image right). Both these items are optional extras - and only need installing ifdesired/required.

Pre-cut Kit for the Antec Sonata II

Product Code: AP AntecSon II/I

Ultimate Noise Reduction - squeeze every last dB out of the superb Antec Sonata II quiet PC case! Aneffective sound-proofing accessory kit from Acousti Products made especially for the Antec Sonata II. Makean already quiet case even quieter!


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For a detailed explanation of how the kit fits download the Fitting Recommendations (available in PDF - seebelow). These graphically show the case and the acoustic material parts in an expanded view with notes.

The AcoustiPack Pre-cut Sound-Proofing Kit


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SFF for Small Form Factor Cases

This product is a 'generic' kit of 3 sheets of our NEW 4mm acoustic composite soundproofing material. TheAP SFF kit is intended for Small Form Factor (SFF) cases, and it may also be suitable for Home TheatrePCs, set-top boxes, gaming consoles, and other small electrical units.

The 4mm composite material is made from a 1mm dense acoustic barrier layer, and a 3mm acoustic foam.The combination of our dense and thin barrier and the foam together make this an effective solution fornoise reduction. The material is very easy to cut and shape, and flexible. We have designed thesoundproofing sheet dimensions to be generous enough to line most SFF cases, such as the entire rangeof Shuttle PC cases. Materials can be used to line the case roof, sides and there should be enough leftover for smaller areas inside the case.


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Technical Specifications

y 3 Sheets of 4mm Acoustic Composite (compressible down to approx. 2.5mm)y Sheet Dimensions: 330 x 216mm [13.0" x 8.5"]y Packaging: Gross Weight 0.74Kg/Packy Package Dimensions: 337 x 225 x 23mm

Packaging

y Gross Weight 0.74Kg/Packy Pack Dimensions: 337 x 225 x 23mm

Documents

Historic Acoustic Materials