One of the most common forms of construction is the T-Bar ceiling. These are typically used in commercial buildings such as offices and schools because they provide an effective means of accessing the plenum or the space above the T-Bar where wiring conduits can be located for computer networks and of course HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems. Because of the flexible design and easy of installation, it is also common to find drop ceilings in residential installations such as in basement recreation rooms.

Drop ceilings employ 'acoustic tiles' that are generally sold in 24" x 24" or 24" x 48" sizes. These low cost panels are typically constructed from lightweight fiber which is then painted to diffuse and reflect light. The 'open fiber construction coupled with their lack of mass (light weight) makes them reasonable acoustic absorbers only at higher frequencies above 1kHz.

They are not however, very effective at absorbing midrange and low-mid frequencies where the voice bandwidth is. In fact, most frequencies will pass right through them quite readily and travel around the plenum providing a transmission path between adjacent rooms if there is no partition.

With respect to broadband acoustic sound control, drop ceilings present a positive opportunity: The large air cavity above the panel (the plenum) can be used to trap low frequency bass. To take advantage of this, heavier Broadway acoustic panels do a better job than ceiling tiles by trapping sound energy. This can be further improved by using thicker panels or by adding a loaded vinyl barrier on top of the Broadway panels to further increase the mass.

Broadway panel options:

• 24" x 24" Control Cubes offer a quick replacement for standard 2'x2' drop ceiling panels. Thicker panels will both absorb more bass and reduce transmission. These are available in grey, black and beige and may be covered with any breathable fabric for custom coloring.
  
• 24" x 48" Broadband absorbers offer a quick replacement for standard 2'x2' drop ceiling panels. Thicker panels will both absorb more bass and reduce transmission. These are available in grey, black and beige and mat be covered with any breathable fabric for custom coloring.
  
• 12" x 48" Control Columns are an ideal solution to create attractive trim designs around the perimeter of a room.

When installing Broadway panels in a T-Bar ceiling you will invariably find that panels at the perimeter wall or in alcoves need to be trimmed to fit. This is easily done by carefully pulling the fabric cover away from the back of the panel and cutting the panel to fit using a sharp construction blade. The left over fabric can then be trimmed and glued back in place using standard spray-on adhesive. For detailed instructions go to the how to cut panels page.

Once installed, you will enjoy improved room sound due to the balanced absorption provided by the Broadway panels. This translates into less background noise which helps the occupants achieve a greater level of concentration. This will be most advantageous in classrooms, fitness centers, dance studios and call centers where noise and echo can significantly impair speech intelligibility.