Countermeasures Against Aging and Performance Degradation of Anechoic Chambers

A Testament to 20 Years of Acoustic Reliability

One day, we received a message from a long-time user of one of our anechoic chambers.
The project it served had come to a close, and the chamber was being decommissioned—
but the words that accompanied its farewell carried quiet strength.

And then came this reflection:

These words are a testament to the idea that an anechoic chamber
 is not just a room for measuring sound—
 it is a core part of development capability itself.

That this performance and usability remained consistent for over 20 years
 is a result of meticulous design, carefully selected materials,
 and a commitment to acoustic precision from the ground up.

Degradation Often Arrives Quietly

Even the most robust anechoic chambers are not immune to time.
As the years go by, small but significant shifts in acoustic performance begin to show:

• Decreased measurement repeatability
• Increased ambient noise (background noise floor)
• Physical degradation of wedges or panel elements
• Rising K2 correction values, risking non-compliance with ISO standards

Standards like ISO 3745:2012 and ISO 3744:2010 set strict thresholds:
K2 ≤ 2 dB for quasi-anechoic rooms, or K2 ≤ 4 dB for hemi-anechoic environments.
To stay within these limits, periodic acoustic field evaluation and material inspection are essential.

Restoring Acoustic Integrity with BFB, BFP, and BFW

To revitalize aging anechoic environments,
We propose updating the absorption materials using BFB, BFP, and BFW.

All three models feature DuPont™ Tyvek® as a surface material,
providing low dust emission, high cleanliness, and long-term durability.
Importantly, glass cloth is not used, reducing the risk of fiber dispersion and ensuring a cleaner, safer measurement space.
This makes them ideal not only for high-precision acoustic testing,
but also for use in clean environments where sensitive electronic or medical equipment is handled.

In cases where additional sound insulation or structural reinforcement is needed,
we recommend combining these absorption materials with the Solameta Panel—
a lightweight, high-performance composite metal panel that improves both isolation and rigidity.

Why Owning an Anechoic Chamber Still Matters

Having your own acoustic chamber means more than just saving outsourcing costs.
It means taking control of your development timeline and design decisions.

◎ Advantages

• Rapid prototyping and immediate in-house evaluation
• Flexible use at the project or individual level
• No need to externalize sensitive product data

As our customer’s message shows,
 Having your own chamber isn’t just practical—it’s a competitive advantage.
 Others may have large chambers, but the freedom and speed of an in-house setup often earns quiet admiration.

△ Considerations

• Requires regular K2 verification and ambient noise assessments
• Facility upkeep and environmental controls are essential
• Long-term maintenance planning and resource allocation are necessary

The Future of Anechoic Chambers: Where Silence Meets Comfort

Anechoic chambers are no longer spaces you “endure.”
They’re environments you work comfortably and confidently within.

Thanks to BFB, BFP, and BFW—with their Tyvek®-based surface layers—
it’s now possible to create rooms that are clean, quiet, and compliant
with strict international standards such as ISO 3745 and 3744.

Combined with smart sound isolation via Solameta Panels,
these modern chambers support:

• Stable K2 ≤ 0.5–2 dB acoustic fields
• Dust-free, bright, comfortable environments
• Precision without compromise

Conclusion

An anechoic chamber is not a one-time investment—
it is a long-term acoustic asset that deserves care and modernization.

At Sonora, we help evaluate and refurbish aging chambers using
BFB, BFP, BFW, and modular solutions tailored to the next generation of testing needs.

From measuring sound, to shaping sound innovation—
the anechoic chamber continues to evolve as a silent partner in every great development story.