Total Acoustics | The Ideal Combination of NRC and CAC

Acoustical Solutions for Wall-to-Wall Spaces

For continuous ceilings, choosing a ceiling panel that provides both sound absorption and sound blocking is best to reduce noise and improve speech privacy. Armstrong TOTAL ACOUSTICS ceilings provide the ideal combination of sound absorption and sound blocking in one ceiling panel. With TOTAL ACOUSTICS ceilings, you’ll have the flexibility to meet acoustical needs as the space evolves. 

Ceilings with high NRC only can absorb sound within the space – but cannot block sound from leaving or entering the space. Ceilings with a CAC of 35+ will help block sound from traveling to adjacent spaces through the plenum, providing improved sound isolation, speech privacy, and design flexibility.

With three levels of sound absorption and high sound blocking, panels with TOTAL ACOUSTICS performance make it easy to choose the right ceiling for every space, every time. 

Best:  NRC 0.80+ and CAC 35+  
Better:  NRC 0.70-0.75 and CAC 35+  
Good:  NRC 0.60-0.65 and CAC 35+

Ceiling Attenuation Class (CAC) A measure for rating the performance of a ceiling system as a barrier to airborne sound transmission through a common plenum between adjacent closed spaces.

Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) A measure for rating the overall sound absorption of a material installed inside a building where sound waves strike surfaces at various angles of incidence.

Ceiling Attenuation Class (CAC) A measure for rating the performance of a ceiling system as a barrier to airborne sound transmission through a common plenum between adjacent closed spaces.

Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) A measure for rating the overall sound absorption of a material installed inside a building where sound waves strike surfaces at various angles of incidence.