DASM Background Noise Measurement for Studio S1 – A Key Project of Vietnam Television (VTV)

The DASM Institute, with its high reputation and technical expertise, was invited by the contractor to measure background noise and air-conditioning noise for Studio S1 – a key VTV project – in accordance with ISO and VILAS international standards.

The importance of background noise measurement in studio spaces

In professional television and content production, a standard acoustic environment in studios determines the recording quality, fidelity and emotional impact of television productions. Any unwanted noise – even as slight as the airflow of an air-conditioning fan or structural vibration – can affect the recording and the post-production process.

Therefore, background noise measurement is the first and most important step in assessing the overall acoustic quality of a studio. It determines the actual background noise level in the space, which serves as the basis for designing, constructing and adjusting suitable sound insulation, sound absorption and acoustic treatment systems.

Studio S1 – a flagship project of Vietnam Television (VTV) – is one of the spaces with the strictest acoustic requirements today. The DASM Institute was entrusted with measuring background noise and HVAC system noise and evaluating acoustic parameters in accordance with international standards, for the acceptance and tuning stage of the studio.

Introduction to the Studio S1 – VTV project

Studio S1 is designed with an area of more than 1,000 m² and a capacity of about 750 seats, making it one of the most modern studios in Vietnam. The space is built for large-scale recording programs, game shows and talk shows, which require high acoustic fidelity and absolute noise control.

The studio structure includes multiple layers of sound insulation and sound absorption materials, a complex suspended technical ceiling system and a high-capacity air-conditioning and ventilation system. For this reason, measuring background noise and air-conditioning noise – from the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems – is especially important to ensure the technical criteria meet the standards before the studio officially goes into operation.

DASM measurement procedure

With in-depth experience in acoustic measurement and building noise, the DASM Institute carried out measurements at 20 different positions in Studio S1, covering the entire audience area, stage, control room and related technical areas.

The tests were carried out at night, when the surrounding environment is at its quietest, to ensure the highest accuracy of the background noise results.

The procedure includes:

+ Surveying the current state of the space and measurement positions according to the technical drawings.

+ Measuring the background noise level when no equipment is operating.

+ Measuring air-conditioning noise (HVAC noise) when the cooling and ventilation systems are operating stably.

+ Analyzing 1/3 octave bands to determine the frequency spectrum of the noise.

+ Comparing and evaluating against international standards (ISO, EBU, NR/NC).

All equipment used during measurement meets VILAS – ISO/IEC 17025:2017 calibration standards, including

+ Multi-channel sound analyzer (Sound Analyzer)

+ Class 1 microphone

+ Reference sound calibrator (Calibrator)

+ Specialized FFT and RT60 analysis software

International measurement standards applied

DASM applies several ISO, EBU and TCVN standards simultaneously to ensure measurement results of the highest accuracy and technical value. Some of the standards applied by DASM include:

4.1 ISO 16032:2004 – Measurement of Sound Pressure Level from Service Equipment

Specifies the method for measuring sound pressure level from technical equipment in buildings, including HVAC systems, fans and air ducts. This standard is used to determine air-conditioning system noise in the studio.

4.2 ISO 1996 / TCVN 7878-2:2010 – Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise

Provides guidance on measuring and describing environmental noise by measuring the equivalent sound pressure level (LAeq), applicable to background noise measurement in enclosed and open spaces.

4.3 EBU Tech 3276 / NR15 – Noise Rating for Studio Environments

Sets suitable Noise Criterion (NC) or Noise Rating (NR) limits for recording studios, television studios and control rooms. For television studios, an NC value of ≤ 25–30 is typically required to ensure a clean recording environment.

4.4 ISO 3382 – Acoustics: Measurement of Room Acoustic Parameters

This standard specifies methods for measuring reverberation time (RT60), clarity (C50), speech transmission index (STI) and more. DASM will apply it in the next phase to evaluate the sound reflection and diffusion of Studio S1.

4.5 ISO 9614 – Measurement of Sound Power by the Intensity Method

Determines the sound power level of noise sources using the sound intensity method. This standard supports determining the sound emission level of HVAC systems or technical equipment.

4.6 ISO 717, ISO 10052, ISO 12354, ISO 16283

This group of international standards covers sound insulation measurement, sound transmission through structures and sound insulation performance between rooms – especially important when assessing flanking transmission between the studio and the control area.

Preliminary results and technical assessment

This data will serve as the basis for DASM to continue with:

+ Measuring RT60 (Reverberation Time) after the acoustic interior is fully completed.

+ Acoustic simulation to optimize speech clarity.

+ Issuing a detailed acoustic analysis report and recommendations for fine-tuning the space.

The role of DASM in specialized acoustic projects

As Vietnam's leading acoustics research and testing institute, DASM not only performs measurements but also takes part in the entire process of consulting, design, assessment and inspection in building acoustics. DASM is currently the only organization in Vietnam accredited by VILAS in the field of acoustics, with a laboratory management system meeting ISO/IEC 17025:2017.

DASM's main acoustic activities and services include:

+ Noise survey and assessment, measurement of environmental noise and industrial noise.

+ Measuring sound insulation, sound absorption and reverberation time in rooms.

+ Testing, measuring and evaluating noise from air conditioning, ventilation and mechanical equipment.

+ Testing sound insulation, sound absorption and vibration-damping materials.

+ Consulting and building acoustic design, and acoustic solution consulting for recording studios, theaters, cinemas, hotels, factories and conference centers.

+ Noise and vibration control…

With a team of highly qualified acoustic engineers trained at home and abroad, together with modern measurement equipment meeting international standards, DASM ensures that every measurement result is accurate, transparent and absolutely reliable.

Towards international standards for media and performance facilities in Vietnam

The acoustic measurement and assessment of Studio S1 is not only technically significant but also an important step in raising acoustic standards for Vietnam's television industry.

When international standards such as ISO 16032, ISO 3382 and EBU Tech 3276 are applied systematically, domestic media and performance facilities will gradually approach international standards for professional sound environments.

The DASM Institute is committed to continuing to work with designers, contractors and investors on the journey of building spaces that meet the highest acoustic standards, serving media, arts and science and technology.

The background noise measurement for VTV's Studio S1 is one of the key technical tasks carried out by the DASM Institute in 2025, demonstrating its professional capability, reliability and position as Vietnam's number one organization in acoustics and building noise.

If you need DASM's standard-compliant acoustic services for measurement, assessment and acoustic consulting for recording studios, theaters, hotels, factories, studios, schools and more, please contact Hotline 0968 018 216 for prompt support.